Nottingham North and Kimberley
Policy questionnaire
1. Tackling transnational repression by the Chinese and Hong Kong governments
Alex Norris (Labour and Co-operative Party):
The UK Government must take action to counter the threat of transnational repression. Hong Kong’s new national security law is the latest degradation of the rights and freedoms of Hong Kong and represents a clear breach of the Sino-British Joint Declaration on Hong Kong. It is causing fear and unease to Hongkongers at home and abroad. It is vital that the UK Government raise this matter with the Chinese Government and seek a resolution.
2. Sanctioning Chinese and Hong Kong government officials responsible for human rights abuses
Alex Norris (Labour and Co-operative Party):
It is concerning that while the US government have sought to impose sanctions, the UK Government have not acted in the same way. Despite Labour pressing for answers, the Government have not adequately explained this position. Labour believes the use of sanctions must be explored.
3. Shutting down Confucius Institutes in the UK
Alex Norris (Labour and Co-operative Party):
In recent years we have seen concerning incidents outside Chinese consulates, allegations of Chinese spies, so-called Chinese police stations operating in the UK and worrying allegations in relation to Confucius Institutes. The UK must be vigilant to such threats and develop a much more coherent, cross-government approach to China that operates in lockstep with our allies.
4. Assisting Hong Kong immigrants in retrieving their Mandatory Provident Fund (MPF)
Alex Norris (Labour and Co-operative Party):
After 14 years of the Tories, public services have declined significantly with serious consequences for working people. To combat this Labour has pledged to cut NHS waiting times with 40,000 more evening and weekend appointments each week, paid for by cracking down on tax avoidance and non-doms. We will also take back our streets by cracking down on antisocial behaviour, with 13,000 extra neighbourhood police and PCSOs back on the beat, giving every community a named officer they can get in touch with, so policing gets back to doing what it’s supposed to do.
5. Assisting Hong Kong immigrants in finding jobs commensurate with their work experience
Alex Norris (Labour and Co-operative Party):
I know this is a matter of significant concern and worry to Hongkongers. Labour have been pressing the Government to liaise with the Chinese government on seeking a resolution to this problem. The Government have confirmed the matter was raised with Chinese officials last year. I believe the UK should continue to pursue this issue and seek an agreeable resolution for the thousands of Hongkongers living here in the UK.
6. Improving NHS services and reducing crimes in local communities
Alex Norris (Labour and Co-operative Party):
It is vital that Hongkongers in the UK find suitable employment. I know many who wish to support themselves and their families properly and contribute back to the UK. Everyone should be supported into work and there are a variety of schemes and initiatives that provide this service. I encourage Hongkongers in need of such assistance to contact their local councillors or MP who can provide further details of the options available to them.
You can see a full list of all the candidates for the Nottingham North and Kimberley constituency here.
Last updated: 2/7/2024