Commons Sense

House of Commons · Westminster Hall

Human Rights in Hong Kong — [Derek Twigg in the Chair]

23 January 2024 · 12 other contributors · 13,368 words

Opened by Tim Loughton Con East Worthing and Shoreham

Responding minister: Anne-Marie Trevelyan

Foreign Affairs

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

Read the full transcript on Parliament.uk

At a glance

Tim Loughton raised concerns about human rights in hong kong — [derek twigg in the chair] in Westminster Hall. A government minister responded.

Key points

  • MP is concerned about the decline of human rights in Hong Kong since the introduction of the national security law.
  • Over 800 civil society organizations have closed and more than 285 individuals have been arrested since the law's implementation.
  • The MP asks the Government to support Jimmy Lai, issue statements on targeting British citizens, and introduce sanctions on John Lee.

Key requests to Government

The MP asks for the Government to continue supporting Jimmy Lai, issue a strong statement about targeting British citizens in Hong Kong, introduce Magnitsky-style sanctions on John Lee, Chief Executive of Hong Kong, protect rights of exiled activists, and urge like-minded Governments to raise these issues at the periodic review.

How the debate unfolded

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

Opened the debate

Tim Loughton Con East Worthing and Shoreham

The MP is concerned about the decline of human rights in Hong Kong since the introduction of the national security law. He highlighted specific issues such as the closure of civil society organizations, press outlets, and the persecution of political prisoners, including Jimmy Lai's trial. The mass exodus of residents has led to a net loss of over 500,000 people since early 2021. Press freedom in Hong Kong is ranked 140 out of 180 locations by Reporters Sans Frontières. Since the law's implementation, more than 800 civil society organizations have been forced to close and over 285 individuals arrested.

Other contributors (12)
  • Alistair Carmichael Lib Dem Orkney and Shetland

    Expressed frustration over the lack of free and fair court system in Hong Kong, specifically highlighting Jimmy Lai's case as an example.

  • Brendan O'Hara SNP Argyll, Bute and South Lochaber

    The MP thanked the Chair and expressed appreciation for those defending human rights in Hong Kong. He highlighted how the Sino-British declaration promised a high degree of autonomy but that this promise has been broken by China's Communist party through the national security law, leading to a decline in freedoms. O'Hara discussed Jimmy Lai's trial as an example of the repression and called for more action from the UK government.

  • Catherine West Lab Hornsey and Friern Barnet

    The hon. Member is concerned about the deterioration of freedoms in Hong Kong since 1997, noting that it has dropped down Freedom House's list for freedoms across the board. She asks the Minister to assess threats made against people carrying out their conscience and the work with the Home Office on security matters. Catherine West also enquires about specific discussions held by the UK government with international counterparts regarding sanctuary for Hongkongers and the case of Jimmy Lai.

  • Chris Bryant Lab Rhondda

    The MP questioned why more sanctions have not been imposed on China regarding Hong Kong despite clear human rights abuses, emphasizing that tougher actions are needed with consequences.

  • Fiona Bruce Con Congleton

    Freedom of religion or belief in Hong Kong is under threat despite places of worship remaining open. The national security law introduced in July 2020 has led to self-censorship among religious leaders and arrests of prominent pastors, such as Cardinal Joseph Zen and Pastor Garry Pang.

  • Iain Duncan Smith Con Chingford and Woodford Green

    Questioned why the Foreign Office has not commented on the naming of its ex-consul general in Hong Kong trials, despite other individuals being named. Emphasised the need for the British Government to recognise Jimmy Lai as a British citizen, criticising the Foreign Office's silence on the naming of the former British consul general in Hong Kong. Raised concerns about human rights abuses and the mistreatment of witnesses under duress. Questioned the Vatican's arrangement with the Chinese Government without publishing it and called for more protection for Christian Churches.

  • Janet Daby Lab Lewisham East

    Asked if the Government should appoint a special envoy for arbitrary detention of British and dual nationals, referencing Jimmy Lai's trial in China despite his dual nationality.

  • Jim Shannon DUP Strangford

    Apologised for missing the beginning and highlighted Jimmy Lai's religious significance, questioning whether attacks on him also suppress religious freedom in Hong Kong. Mr Shannon intervened to point out that nearly 60% of Government-funded schools in Hong Kong are Church run, but now under Beijing's control which promotes propaganda. He questioned whether believers can truly practice their faith when religious freedom is controlled by the government.

  • Kwasi Kwarteng Con Spelthorne

    The MP intervened briefly, expressing concern about the Chinese Government's treatment of Hongkongers and the need for protection measures in Britain.

  • Layla Moran Lib Dem Oxford West and Abingdon

    Praised Hong Kong residents' contributions to UK society but questioned why their children cannot join them on BNO visas, calling for a change in Home Office rules.

  • Nusrat Ghani Con Weaver Vale

    She stated that Hongkongers in Britain need protection and highlighted the plight of those who have fled to avoid persecution. She also urged the Government to take action against Hong Kong's targeting of activists abroad.

  • Paul Scully Con Sutton and Cheam

    Mr Scully congratulated Tim Loughton on securing the debate and praised his speech. He mentioned that around 4,000 Hongkongers have settled in Sutton since they arrived under BNO visas. He highlighted the contrast between life in Sutton and the oppressive conditions in Hong Kong, noting that many Hongkongers value UK's democracy and freedom of expression. Scully also discussed the impact of China's national security law on Hong Kong's autonomy and freedoms. He praised Benedict Rogers for his work with Hong Kong Watch and condemned attacks on him in the UK.

Government Response

Anne-Marie Trevelyan

Responded to the debate on human rights in Hong Kong by acknowledging the deterioration of freedoms under the national security law. The UK Government has granted over 184,000 visas and suspended extradition treaties with Hong Kong. They have also called for the repeal of the national security law and the release of Jimmy Lai. The minister affirmed that no designation is off the table but did not speculate on future sanctions to maintain their impact.

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