I am grateful to constituents who have written to
me recently regarding the situation in Hong Kong and the Sino-British Joint
Declaration.
The human rights and democratic situation in Hong
Kong is one that I have recently taken a strong interest and have spoken about
in the House of Commons. For instance, I have recently presented a petition in
Parliament on behalf of over 160,000+ British subjects in Hong Kong, many of
whom are seeking British diplomatic assistance and protection in Hong Kong and
others are seeking sanctuary in the UK for fear of political persecution: https://www.express.co.uk/news/world/1147872/Hong-Kong-protests-news-latest-UK-residents-British-Overseas-video
There is no question that the doctrine of “one
country, two systems” in Hong Kong have come under attack recently.
It is regrettable that 30 years since the
democratic protests in Tiananmen Square were brutally crushed by the Chinese
Government, hundreds of thousands of Hong Kong people have to resort to
marching on the streets to defend their democracy and basic freedoms such as
the freedom of expression and freedom of the press.
These right were supposedly guaranteed to Hong Kong
in the Sino-British Joint Declaration, a bilateral political treaty which
remains as valid today as when it was signed 35 years ago.
The British Government is a signatory to the Joint
Declaration and as a result we have a joint responsibility with the Chinese
Government to ensure that the terms and the spirit of the treaty are upheld and
protected.
With Brexit, we have a chance to build a more
constructive relationship with the Chinese Government as we negotiate a new
trade deal with them.
Our relations should not be driven solely by trade.
FCO needs a more clearly articulated framework of values when dealing with
Chinese counterparts.
Britain has always had a proud tradition of
speaking up for democracy, the rule of law and basic human rights around the
world. We must not be afraid to challenge the Chinese Government on these
matters where we have concerns.
Once Parliament returns in September, I will of
course, be more than happy to speak to the new Foreign Secretary on your and
many other constituents’ behalf about Hong Kong, and reiterate our need to
fulfil the obligations of the Joint Declaration.
As we deliver Brexit we also have a once in a
lifetime opportunity to regain control of our borders. With that comes the
ability to prevent unwelcomed visitors, including those who have been accused
of gross violations of human rights and other basic rights in Hong Kong and
elsewhere. I am aware that a number of my parliamentary colleagues on both
sides of the House are calling on the UK Government to place sanctions against
those individuals who have been identified as being complicit in the latest
escalation and undermining the values and institutions that the UK is a
guarantor of under the Join Declaration. I will be supporting these efforts in
the Commons and elsewhere.
