Fiona said:
"I thank colleagues for contributing to this debate, and I thank those who have joined me in raising concerns about recent challenges to democracy and human rights in Hong Kong. I also thank the Minister for his considered response, and for the clear assurances that he has given of the UK Government’s ongoing commitment to ensuring that the principles, rights and freedoms enshrined in the joint declaration and the basic law are adhered to.
In speaking of such matters, I know that we all share a genuine concern for the wellbeing of the people of Hong Kong, for their flourishing future and for a positive relationship between our two countries. I hope that our deliberations will aid all those things."
Responding to the debate, the Minister of State at the Foreign and Commonwealth Office responsible for Asia, Mark Field MP, said on behalf of the British government:
“If the people of Hong Kong and the watching world are to continue to have confidence in ‘one country, two systems’, it is vital that the high degree of autonomy and the rights and freedoms enshrined in the Basic Law and guaranteed under international law by the Joint Declaration are respected. We will not shy away from this. Let me make it clear. Ongoing commitment to these doctrines is not somehow ‘interference’ by the West in Chinese affairs. Maintaining confidence in ‘one country, two systems’ and the rule of law is crucial for Hong Kong and China’s own interests, including that city’s role as a financial hub for the Belt and Road initiative. Hong Kong’s economic system, which is uniquely trusted to bring huge new opportunities into China from all corners of the globe, will only flourish if the peoples enjoy the freedoms and safeguards that will ensure the promotion of their talents and enterprise.”
Benedict Rogers, Chairman of the Trustees at Hong Kong Watch said:
“This was a timely and important debate about Hong Kong. Timely because of the tragic news yesterday that Gui Minhai was forcibly disappeared for the second time, and because last week Carrie Lam, Hong Kong’s Chief Executive, attacked Lord Ashdown, and the organisation of which he is a patron and I am a founder, Hong Kong Watch, for “foreign meddling”. Long overdue, because for the past twelve months Hong Kong’s freedoms, the rule of law and autonomy have come under unprecedented assault. It is surprising that last year, when we marked the 20th anniversary of the handover of Hong Kong, there was no parliamentary debate but I am glad that Parliament is now giving this subject greater attention, recognising its importance. We welcome the reassurances that the Minister offered about the United Kingdom’s commitment to its responsibilities under the Joint Declaration and its continued support for ‘one country, two systems’ and we hope this will result in further meaningful action in the months ahead to ensure that Hong Kong’s basic freedoms, the rule of law and autonomy are protected.”
You can read the full debate here: https://goo.gl/P31UCw
The work of Hong Kong Watch, which monitors the human rights situation in Hong Kong, can be found on their website here: https://www.hongkongwatch.org/
You can read the report by the Conservative Party Human Rights Commission on China, 'The Darkest Hour' here: http://www.conservativehumanrights.com/reports/submissions/CPHRC_China_…