← Back to Westminster Hall Debates
Human Rights in Hong Kong — [Ms Nusrat Ghani in the Chair]
09 June 2021
Lead MP
Tom Randall
Responding Minister
Nigel Adams
Tags
ImmigrationForeign Affairs
Word Count: 13149
Other Contributors: 14
At a Glance
Tom Randall raised concerns about human rights in hong kong — [ms nusrat ghani in the chair] in Westminster Hall. A government minister responded.
Key Requests to Government:
The MP asks whether further measures might be taken to address China's actions in Hong Kong, including working with allies for a coordinated approach, considering targeted sanctions against officials involved in human rights breaches, and assessing the effectiveness of current measures such as suspending the UK's extradition treaty and extending military item embargoes.
How the Debate Unfolded
MPs spoke in turn to share their views and ask questions. Here's what each person said:
Lead Contributor
Opened the debate
The MP is concerned about the violation of human rights and freedoms in Hong Kong as stipulated by the Sino-British joint declaration. He highlights specific incidents such as the national security law, restrictions on freedom of movement, press censorship, and the impact on individuals like Donna Kong, Jimmy Lai, and Martin Lee who have faced severe consequences for their activism or criticism.
Taunton Deane
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.
Alistair Carmichael
Lib Dem
Orkney and Shetland
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.
Alyn Smith
SNP
Na h-Eileanan an Iar
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.
Andrew Rosindell
Con
Romford
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.
Florence Eshalomi
Lab Co-op
Vauxhall and Camberwell Green
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.
Chingford and Woodford Green
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
Democrat
North Antrim
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.
Janet Daby
Lab
Lewisham East
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
DUP
Strangford
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.
Hayes and Harlington
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.
John Nicolson
SNP
Nairn, Erith and Clacks
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.
Nusrat Ghani
Con
Sussex Weald
The chair reminded hon. Members of the new hybrid arrangements, including technical guidance and mask-wearing requirements.
Stephen Kinnock
Lab
Aberafan Maesteg
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.
Wera Hobhouse
Lib Dem
Bath
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.
Government Response
Nigel Adams
Government Response
The Minister for Asia, Nigel Adams, acknowledged the deep concern over Beijing's actions in Hong Kong. He detailed measures such as extending arms embargoes and suspending extradition treaties with Hong Kong. The new visa route for British nationals overseas was introduced to protect rights promised under the Sino-British joint declaration. Adams also noted ongoing dialogue with other nations through platforms like the G7, highlighting a commitment to upholding international legal obligations.
▸
Assessment & feedback
Summary accuracy
About Westminster Hall Debates
Westminster Hall debates are a chance for MPs to raise important issues affecting their constituents and get a response from a government minister. Unlike Prime Minister's Questions, these debates are more in-depth and collaborative. The MP who secured the debate speaks first, other MPs can contribute, and a minister responds with the government's position.