Solihull West and Shirley

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(O) 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.

Neil Shastri-Hurst (Conservative Party): Signed

Policy questionnaire

1. Tackling transnational repression by the Chinese and Hong Kong governments

   Neil Shastri-Hurst (Conservative Party): The Conservatives 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. 

   In Government, we have raised serious concerns about the new national security legislation passed under article 23 of the Basic Law in Hong Kong earlier this year, and have been clear that this law has no effect in the UK. 

2. Sanctioning Chinese and Hong Kong government officials responsible for human rights abuses

   Neil Shastri-Hurst (Conservative Party): The Conservative Government has imposed sanctions against Chinese government officials for

   gross human rights violations in Xinjiang.

   In June 2019, we restricted the sale of crowd control equipment to Hong Kong. In July 2020, we extended the UK’s arms embargo with mainland China fully to Hong Kong in response to the National Security Law.

   The Conservative Government has also applied sanctions in response to Chinese state-affiliated 2 organisations and individuals carrying out malicious cyber campaigns targeting democratic institutions and parliamentarians in the UK. We will always defend ourselves from those who seek to threaten the freedoms that underpin our values and democracy.

3. Shutting down Confucius Institutes in the UK

   Neil Shastri-Hurst (Conservative Party): The Government continually updates and assesses the threats posed to our country and our values, including in higher education. We have been clear that Government funding to Confucius Institutes in the UK should be removed, but that it is currently disproportionate to ban them entirely.

   Universities have a duty to promote freedom of expression and ensure that due diligence of institutions on-site is conducted. It is crucial that this remains the case with Confucius Institutes.

   I will work with Government to ensure that the monitoring of these institutes are kept under constant review and, should it be judged that further action is needed, that it is taken robustly.

4. Assisting Hong Kong immigrants in retrieving their Mandatory Provident Fund (MPF)

   Neil Shastri-Hurst (Conservative Party): If elected as the MP for Solihull West and Shirley, I will work with the Hong Kong community in the constituency, fellow MPs, and other interested parties to lobby the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office to use all powers and diplomatic relations to get the funds in question released.

5. Assisting Hong Kong immigrants in finding jobs commensurate with their work experience

   Neil Shastri-Hurst (Conservative Party): As an MP, I will ensure Hong Kong immigrant are appropriately sign posted to employment services and work with Government to create job opportunities. I will also work with the local authority to ensure there are regular career fairs to provide employment opportunities.

6. Improving NHS services and reducing crimes in local communities

   Neil Shastri-Hurst (Conservative Party): These are two of my key priorities if elected. As a former medical practitioner I am passionate about improving NHS provision to ensure all residents have access to high quality care. This includes working towards restoring A&E services in Solihull.

   In respect of crime and anti-social behaviour, it is incredibly important that we tackle these issues to ensure we have stronger, more cohesive communities. It is for this reason I will be opposing the closure of the local police station and fighting for more officers on the streets.

You can see a full list of all the candidates for the Solihull West and Shirley constituency here.

Last updated: 24/6/2024