John Baron MP backs Hong Kong citizenship proposals

MP says we have an historic debt to Hongkongers

The Chinese Parliament has passed a national security law which, if implemented, would erode Hong Kong’s longstanding rights and freedoms. These are guaranteed until 2047 under the 1984 Sino-British Joint Declaration which paved the way for the transfer of Hong Kong from Britain to China. This is an international treaty, lodged with the United Nations, by which both Britain and China are bound.

The British Government has said that if the Chinese authorities implement the new national security law, they will change UK immigration law to allow holders of British National (Overseas) passports to come to the UK for longer periods, and offer them a path to British citizenship.

John said,

“This is the right course of action, recognising Britain’s historic debt to Hongkongers and firing an important warning shot across Beijing’s bows. Whilst the Chinese authorities may be relieved if pro-democracy activists leave Hong Kong, they will be less relaxed when wealth creators make the same journey. Meanwhile, international investors will take note if Hong Kong’s noted strengths, especially its rule of law and independent judiciary, are eroded.

“If China wants to take its place in international affairs it must also live up to its responsibilities. These include abiding by a treaty it freely signed with Britain in 1984, as well as more transparency over the origin of the coronavirus.”