Hong Kong: Politics and Government

(asked on 7th January 2020) - View Source

Question to the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office:

To ask Her Majesty's Government what is their understanding of the current situation in Hong Kong.


Answered by
 Portrait
Lord Ahmad of Wimbledon
Minister of State (Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office)
This question was answered on 20th January 2020

We remain seriously concerned at the situation in Hong Kong. We condemn the minority of protestors who insist on using violence. It must stop. As I stated on 15 January 2020 it is essential that protests are conducted peacefully, within the law, and that the authorities respond proportionately. We have consistently called for a robust, credible and independent investigation into events in Hong Kong. The UK is fully committed to upholding Hong Kong's high degree of autonomy and rights and freedoms under the "One Country, Two Systems" framework, which is guaranteed by the legally binding Joint Declaration. As the Foreign Secretary stated on 19 December 2019 the only way to guarantee Hong Kong's future success and stability is by respecting these and addressing the legitimate concerns of the people of Hong Kong through meaningful political dialogue. The commitments made by China in the Joint Declaration, including the right to freedom of speech and an independent judiciary, are essential to Hong Kong's prosperity and way of life. We expect China to live up to its obligations under the Joint Declaration and to its wider international human rights law obligations, as a responsible and law abiding member of the international community.

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