Commons Sense

House of Commons · Westminster Hall

Hong Kong National Security Law Anniversary — [Sir George Howarth in the Chair]

28 June 2023 · 7 other contributors · 13,341 words

Opened by Iain Duncan Smith Con Chingford and Woodford Green

Responding minister: Leo Docherty

Foreign Affairs

Summarised by AI from the official record, so it can contain mistakes.

Read the full transcript on Parliament.uk

At a glance

Iain Duncan Smith raised concerns about hong kong national security law anniversary — [sir george howarth in the chair] in Westminster Hall. A government minister responded.

Key points

  • The hon. Member raised concerns about the Hong Kong National Security Law, citing over 248 arrests and more than 1,000 political prisoners held, with many facing long sentences without due process.
  • The hon. Member urged the UK Government to sanction individuals responsible for human rights abuses in Hong Kong and to support British passport holders under threat or arrest.
  • The Minister acknowledged Beijing's crackdown on Hong Kong's autonomy and the severe compromise of media freedom, noting the erosion of freedoms promised under the "one country, two systems" principle.

Key requests to Government

The hon. Member asks the UK Government to sanction those responsible for human rights abuses and the imposition of the national security law in Hong Kong. He urges the Minister to provide consular access for Jimmy Lai and support British passport holders under threat or arrest. The Member also requests that China be included in the enhanced tier of the foreign influence register scheme.

How the debate unfolded

MPs spoke in turn to share their views and ask questions. Here's what each person said.

Opened the debate

Iain Duncan Smith Con Chingford and Woodford Green

The hon. Member is concerned about the Hong Kong National Security Law, which has been in place for three years now, breaking promises made under the Sino-British agreement of 1984. He mentions that over 248 arrests have been made and more than 1,000 political prisoners are held today, with many facing long sentences without due process. The Member is also worried about Jimmy Lai's treatment as a British citizen in Hong Kong, calling for the Government to acknowledge his status publicly.

Other contributors (7)
  • Bob Seely Con Isle of Wight

    Asked if Ministers can be more vocal in advocating for British prisoners and political prisoners in Hong Kong, such as Jimmy Lai and Vladimir Kara-Murza.

  • Catherine West Lab Hornsey and Friern Barnet

    Ms West highlighted the impact of the national security legislation in Hong Kong, stating that it eroded legal separation between Hong Kong's systems and those of mainland China. She raised concerns about British citizen Jimmy Lai's case and asked for updates on consular visits and support provided to him. Ms West also expressed worry over the lack of protection for Hongkongers at risk of intimidation from the Chinese Government in the UK, urging a concerted cross-Government approach.

  • Damian Green Con Ashford

    He congratulated the Member for Chingford and Woodford Green on securing a debate, highlighting positive steps taken by the Government such as introducing the BNO visa route. However, he expressed concern about the inadequacy of this measure in holding Beijing accountable under international agreements like the Sino-British joint declaration. He also raised issues regarding the integration challenges faced by Hongkongers and their safety in the UK.

  • Jim Shannon DUP Strangford

    Mr Jim Shannon highlighted the implementation of the National Security Law in Hong Kong, citing examples such as the firing of academics and the banning of pro-democracy slogans and songs. He mentioned the closure of pro-democracy newspapers like Apple Daily and the imprisonment of British citizen Jimmy Lai. Shannon urged the Minister to ensure no British judge sits on Hong Kong courts due to the law's impact. He also raised concerns about the decline in press freedom, with Hong Kong ranking 140 out of 180 countries in the Reporters Without Borders index. Additionally, he questioned the Government's response since the introduction of the national security law.

  • Patrick Grady SNP Glasgow North

    The UK has moral and legal obligations towards Hong Kong due to its colonial past. The national security law passed by the Chinese Parliament is detrimental to the rights and freedoms of the Hong Kong population, violating the Sino-British joint declaration. Patrick Grady called for action against officials who violate human rights, including publishing an asset audit of those linked to abuses.

  • Richard Foord Lib Dem Honiton and Sidmouth

    The speaker questioned if it is reasonable to say that the People's Republic is behaving in a repressive fashion after the crackdown against students singing songs and waving flags, drawing parallels with 19th-century imperial powers.

  • Tim Loughton Con East Worthing and Shoreham

    The US Government have sanctioned some 11 people for their role in the crackdowns in Hong Kong, including former Chief Executive Carrie Lam and Chief Executive John Lee. The speaker highlighted that journalists are being arrested, free speech media organisations closed down, and opposition parties driven out of operation, expressing concern over what the UK Government has done to show consequences for such oppressive activities. The hon. Gentleman raised issues about the UK's response to human rights abuses in Hong Kong, including the need for sanctions against officials responsible for these violations. Mr Loughton spoke about the impact of the national security law on Hong Kong, citing examples of British citizens unfairly imprisoned in China. He mentioned Peter Humphrey's case where he was arrested for illegal information gathering and Marius Balo's wrongful arrest under trumped-up charges. Mr Loughton expressed concerns over the lack of justice and rule of law in Chinese courts, highlighting long-term detainment without trials and pre-determined verdicts leading to convictions. He also questioned the Government's response to breaches of the Sino-British joint declaration and called for more robust actions against China.

Government Response

Leo Docherty

Responding on behalf of the Minister of State, Leo Docherty acknowledged widespread concern over Hong Kong's national security law and its impact on freedoms. He highlighted cases involving Jimmy Lai and 47 pro-democracy activists, noting that Beijing's crackdown has eroded autonomy promised under 'one country, two systems'. Media freedom in Hong Kong is severely compromised with outlets closing and journalists facing charges. The UK opened a visa route for British nationals from Hong Kong, issuing over 160,000 applications. He committed to defending media freedom and rights of journalists, while highlighting the suspension of extradition treaties and arms embargoes applied to Hong Kong.

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