China: Human Rights and Sanctions

Calum Miller Excerpts
Monday 28th October 2024

(3 days, 12 hours ago)

Commons Chamber
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Lindsay Hoyle Portrait Mr Speaker
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I call the Liberal Democrat spokesperson.

Calum Miller Portrait Calum Miller (Bicester and Woodstock) (LD)
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We remain deeply concerned by Beijing’s abuse of human rights and disregard for international law. Too often, the previous Government pursued trade links instead of acting on these concerns. Will this Government now do the right thing and recognise that the crimes perpetrated against the Uyghurs amount to the crime of genocide?

China is not listening to the UK on Hong Kong, Jimmy Lai remains in prison, and the police have offered bounties in relation to pro-democracy activists. Will the Foreign Secretary now put actions on the table, including reviewing our position on Hong Kong’s autonomy and whether it should continue to receive preferential customs status? Can he assure the House that Hongkongers who have sought refuge in the UK are receiving proper protection?

Finally, given that Taiwan is a democratic ally, can the Foreign Secretary assure the House that his Department played no part in preventing Parliament from hosting former President Tsai?