Chipping Barnet
Statement
Theresa Villiers (Conservative Party):
The Conservatives have consistently stood up for the people of Hong Kong, called out violations of their rights and freedoms, and holding China to its international obligations.
We will not tolerate transnational repression or any attempt by foreign powers to intimidate, harass or harm individuals or communities in the UK. We have passed legislation which strengthens the UK’s ability to counter and disrupt foreign interference.
Following the Standing Committee of the National People’s Congress in Beijing adopting a wide-ranging National Security Law (NSL) for Hong Kong in June 2020, the UK Government assessed the legislation and found that its enactment constituted a clear and serious breach of the Sino-British Joint Declaration. China is tarnishing its international reputation and undermining Hong Kong's long-term stability. It has not only breached its international obligations to the UK under the Joint Declaration, but its promises to the people of Hong Kong under its own laws.
I welcomed the three decisive steps taken directly by the UK so far. These are extending the UK's arms embargo on mainland China to Hong Kong within 20 days of the imposition of NSL; suspending the UK's extradition treaty with Hong Kong; and introducing a new immigration path for British Nationals (Overseas) passport holders –BN(O)s. The UK has now welcomed over 190,000 Hongkongers.
The Hong Kong authorities should respect rights and freedoms, uphold Hong Kong’s high degree of autonomy and the rule of law, and act in accordance with international commitments and legal obligations.
In Government the Conservatives have also imposed sanctions against Chinese government officials for gross human rights violations in Xinjiang. In June 2019, we also restricted the sale of crowd control equipment to Hong Kong.
Lastly I would highlight the influential report I co-authored as a member of the Intelligence and Security Committee of Parliament which you can find here. This disclosed that the Chinese intelligence agencies target the UK prolifically and aggressively. The ISC called in the report for greater action to protect our national interest and our economy in the face of the security risks posed by China.
You can see a full list of all the candidates for the Chipping Barnet constituency here.
Last updated: 24/6/2024