Lord Ahmad of Wimbledon, the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office, has provided the following answer to your written parliamentary question (HL4435):
Question by Lord Alton of Liverpool:
To ask His Majesty’s Government what representations the Minister for Indo-Pacific made during her recent meetings with Hong Kong officials regarding (1) Jimmy Lai’s trial, (2) political prisoners, and (3) Article 23 of the National Security Law; and what response she received to these representations. (HL4435)
Tabled on: 08 May 2024
Answer:
Lord Ahmad of Wimbledon:
On 24 April, the Minister for the Indo-Pacific met with Hong Kong Secretary for Financial Services and the Treasury, Christopher Hui during her six-day visit to China and Hong Kong. The Minister raised the deterioration of rights and freedom in the city precipitated by the 2020 National Security Law, and the recent passage of legislation under Article 23. Minister Trevelyan also raised the case of Jimmy Lai during the meeting. We will continue to raise areas of disagreement or concern in Hong Kong with the Hong Kong and Chinese authorities.
Date and time of answer: 22 May 2024 at 17:55.
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Lord Ahmad of Wimbledon, the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office, has provided the following answer to your written parliamentary question (HL4434):
Question by Lord Alton of Liverpool:
To ask His Majesty’s Government what assessment they have made of the Minister for Asia’s recent visit to Hong Kong and what they believe it achieved. (HL4434)
Tabled on: 08 May 2024
Answer:
Lord Ahmad of Wimbledon:
In line with the Government’s “protect, align, and engage” approach to China, as set out in the Integrated Review Refresh, the Minister for the Indo-Pacific raised a number of issues important to the UK national interest with Secretary for Financial Services and the Treasury, Christopher Hui during her visit to Hong Kong in April. This included the prosecution of British national Jimmy Lai, the enactment of further national security legislation (Article 23), and concerns over transnational repression against BN(O)s in the UK. Issues of mutual and global interest were also discussed, alongside areas of disagreement or concern.
Date and time of answer: 22 May 2024 at 17:54.
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