Lord Sharpe of Epsom, the Home Office, has provided the following answer to your written parliamentary question (HL4673):
Question by Lord Alton of Liverpool:
To ask His Majesty’s Government whether they intend to examine the efficacy of the Nationality, Immigration and Asylum Act 2002 in dealing with hostile elements in the United Kingdom who owe political allegiance to the People’s Republic of China and pose a risk to those who have fled Hong Kong; and whether they will consider strengthening the legislation to address these concerns. (HL4673)
Tabled on: 15 May 2024
Answer:
Lord Sharpe of Epsom:
Any attempt by any foreign power to intimidate, harass or harm individuals or communities in the UK will not be tolerated. Where we identify activity that threatens individual’s rights, freedoms, and safety we are front footed in deploying all the tools available to us including, where appropriate immigration action, to mitigate this.
As you would expect we keep our legislative framework under constant review and update it where appropriate based on the latest information and intelligence.
The National Security Act 2023 brings together vital new measures to protect our national security and ensure our law enforcement and intelligence agencies have everything they need to respond to the full range of modern-day state threats, including those that may emanate from Hong Kong and China.
Date and time of answer: 23 May 2024 at 13:29.
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Lord Sharpe of Epsom, the Home Office, has provided the following answer to your written parliamentary question (HL4672):
Question by Lord Alton of Liverpool:
To ask His Majesty’s Government what assessment they have made of dual allegiance among British citizens who are current or former Hong Kong government officials who hold dual citizenship under the British Nationality (Hong Kong) Act 1990; and the implications of this for (1) transnational crime, and (2) intimidation of Hong Kong democrats and their families who have fled Hong Kong. (HL4672)
Tabled on: 15 May 2024
Answer:
Lord Sharpe of Epsom:
We do not comment on the detail of security or intelligence matters, however we continually assess potential threats to the UK public, including transnational crime and threats to individuals’ rights, freedoms, and safety. Any attempt by any foreign power, or any individuals acting on their behalf, to intimidate, harass or harm individuals or communities in the UK will not be tolerated.
Where we identify individuals at heightened risk, we are front footed in deploying protective the full range of tools available to protect them.
The National Security Act 2023 brings together vital new measures to protect our national security and ensure our law enforcement and intelligence agencies have everything they need to respond to the full range of modern-day state threats including those that may emanate from Hong Kong and China.
More broadly, Home Office officials work closely with the Foreign Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) and DLUHC, as well as other government departments, to ensure that the UK is a safe and welcoming place for both those who hold BN(O) status and other Hongkongers.
Date and time of answer: 23 May 2024 at 13:29.
