Question to the Home Office:

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, whether her Department holds information on the number of alleged bounties placed on pro-democracy Hong Kongers living in the UK by Beijing-linked groups.

The safety and security of Hong Kongers in the UK is of the upmost importance. The UK will always stand up for the rights of the people of Hong Kong.

China’s imposition of the National Security Law on Hong Kong has significantly eroded the rights and freedoms of Hong Kongers. The Government has called on Beijing to repeal the National Security Law, including its extraterritorial reach.

We will not tolerate any attempts by China to intimidate and silence individuals in the UK and overseas. The UK will always defend the universal right to freedom of expression and stand up for those who are targeted.

The Hong Kong National Security Police have also issued a total of 19 arrest warrants for pro-democracy activists living overseas, with financial rewards of HK$1 million each for information leading to their arrest. All face charges of secession and foreign collusion under the 2020 National Security Law. A number of these individuals are residents in the UK.

However, It is our long-standing policy not to provide detailed information on security and intelligence matters and it would not be appropriate to comment on any specific support the police provide in individual cases. Where we identify such threats, we are front footed in deploying protective measures as appropriate.

The Government has developed a range of support and security assistance mechanisms to protect individuals and communities that are at risk of transnational repression. Guidance can be found on GOV.UK providing those who believe themselves to be at-risk of TNR with practical advice for their safety both physically and online.

Any attempt by any foreign power to intimidate, harass or harm individuals or communities in the UK will not be tolerated.