My support for our Hong Konger community, as shared with Nikkei Asia
“Under the Conservatives, the UK has consistently championed the rights and freedoms of the people of Hong Kong, condemning violations and holding China accountable for its international obligations. Since the visa scheme’s introduction in 2021, more than 190,000 Hong Kong British Nationals (Overseas) have been welcomed to the UK, underscoring our commitment following Beijing’s imposition of the National Security Law.
“Our party stands firm in ensuring the safety and freedom of all UK residents. We strongly oppose transnational repression and any attempts by foreign entities to intimidate or harm individuals and communities here. Recent legislation passed to counter and disrupt foreign interference further strengthens our ability to protect these freedoms.
“We deeply value the contributions Hong Kongers make to our national life and the vibrant community in Wimbledon & the Maldens in southwest London.
“Over the past two and a half years, our local Conservatives have actively engaged with our 1,000-strong Hong Konger community. They have participated in events hosted by Hong Kong Watch and engaged in discussions led by former MP Stephen Hammond at the 2023 UK-Hong Kong Symposium.
“We have voiced serious concerns about recent national security legislation in Hong Kong, emphasising that it holds no effect in the UK, which lacks an extradition treaty with Hong Kong. We continue to advocate for the respect of rights and freedoms, upholding Hong Kong’s autonomy, and adherence to international commitments.
“As a co-signatory of the Sino-British Joint Declaration, a Conservative Government will always speak out against breaches of legally binding agreements and broken promises to the people of Hong Kong. We condemn China’s recent hostile actions, including cyberattacks and espionage, and have sanctioned Chinese entities involved in malicious activities targeting UK institutions.
“The Conservative Government has also sanctioned Chinese officials for human rights violations in Xinjiang and restricted the sale of crowd control equipment to Hong Kong since June 2019. Our 2024 manifesto reaffirms that China has disregarded human rights and international commitments, and we remain absolutely committed to maintaining visa schemes for those fleeing Hong Kong. The manifesto proposes enhancing the Foreign Registration Scheme and imposing asset freezes and travel bans on those individuals involved under our human rights sanctions regime.
“Our party has a proud history of supporting those in need globally, including individuals from Hong Kong, Afghanistan, and Ukraine. The compassion and generosity of the community in Wimbledon & the Maldens highlights why it is such a great place to live and raise a family.
“I am eager to build on the progress we’ve made over the past two and a half years and ensure that their top priorities are addressed at the highest level. Next week, I will engage further with the BNO community at a local event. We are dedicated to continuing our support for their integration and involvement in wider UK society.”
Of note:
Former MP Stephen Hammond campaigned for, and secured, a Westminster Hall debate on the BNO visa scheme a year before the policy was announced.
