House of Commons · Westminster Hall
29 June 2022 · 6 other contributors · 10,812 words
Opened by Iain Duncan Smith Con Chingford and Woodford Green
Responding minister: Amanda Milling
Summarised by AI from the official record, so it can contain mistakes.
Iain Duncan Smith raised concerns about hong kong anniversaries in Westminster Hall. A government minister responded.
Key points
Key requests to Government
The UK should impose individual sanctions against Hong Kong officials responsible for the crackdown on civil liberties, conduct an audit of assets belonging to Chinese and Hong Kong officials in the UK, further scrutinise and limit the export of surveillance technology to Hong Kong, implement 'know your customer' and due diligence requirements for entities that produce or facilitate human rights violations, and stop joint ventures with Chinese entities involved in developing such technologies.
MPs spoke in turn to share their views and ask questions. Here's what each person said.
Opened the debate
The UK Government's response to the Hong Kong handover and the implementation of the National Security Law has been inadequate. The Sino-British joint declaration, which guarantees fundamental rights and a high degree of autonomy for Hong Kong, is being violated by China. Since July 2020, 183 individuals have been arrested under national security laws; more than 50 civil society groups have been disbanded; and media outlets like Apple Daily and Stand News have been shut down.
Expressed support for the people of Hong Kong and their democratic institutions, noting the erosion of freedoms since the introduction of the national security law in 2020. Highlighted Amnesty International's closure of its office in Hong Kong due to fear of reprisals. Mentioned the arrest of pro-democracy activists and journalists under the national security law. Inquired about the evidence required to prove human rights abuses and fundamental rights being undermined in Hong Kong that the Government currently lacks.
Acknowledged the right hon. Member for Chingford and Woodford Green's support to Hong Kong people, criticised UK Government for not doing enough to uphold treaty guarantees, welcomed BNO visa scheme but stressed need for sanctions against those persecuting democracy activists in Hong Kong. Understood the Minister's reluctance to speculate on individuals and asked for reassurance that sanctions could be introduced if the situation worsens in Hong Kong.
He points out HSBC's involvement in money laundering, illegal operations, and freezing the accounts of Hong Kong protesters. He questions whether the Government could do more to influence or control this bank.
Congratulated Sir Iain Duncan Smith for his commitment to the Hong Kong issue and highlighted China's political aggression against Hong Kong. Raised concerns about religious freedom, human rights abuses in China, and the impact on Hong Kong since 2020's national security law. Mentioned a low turnout of 32.8% in the 2019 local elections with pro-China candidates winning most seats, implying gerrymandering. Criticized China's disregard for international laws under the national security law and urged action against China through sanctions and indirect support like the BNO visa scheme.
Margaret Ferrier expressed concerns about the national security law imposed by China on Hong Kong, which she described as a mechanism for exerting control and suppressing dissent. She also highlighted issues with the British National Overseas (BNO) visa scheme, suggesting that it may not be accessible to all vulnerable young people due to financial requirements. Additionally, Ferrier called for further flexibility in access to education and training for those entering the UK under the BNO scheme.
I congratulate my right hon. Friend on securing this important debate and expresses concern that unless the Government protect press freedom, content will disappear further. She thanks Hong Kong Watch and the Inter-Parliamentary Alliance on China for gathering information despite dangers faced by truth-tellers.
Government Response
Amanda MillingDiscussed China's breach of commitments under the joint declaration, the impact on Hong Kong's rights and freedoms, and the UK's response including extending an arms embargo, suspending extradition treaties, launching a BNO immigration route for over 110,000 applicants, providing £43 million support through the welcome programme, and leading international efforts to call out China. Mentioned ongoing review of potential sanctions but refused to speculate on future designations.