Question to the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office:

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, with reference to the information presented in the Hong Kong Legislative Council paper CB(2)1779/24-25(01) on 7 January 2025 and the reporting in Ming Pao on 8 January 2025, if he will (a) make an assessment of the potential impact of Hong Kong's Protection of Critical Infrastructure (Computer Systems) Bill on UK-based banks with (i) branches or offices based and (ii) electronic systems operating in Hong Kong and (b) take steps to protect those institutions from potential extraterritorial application of this legislation.

The British Consulate General liaises closely with UK businesses operating in Hong Kong regarding local regulatory developments, including in relation to the Protection of Critical Infrastructure (Computer Systems) Bill currently before the Hong Kong Legislative Council. We will continue to monitor developments closely as this legislation is finalised and becomes operational, and any potential impact it may have on UK business.