Hong Kong British National (Overseas) Visa

Lord Duncan of Springbank Excerpts

Wednesday 29th July 2020 Lords Chamber

[Baroness Williams of Trafford]

I agree with the noble Baroness that this is a difficult situation. The Foreign Secretary said that we need to be honest about the situation that we are in. We cannot force China to let BNO citizens come to the UK if China chooses to put up barriers. But as China is a leading member of the international community it must be sensitive to its international reputation and the free will of BNO citizens in Hong Kong. We will continue to honour that commitment to those holding BNO status.

[Lord Duncan of Springbank (Con) [V]]

What engagement has my noble friend had with the devolved Administrations regarding participation in any future scheme?

[Baroness Williams of Trafford]

My Lords, I am dying to know what the other passengers on the noble Lord’s train are thinking. As the noble Lord will know, we consult and engage with the devolved Administrations through every part of our considerations on issues such as this.