Hong Kong: Sentencing of Pro-democracy Activists Debate

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Department: Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office

Hong Kong: Sentencing of Pro-democracy Activists

Tom Randall Excerpts
Monday 7th December 2020

(3 years, 4 months ago)

Commons Chamber
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Nigel Adams Portrait Nigel Adams
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Again, the hon. Gentleman is no stranger to championing this cause. I do think we are fulfilling our moral and political obligation to ensure that China respects its obligations under the joint declaration. As he will be aware, this is in line with our new immigration path. We have suspended our extradition treaty with Hong Kong and extended our arms embargo on mainland China to Hong Kong.

Tom Randall Portrait Tom Randall (Gedling) (Con)
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In light of the long-standing close relations between this country and Hong Kong, will my hon. Friend assure me that he remains committed to welcoming the holders of British national overseas passports to our shores if China continues these assaults on Hong Kong’s freedom?

Nigel Adams Portrait Nigel Adams
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Very much so. My hon. Friend is correct. We will continue to welcome people from Hong Kong. In fact, the route will open on 31 January 2021 for BNOs. It is a new immigration route and a major change to the UK immigration system. It will afford all those with BNO status, and their immediate family dependents, the right to live, work or study in the UK, and give them a path to full citizenship.