⚖️ Pro-democracy Campaigners: Arrests

• The Hong Kong police have offered rewards for the arrest of pro-democracy campaigners, including British nationals living in the UK, which raised concerns discussed in the session.

• The Foreign Secretary responded to these arrest warrants by condemning the actions and reaffirming that the UK will not tolerate any attempts by foreign Governments to intimidate or harm critics on British soil.

• The UK Government is calling on Beijing to repeal the national security law and stop targeting individuals in the UK seeking to exercise their rights.

• Senior British diplomats have directly addressed these concerns in Hong Kong and Beijing, as well as with Chinese embassy officials in London.

• The UK Government is committed to supporting the Hong Kong community in the UK, especially those who have come under the British National (Overseas) visa route.

• Questions were raised about the practical steps being taken to protect those with bounties on their heads, and the security of the Hong Kong community in the UK.

• The Foreign Secretary has raised the issue with his Chinese counterparts, and there were concerns about the consistency of the UK’s reset in relations with China.

• There was a discussion about the Chancellor’s planned trip to China and whether human rights issues, including those in Hong Kong, would be raised during her visit.

• The session highlighted ongoing human rights concerns in Hong Kong and the need for robust action, including discussions about potential sanctions against Hong Kong officials involved in these issues.

• Members of Parliament expressed worries about the safety of pro-democracy activists in the UK and the broader threat of transnational repression.

• There was a call for more tangible actions to support Hong Kong residents in the UK, such as expanding resettlement programs and enhancing security measures.

• The debate also touched on broader issues of UK foreign policy, including economic relations with China and the need to balance national security and human rights concerns.

The session displayed a high level of agreement and collaboration among Members of Parliament from different parties on the issue of the arrests of pro-democracy campaigners from Hong Kong. Both the minister, Catherine West, and various members from the Conservative, Labour, Liberal Democrat, and other parties expressed unanimous concern over the situation and strongly condemned the actions of the Hong Kong police and the Chinese government. The urgency question was used as an opportunity to reiterate a united front against the transnational repression and to discuss steps that could be taken to protect Hongkongers in the UK. There were no significant disagreements; rather, the focus was on seeking further action and assurances from the government while acknowledging the efforts already made.