Brighton Pavilion
Pledge
I pledge to support Hongkongers
in their pursuit of freedom and democracy;
in their settlement and integration in the UK, including the existing BN(0) visa programme and support for Hongkonger asylum seekers facing political repression, and;
in the exercise of their civic rights and freedoms, free from repression, in Britain.
Siân Berry (Green Party): Signed
Policy questionnaire
1. Tackling transnational repression by the Chinese and Hong Kong governments
Siân Berry (Green Party):
Green MPs will always defend democratic, human and civil rights, nationally and internationally, as well as seek to advance the cornerstones of democracy such as human rights law. We are clear that the UK’s foreign policy should be based on shared commitments to democracy, peace, global solidarity and the protection of human rights. It has never been more important to support the rule of law, including the international law that underpins our rights and protects against state aggression, genocide and the inhuman treatment of refugees.
I think the UK should be taking a lead in upholding the right to self-determination and the enforcement of international law – such as by calling out and using mechanisms such as sanctions to tackle transnational repression by the Chinese and Hong Kong governments.
2. Sanctioning Chinese and Hong Kong government officials responsible for human rights abuses
Siân Berry (Green Party):
YES – Greens understand the impact that boycotts, divestment and sanctions can have when it comes to upholding and advancing eg human rights and we oppose any moves to restrict public bodies using these mechanisms to tackle breaches of international human rights laws. Former Green MP, Caroline Lucas, specifically called for senior members of the Hong Kong Police Force and governing Administration of Hong Kong who approved and permitted breaches of the legitimate right to protest against the introduction of new national security laws to be subject to sanctions, for example.
3. Shutting down Confucius Institutes in the UK
Siân Berry (Green Party):
I know that Green peer Natalie Bennett has been very active in this campaign and I would do my utmost to echo her leadership if elected.
On education more broadly I also think there’s a strong case for Home Fee status for BNO Hong Kongers after 3 years residency in the UK and thus bringing Hong Kongers into line with other overseas students resident in the UK, such as those from the EU.
4. Assisting Hong Kong immigrants in retrieving their Mandatory Provident Fund (MPF)
Siân Berry (Green Party):
It’s a scandal that Hong Kongers are being denied access to the MPF by HSBC and Standard Chartered – and that documentation provided to British National Overseas passport holders has proven an obstacle to the early draw down of funds. I’d want to call on the new government to use its influence, including with Hong Kong Chief Executive John Lee, to assist Honk Kong immigrants to retrieve their funds – and to use levers such as sanctions if required.
5. Assisting Hong Kong immigrants in finding jobs commensurate with their work experience
Siân Berry (Green Party):
YES – this is a challenge for immigrants from a range of countries. Greens are proud that we are a country forged by migrants. We welcome the economic and societal contributions that immigrants and refugees make to British society – and I’d be happy to work with V4HK to help raise the profile of any discrimination and advocate for equality and justice in the workplace and our economy.
6. Improving NHS services and reducing crimes in local communities
Siân Berry (Green Party):
Greens want to be welcoming, promote social cohesion and support migrants to put down roots – and I understand how access to good NHS services and feeling safe in local communities plays a key role in this.
As well as pledging to fund our national health service properly and tackle problems such as long waiting lists, poor dentistry, public and mental health provision, and improve primary care, it is our policy that access to the NHS should be free and comprehensive for migrants with visas.
Everyone has the right to feel safe - on the street, in their home or online. Simple things like
more police on the beat can make a huge difference and we also want to focus on the prevention of crime through restoring the funding withdrawn from youth services since 2010 and through community-based policing. And we want to rebuild trust and confidence, such as through earning the consent of communities to being policed, especially in communities disillusioned with the police after experiencing decades of disproportionate policing and traumatising tactics like stop and search and the use of force.
You can see a full list of all the candidates for the Brighton Pavilion constituency here.
Last updated: 26/6/2024