Picture copyright Getty Photographs
Picture copyright
Getty Photographs
Some protesters in Hong Kong have known as on the UK to assist
International Secretary Dominic Raab urged China to “step again from the brink” after stories it handed a controversial nationwide safety legislation in Hong Kong.
He mentioned the brand new powers, which might limit protests and freedom of speech, threatened the town’s autonomy.
Its final British governor, Lord Patten, mentioned the transfer had breached agreements made with the UK earlier than Hong Kong was handed over in 1997.
These agreements assured sure rights for 50 years.
“The success of Hong Kong, the entrepreneurial spirit, the vibrancy, the financial success, has been constructed on its autonomy within the one nation, two techniques paradigm,” Mr Raab advised the Home of Commons.
“That clearly is at risk, if China as we now concern, has enacted the laws and our worst fears by way of the substantive element are borne out.”
He added: “We might urge China to step again from the brink, respect the rights of the individuals of Hong Kong and albeit dwell as much as its worldwide obligations via the joint declaration and to the worldwide neighborhood.”
Labour’s shadow overseas secretary Lisa Nandy mentioned Mr Raab “should not waver” over his tasks to the individuals of Hong Kong.
Mr Raab mentioned that “we totally intend to see via” plans to vary visa guidelines to supply thousands and thousands of individuals in Hong Kong a approach to purchase UK citizenship.
Prime Minister Boris Johnson mentioned he was “deeply involved” in regards to the legislation, however added he wouldn’t be drawn into “sinophobia” over different points, reminiscent of the choice to permit Huawei tools for use in Britain’s 5G cell knowledge community.
Hong Kong’s chief government Carrie Lam mentioned the brand new legislation would fill gaps within the territory’s nationwide safety laws and would solely have an effect on a small variety of individuals.
However with the town having seen growing unrest and a widening pro-democracy motion, there are fears the legislation criminalising secession, subversion and collusion with overseas forces might mark the top of its freedoms.
‘Path to citizenship’
Civil liberties, together with the fitting to protest, freedom of speech and the independence of the judiciary, had been enshrined within the Primary Legislation, Hong Kong’s mini-constitution that got here into impact with the top of British management in 1997.
The 50-year settlement is alleged to implement a “one nation, two techniques” precept, as a result of it gives Hong Kong rights and freedoms that don’t exist in mainland China.
Lord Patten, who oversaw the handover as governor, mentioned the safety legislation put an finish to this precept and was a flagrant breach of the settlement between Britain and China.
The UK has beforehand mentioned it would change its immigration guidelines and provide thousands and thousands of individuals in Hong Kong a method of buying UK citizenship if the legislation is handed.
Prime Minister Boris Johnson mentioned he would give additional rights to British Nationwide (Abroad) passport holders. Round 350,000 individuals in Hong Kong have this passport and an extra 2.6m are eligible.
They might be allowed visa-free journey to the UK for 12 months, together with the fitting to work, which “might place them on a path to citizenship,” Mr Johnson mentioned.