All 1 Debates between Baroness Winterton of Doncaster and Philippa Whitford

Thu 6th Jul 2023

Hong Kong Pro-democracy Activists

Debate between Baroness Winterton of Doncaster and Philippa Whitford
Thursday 6th July 2023

(1 year, 5 months ago)

Commons Chamber
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Baroness Winterton of Doncaster Portrait Madam Deputy Speaker (Dame Rosie Winterton)
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I call the Scottish National party spokesperson.

Philippa Whitford Portrait Dr Philippa Whitford (Central Ayrshire) (SNP)
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Using the Chinese national security law, authorities are seeking to prosecute critics of Hong Kong anywhere in the world. Extraterritorial warrants with outrageous bounties have now been issued for eight pro-democracy activists, former lawmakers and legal scholars, who have been attacked for speaking out against Chinese actions and campaigning for sanctions. At least three are known to live in the UK. If caught, they could face life sentences in China.

I welcome the Government’s suspension of the extradition treaty with Hong Kong, but after the incidents in Manchester and Southampton, how can those pro-democracy activists be protected? What actions are the Government taking to break up the secret police units across the UK? With China having broken every single commitment and guarantee to Hong Kong, what action will the Government actually take against China?