Hong Kong: Judges

(asked on 10th January 2022) - View Source

Question to the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office:

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, in the context of the conviction of Hang-tung Chow in Hong Kong and with reference to the Six-monthly report on Hong Kong 1 January to 30 June 2021, published on 14 December 2021, if she will revise her assessment that British judges can continue to play a positive role in supporting this judicial independence.


Answered by
Amanda Milling Portrait
Amanda Milling
Government Whip, Lord Commissioner of HM Treasury
This question was answered on 13th January 2022

Hong Kong authorities' decision to target leading pro-democracy figures for prosecution is unacceptable. Freedom of expression and the right to peaceful protest, which are protected in both the Joint Declaration and the Basic Law, are fundamental to Hong Kong's way of life.

The National Security Law poses real questions for the rule of law in Hong Kong and the protection of fundamental rights and freedoms promised by China in the Joint Declaration. Our assessment of Hong Kong's judicial independence is increasingly finely balanced. We will continue to follow developments in this area closely.

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