Human Rights in Hong Kong — [Ms Nusrat Ghani in the Chair]

Mr Stafford highlighted the ongoing repression in Hong Kong and criticized Britain's responsibility for handing over a free society to an authoritarian regime. He called for reviewing British involvement with the Hong Kong police and judiciary, supporting those not eligible for the BNO scheme, coordinating international responses against China, never trusting China again, and supporting young Hongkongers' resistance efforts.

Carmichael criticised the UK's past prioritisation of commercial interests over human rights in Hong Kong. He expressed disappointment that the BBC's relationship with Radio Television Hong Kong is becoming problematic, questioning the new head of RTHK's pledge for editorial independence given recent events. Carmichael also questioned the Government's engagement with financial institutions like HSBC and Standard Chartered that support the national security law.

Mr Alyn Smith highlighted the UK's special relationship with Hong Kong due to historical and legal obligations. He mentioned over 100 pro-democracy activists being arrested since the national security law was passed, including Joshua Wong's imprisonment for attending a peaceful vigil. Concerns were raised about curtailed academic freedom and the lack of Beijing's responsiveness to UK pressure. Mr Smith called for more Magnitsky-type sanctions against individuals, closer scrutiny on financial assets and business dealings of banks like HSBC and Standard Chartered, withdrawal of UK judges from the Hong Kong judicial system, greater scrutiny of Confucius institutes' actions within the UK, and a UN special rapporteur on Hong Kong.

The speaker highlighted the anniversary of the Tiananmen Square massacre, emphasizing how it exposed China's disregard for human rights. He argued that the national security law imposed by Beijing is a violation of Hong Kong's autonomy and freedoms as guaranteed in the Sino-British joint declaration. Rosindell called on the UK Government to take punitive actions against those responsible for dismantling democracy in Hong Kong, support young protesters ineligible for BNO visas, defend pro-democracy activists with British citizenship, and use the G7 summit to press for coordinated international action.

Eshalomi highlighted concerns raised by constituents about human rights abuses in Hong Kong. She cited examples such as draconian prison sentences for democracy protesters, the introduction of a national security law allowing Beijing to interpret laws independently, and arrests of pro-democracy figures exercising their democratic rights. Eshalomi called for stronger action from the UK Government to protect the basic human rights of Hong Kong nationals.

The speaker expressed concern about the suppression of freedoms in Hong Kong, citing arrests, prosecutions, and restrictions on movement. He questioned the role of British judges working in Hong Kong under the current regime. The speaker also called for more Magnitsky sanctions against Chinese officials involved in human rights abuses and offered assistance to young Hongkongers through lifeboat schemes. He urged the Government to review UK investment rules and supply chains linked to companies with links to these abuses. Asked the Minister about the Prime Minister's attendance.

Ian Paisley Jnr spoke about the extraterritorial jurisdiction under article 38 of the Hong Kong national security law, highlighting how it criminalises speech and activities that are protected in the UK. He expressed concern over freedom of religion and expression for journalists and religious groups in Hong Kong.

Daby criticized the UK Government for abandoning Hong Kong during its crisis and called for more support beyond extending BNO visas. She pointed out that nearly 35,000 people have taken up these visa offers but urged further provision for young people born after 1997 and protesters facing criminal charges. Daby also highlighted the dangers faced by children in Hong Kong, including restrictions on learning and discussing neutral news sources at school.

Jim Shannon expressed concern over human rights abuses in Hong Kong and China, citing examples of forced organ harvesting, mass incarceration of Uyghur Muslims, and the mistreatment of Tibetans. He urged the Minister to sanction key figures like Carrie Lam and Chen Quanguo, call for the 2022 winter Olympics to be moved from Beijing, and establish a UN commission of inquiry into human rights abuses in China. Asked the Minister for action, including calling for the removal of the Winter Olympics from Beijing, an independent UN commission of inquiry into human rights abuses in China despite China's veto, and more sanctions against violators.

He expressed concern over the human rights abuses against his trade union colleagues in Hong Kong, including Lee Cheuk Yan, Carol Ng, and Winnie Yu, who are facing charges under the national security law. He highlighted that the trial could move to the high court with sentences exceeding seven years, potentially leading to life imprisonment. McDonnell urged for increased pressure through civil society and the Government to ensure an open trial.

China is attacking the truth by expelling foreign journalists from Hong Kong and creating an alternative narrative that portrays those who tell the truth as liars. China ranks 177th in the World Press Freedom Index due to its restrictions on press freedom. John Nicolson calls for championing journalism, speaking up against disinformation, supporting social media companies under pressure, and asserting the rights of Uyghurs and Tibet.

The chair reminded hon. Members of the new hybrid arrangements, including technical guidance and mask-wearing requirements.

He expressed concern over the Chinese Government's violations of Hong Kong's democratic institutions and the persecution of pro-democracy activists, highlighting specific cases such as Lee Cheuk-yan and Jimmy Lai. He criticised the Conservative Governments for weakening Britain's leverage with China through economic reliance and lack of strategic alliances. Kinnock called for a long-term strategy to rebuild independence from Chinese investment and address national security issues.

Hobhouse called for more vocal support from British foreign policy in defending human rights in Hong Kong. She suggested creating a UN special rapporteur and questioned the Government's steps to assist BNO visa holders with integration into UK society, especially those born after 1997 who may face challenges due to their English language proficiency.