Oral Answers to Questions

Debate between Stephen Hammond and Dominic Raab

Tuesday 3rd September 2019 Commons Chamber

[Dominic Raab]

I thank the hon. Gentleman and respect the fact that he has a longstanding interest in this issue. Under the one country, two systems model, and its manifestation through the joint declaration signed by the UK and China, which has treaty status, we gave a range of residents in Hong Kong British national (overseas) status. The importance of that is that we do not want to unpick, at least at this time, one part of the one country, two systems model. If we do that, we risk its not being respected on the Chinese side.

[Stephen Hammond]

I welcome my right hon. Friend to his position. I was pleased to hear his comments about the UK Government’s steadfast support for the joint declaration and the one country, two systems principle. Will he make sure that we continue to reiterate that very strongly, because that is a mechanism for driving peace in the solution?

[Dominic Raab]

My hon. Friend is right. I raised those issues with the Chinese Foreign Minister, State Councillor Wang Yi, on 31 July. I also spoke to the Hong Kong Chief Executive, Carrie Lam, on 9 August. We support the one country, two systems model. It is important, as reflected in the joint declaration and the treaty-binding obligations that have been made, including to the people of Hong Kong—and including to respect the right of lawful and peaceful protest—that that is adhered to on all sides.

Leaving the EU: Meaningful Vote

Debate between Stephen Hammond and Dominic Raab

Monday 22nd October 2018 Commons Chamber

[Dominic Raab]

The Government have no intention of supporting a second referendum or the revocation of article 50.

[Stephen Hammond (Wimbledon) (Con)]

For the sake of absolute clarity, will the Secretary of State confirm either that the motion described in section 13 is neutral or that Standing Orders could be disapplied?