Aldershot

Statement

Alex Baker (Labour Party):

The first thing I'd say is that we need a change. Chaotic Conservative foreign policy has weakened our alliances and undermined our reputation as upholders of international law. Sadly, for most of the past 14 years the UK Government’s approach on China has basically been the opposite to what we need, which is stability and predictability. We have lurched 180 degrees from embracing a “golden era” of bilateral relations and having a pint down the pub with Xi Jinping under the then Prime Minister, who is now Foreign Secretary. China thinks in generational terms, and we require a foreign policy that is capable of considering the bilateral relationship over a far longer timeframe and that aims above all for consistency. After 14 years of damaging Conservative inconsistency over China, Labour will bring a long-term and strategic approach to managing our relations. We will co-operate where we can, compete where we need to, and challenge where we must. We will improve the UK’s capability to understand and respond to the challenges and opportunities China poses through a long-overdue audit of our bilateral relationship and we will always act in our interests, defend our democratic values and stand up for our principles on human rights.

Most importantly, we will stand with and support members of the Hong Kong community who have relocated to the UK. Hong Kong’s new national security law is the latest degradation of the rights and freedoms of Hong Kong. My good friend and would be colleague David Lammy, the shadow Foreign Secretary, has highlighted this in Parliament and repeatedly pressed the Conservatives on the action taken to counter the threat of transnational repression, especially towards the 160,000 Hongkongers in the UK. Moreover, I know that thousands of Hongkongers still feel threatened by the Chinese government and many have a sense that the Chinese government can act with relative impunity in the UK. That is why we have pressed the government to look urgently into the security of Hongkongers. Finally, I would add that Britain is a tolerant and compassionate country. We have a proud tradition of welcoming people fleeing persecution and abuse, which is why we support schemes like Hong Kong humanitarian visas that have provided important routes for refugees seeking sanctuary.

I hope you find this note helpful. This is my home and it would mean so much to represent the place I live. Change is possible, but only if we vote for it – and I expect the final outcome will be decided by a handful of votes. If we can replace my opponent on 4th July, Hongkongers in Aldershot & Farnborough will have a strong voice in Parliament that is ready to listen to their concerns.

You can see a full list of all the candidates for the Aldershot constituency here.

Last updated: 2/7/2024