UK Government says in Parliamentary replies today that it is “following closely” the arrests of pro democracy politicians in Hong Kong and that they “expect the Chinese authorities to respect and preserve Hong Kong’s high degree of autonomy”. Replies from the Government on the misuse of teargas and other hazardous substances, and the mistreatment of healthcare workers; representations to the United Nations Rapporteurs; and the use of Magnitsky-style sanctions on those responsible, directly or indirectly.

May 5, 2020 | News

UK Government says in Parliamentary replies today that it is “following closely” the arrests of pro democracy politicians in Hong Kong and that they “expect the Chinese authorities to respect and preserve Hong Kong’s high degree of autonomy”. Replies from the Government on the misuse of teargas and other hazardous substances, and the mistreatment of healthcare workers; representations to the United Nations Rapporteurs; and the use of Magnitsky-style sanctions on those responsible, directly or indirectly. 

Lord Ahmad of Wimbledon, the Foreign and Commonwealth Office, has provided the following answer to your written parliamentary question (HL3000):

Question Lord Alton of Liverpool:


To ask Her Majesty’s Government what representations they have made to the government of China about the arrest of 15 pro-democracy politicians in Hong Kong, including the founder of the Democratic Party. (HL3000)

Tabled on: 22 April 2020

Answer:
Lord Ahmad of Wimbledon:

We are concerned about the arrests of a number of political figures in Hong Kong, and are following these cases closely. We expect any arrests and judicial processes to be conducted in a fair and transparent manner.

The right to peaceful protest is fundamental to Hong Kong’s way of life and as such is protected in both the Joint Declaration and the Basic Law. It is essential that any protests are conducted peacefully, and that the authorities avoid actions that inflame tensions. The authorities should focus on rebuilding trust through a process of meaningful political dialogue.

The UK remains committed to upholding the rights and freedoms underpinned by the Joint Declaration, the Basic Law and enshrined in Hong Kong’s Bill of Rights, and we expect the Chinese authorities to respect and preserve Hong Kong’s high degree of autonomy. We have made this position clear to the Hong Kong and Chinese authorities and will continue to do so, publicly and privately.

Date and time of answer: 05 May 2020 at 14:11.

 

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Lord Ahmad of Wimbledon, the Foreign and Commonwealth Office, has provided the following answer to your written parliamentary question (HL3001):

Question, Lord Alton of Liverpool:


To ask Her Majesty’s Government what assessment they have made of the arrest of 15 pro-democracy politicians in Hong Kong; and what steps they are taking, as a co-signatory to the Sino-British Joint Declaration 1984, to (1) defend the freedom to protest; (2) protect the autonomy of the Legislative Council; and (3) ensure that Article 22 of Hong Kong’s Basic Law is upheld and respected, in Hong Kong. (HL3001)

Tabled on: 22 April 2020

Answer:
Lord Ahmad of Wimbledon:

We are concerned about the arrests of a number of political figures in Hong Kong, and are following these cases closely. We expect any arrests and judicial processes to be conducted in a fair and transparent manner.

The right to peaceful protest is fundamental to Hong Kong’s way of life and as such is protected in both the Joint Declaration and the Basic Law. It is essential that any protests are conducted peacefully, and that the authorities avoid actions that inflame tensions. The authorities should focus on rebuilding trust through a process of meaningful political dialogue.

The UK remains committed to upholding the rights and freedoms underpinned by the Joint Declaration, the Basic Law and enshrined in Hong Kong’s Bill of Rights, and we expect the Chinese authorities to respect and preserve Hong Kong’s high degree of autonomy. We have made this position clear to the Hong Kong and Chinese authorities and will continue to do so, publicly and privately.

Date and time of answer: 05 May 2020 at 14:10.

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Lord Alton of Liverpool – To ask Her Majesty’s Government what plans they have to call for an independent international inquiry into the alleged (1) misuse of teargas and other hazardous substances, and (2) mistreatment of healthcare workers, by the Hong Kong Police Force, following allegations presented by six United Nations Special Rapporteurs in letters sent on 29 January and 19 February.
[HL3673]
Lord Ahmad of Wimbledon – The allegations relating to the mistreatment and arrest of medics at demonstrations, and the misuse of teargas and other hazardous substances, are serious. We expect the Hong Kong authorities to abide by international humanitarian norms and laws. We have consistently made clear our view that there should be a robust, independent inquiry into events in Hong Kong, including in a recent statement at the UN Human Rights Council. Such an inquiry should consider allegations such as those referenced by the Special Rapporteurs.
We frequently raise issues of concern with senior figures in the Chinese and Hong Kong Governments, and discuss the situation in Hong Kong with our international partners, and will continue to do so. The Foreign Secretary has set out his concerns about the situation in Hong Kong directly to both the Hong Kong Chief Executive, Carrie Lam and to the Chinese Foreign Minister, State Councillor Wang Yi

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Lord Alton of Liverpool – To ask Her Majesty’s Government what steps they intend to take to mobilise an international response in support of the letters sent by United Nations Special Rapporteurs to the government of China on 29 January and 19 February which raise concerns about the alleged mistreatment of healthcare workers in Hong Kong and the use of teargas and other hazardous substances by the Hong Kong Police Force.
[HL3672]
Lord Ahmad of Wimbledon – The allegations relating to the mistreatment and arrest of medics at demonstrations, and the misuse of teargas and other hazardous substances, are serious. We expect the Hong Kong authorities to abide by international humanitarian norms and laws. We have consistently made clear our view that there should be a robust, independent inquiry into events in Hong Kong, including in a recent statement at the UN Human Rights Council. Such an inquiry should consider allegations such as those referenced by the Special Rapporteurs.
We frequently raise issues of concern with senior figures in the Chinese and Hong Kong Governments, and discuss the situation in Hong Kong with our international partners, and will continue to do so. The Foreign Secretary has set out his concerns about the situation in Hong Kong directly to both the Hong Kong Chief Executive, Carrie Lam and to the Chinese Foreign Minister, State Councillor Wang Yi

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Lord Alton of Liverpool – To ask Her Majesty’s Government what plans they have to impose Magnitsky-style sanctions on those responsible, directly or indirectly, for (1) any violation of the human rights of healthcare workers in Hong Kong, and (2) any misuse of teargas and other hazardous substances, by the Hong Kong Police Force.
[HL3674]
Lord Ahmad of Wimbledon – We have announced our intention to establish a UK autonomous Global Human Rights (‘Magnitsky-style’) sanctions regime. The regulations will come into force once secondary legislation is laid in Parliament in the coming months. It would be inappropriate to comment on potential designations before the regulations come into force.

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