Question to the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office:

To ask Her Majesty's Government what assessment they have made of the letter sent by United Nations Special Rapporteurs to the government of China on 19 February about violations of the human rights of healthcare workers in Hong Kong; and what representations they have made to that government about any such violations.

The allegations relating to the mistreatment and arrest of medics at demonstrations, and the misuse of teargas and other hazardous substances, are serious. We expect the Hong Kong authorities to abide by international humanitarian norms and laws. We have consistently made clear our view that there should be a robust, independent inquiry into events in Hong Kong, including in a recent statement at the UN Human Rights Council. Such an inquiry should consider allegations such as those referenced by the Special Rapporteurs.

We frequently raise issues of concern with senior figures in the Chinese and Hong Kong Governments, and discuss the situation in Hong Kong with our international partners, and will continue to do so. The Foreign Secretary has set out his concerns about the situation in Hong Kong directly to both the Hong Kong Chief Executive, Carrie Lam and to the Chinese Foreign Minister, State Councillor Wang Yi.