British National (Overseas): Safety

(asked on 30th January 2023) - View Source

Question to the Home Office:

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, what steps she has taken to ensure the safety and wellbeing of people from Hong Kong living in Scotland who hold British National (Overseas) status.


Answered by
Robert Jenrick Portrait
Robert Jenrick
This question was answered on 8th February 2023

The UK has taken firm action following restrictions on the rights and freedoms of the people of Hong Kong. The UK will continue to stand up for the rights of the people of Hong Kong, as we have demonstrated by introducing the bespoke immigration route for British National (Overseas) (BN(O)) status holders and their eligible family members. By the end of 2021 there were over 100,000 applications for the route.

We continually assess potential threats in the UK, and take the protection of individuals’ rights, freedoms, and safety in the UK very seriously. As you would expect, Home Office officials work closely with the 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.

Attempts by foreign Governments to coerce, intimidate, harass or harm their critics overseas, undermining democracy and the rule of law, are unacceptable. Anyone who is concerned for their safety should contact the police.

Furthermore, the Security Minister made a statement on the issue of transnational repression to the House on 1 November. I said this Government is committed to tackling this challenge wherever it originates and announced an internal review into transnational repression. This work is underway and the House will be updated on progress in due course.

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