Rushcliffe

Statement

James Naish (Labour Party):

As the Labour Party’s parliamentary candidate in Rushcliffe, I am conscious that there are lots of new families moving to the area from overseas. For those who are less familiar with the Labour Party, I wanted to ensure that you and your neighbours feel informed and able to participate in the forthcoming election on 04 July.

The Labour Party has existed for almost 125 years, growing out of a movement to promote workers’ rights. As a democratic party, we support the right of freedom of assembly and freedom of speech, and will robustly defend this at all times. This will include defending the United Kingdom against any foreign interference in the democratic process which is central to our country’s rich history; and clearly calling out concerns when human rights aren’t being respected.

We are also strong advocates of high-quality education as the foundation for a democratic country. This is reflected in our policy commitments at this election to boost early language skills; to improve the use of data to diagnose additional educational needs; to employ 6,500 more teachers in schools; and to provide a broader and richer curriculum alongside a strong core of literacy and numeracy.

As a Party, we supported the British National (Overseas) visa scheme. We have led calls for the expansion of this scheme in recent years to include new population groups and to automatically include those under the age of 18. We will continue to do this and to advocate for the extension of these visas now that the UK has become a new home for so many people.

As a Council Leader in Nottinghamshire, I have been involved in arranging events at our Town Hall with a range of partners to provide free guidance about housing, jobs, health services, schools and other critical services. We have arranged for a specific booklet to be produced to help new arrivals to the UK and hosted a free Multicultural Festival last September to promote our growing diversity. The Labour Party celebrates the significant contribution that international communities have made – and continue to make – to the UK.

If elected as your MP, I will work hard to address day-to-day challenges such as finding quality work, to make sure that everyone has the chance to flourish in the UK. I will also actively work with my parliamentary colleagues to highlight and challenge international practices which are intended to intimidate, limit democracy, reduce freedoms and prevent full integration into Britain.

I hope this helps to explain a bit more about the Labour Party and its history, and that you will feel able to support us on 04 July if you are eligible to vote.

Ruth Edwards (Conservative Party):

The Conservatives have rightly and consistently stood up for the people of Hong Kong, called out violations of their rights and freedoms, and holding China to its international obligations.

As you will know, the Standing Committee of the National People’s Congress in Beijing adopted a wide-ranging National Security Law (NSL) for Hong Kong in June 2020. This was a grave and deeply disturbing step. The UK Government carefully assessed the legislation and found that its enactment, imposed on the people of Hong Kong by Beijing, constitutes a clear and serious breach of the Sino-British Joint Declaration.

Signed in 1984 and still in effect today, the Joint Declaration made clear that Hong Kong’s high degree of autonomy, rights and freedoms would remain unchanged for 50 years from the handover of the city in 1997. As a result of China’s ongoing actions to harass and stifle all voices critical of its policies, the UK now considers China to be in a state of ongoing non-compliance with the Joint Declaration.

It is crystal clear that the powers under the NSL are being used as a tool to curtail freedoms and punish dissent, rather than keep public order, as is their stated intention. This has meant that alternative voices in Hong Kong’s executive, legislature, civil society as evidenced in the arrest of the Hong Kong 47 and media have been all but extinguished.

On Article 23 specifically, I believe this will further damage the rights and freedoms enjoyed in Hong Kong, enabling the authorities to continue their clampdown on freedoms, including freedom of speech, assembly and media. It fails to provide certainty for international organisations, including diplomatic missions, operating in Hong Kong. The UK Government also estimates that the NSL will negatively affect those who live, work and do business there.

The UK recognises the right of all jurisdictions to implement national security legislation, Hong Kong is also required to ensure that laws align with international standards, rights and norms as set out in UN treaties, the Sino-British joint declaration and the Hong Kong Basic Law. The British Government has urged the Hong Kong authorities to respect rights and freedoms, uphold Hong Kong’s high degree of autonomy and the rule of law, and act in accordance with its international commitments and legal obligations.

On the Jimmy Lai case, I am gravely concerned that anyone is facing prosecution under the National Security Law, and I share the UK Government's particular concern at the politically motivated prosecution of British national Jimmy Lai. As a prominent and outspoken journalist and publisher, Mr Lai has been targeted in a clear attempt to stop the peaceful exercise of his rights to freedom of expression and association.

Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Ministers have raised Mr Lai's case with Chinese officials on a number of occasions, and most recently, on 18 December 2023, the Foreign Secretary made a statement calling on the Hong Kong authorities to end their prosecution and release Mr Lai.

Nevertheless, the UK has taken a number of measures in response to the situation in Hong Kong, including the bespoke immigration route for BN(O)s, the suspension of the UK-Hong Kong extradition treaty, and the extension of the arms embargo applied to China to Hong Kong.

The UK will always support Hong Kongers, which is why we introduced a new immigration path for BN(O)s that reflects the UK’s historic and moral commitment to those people of Hong Kong who chose to retain their ties to the UK by taking up BN(O) status at the point of Hong Kong’s handover to China in 1997. This is an unprecedented offer following China’s passing of the NSL. Since the situation that BN(O) status holders find themselves in has changed, it is right that their rights and entitlements in the UK change too. The new immigration path offers a choice that affords long-term safety and stability for these individuals and their families.

On the UK's relationship with China, the recent pattern of behaviour directed by China against the UK, including cyberattacks, reports of espionage links and the issuing of bounties is not acceptable.

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

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.

Of course, we have a wonderful community of Hong Kongers here in Rushcliffe, many of whom I have helped with issues they have had with their BNO visa, and if re-elected I will continue to support them as they make their home in our community.

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

Last updated: 4/7/2024

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

Nottingham East

Policy questionnaire

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

Nadia Whittome (Labour Party):

I know that many of those who have fled Hong Kong continue to experience or fear harassment, threats and attacks, both towards themselves and their families. The Chinese government is known to carry out sophisticated campaigns of transnational repression and there have been numerous high profile attacks in recent years. Just this month, under Article 23 legislation, the Hong Kong authorities have cancelled the passports of six pro-democracy activists who are living in the UK and threatened anyone providing them funds with imprisonment.

To tackle transnational repression, I support the sanctioning of Hong Kong officials involved in this activity. The government should also strengthen legislation to ensure that political intimidation of Hongkongers is treated as a criminal offence.

I have also opposed the government’s asylum and immigration policies in recent years, which fundamentally restrict the right to seek asylum and leave those without a BN(O) passport in an even more precarious situation. I will always fight for the government to uphold the right to seek asylum and for decision-making on claims to take into account the threat of transnational repression.

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

Nadia Whittome (Labour Party):

I have long supported the implementation of Magnitsky-style sanctions against senior officials involved in repression and human rights abuses, as has the Labour Party more generally.

I support Hong Kong Watch’s recent calls to sanction six Hong Kong officials in response to the enactment of Article 23 legislation and increasing transnational repression by the CCP in the UK.

3. Shutting down Confucius Institutes in the UK

Nadia Whittome (Labour Party):

I am aware of the concerns relating to Confucius Institutes with regards to academic freedom, their presentation of a selective and politicised view of China, and the potential risk of espionage. Human Rights Watch has criticised CIs for censoring certain topics and perspectives in course materials on political grounds and using hiring practices that take political loyalty into consideration.

Rishi Sunak promised to close Confucius Institutes during his Conservative Party leadership campaign, but has failed to do so. I would support the government closing Confucius Institutes and instead finding a way to increase knowledge of Chinese language and culture which is not linked to the CCP’s agenda.

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

Nadia Whittome (Labour Party):

It is wrong that since 2023, Hongkongers in the UK who left under the British National (Overseas) passport program have been denied access to their MPF retirement savings. I want Hongkongers to be able to withdraw their savings, helping them to build a life in the UK.

I support Hong Kong Watch’s call for the next UK government to provide clarification to UK-based MPF trustees that the BNO visa is intended to lead to “permanent settlement and British citizenship” and to condemn this form of transnational repression.

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

Nadia Whittome (Labour Party):

Hongkongers who have recently arrived in the UK generally have high levels of education and skills, so it is concerning that a study from November 2023 found that only around half are employed and many of those that are in employment are working in jobs that do not match their skills or qualifications.

Most of these Hongkongers say the biggest barrier to finding a job is confident English. I would therefore like to see more higher level English language (ESOL) courses, as most provision is at beginner to intermediate level. I also support the study’s recommendation for quality careers advice and support with job matching.

6. Improving NHS services and reducing crimes in local communities

Nadia Whittome (Labour Party):

I have long campaigned for better funding and improvements to the NHS. I will always fight for a publicly-run NHS, publicly-funded through progressive taxation, with the resources to provide the best quality of care.

Labour has pledged to cut NHS waiting times with 40,000 more appointments every week. We will also train thousands more GPs, guarantee a face-to-face appointment for all those who want one and deliver a modern appointment booking system. To tackle the crisis in mental health, we will also employ 8,500 additional mental health staff.

In terms of reducing crime, I believe that more effective prevention is essential. That’s why I’m particularly pleased that Labour will intervene earlier to stop young people being drawn into crime by creating a new Young Futures programme with a network of hubs reaching every community. To offer young people a pathway out of violence, we will place youth workers and mentors in A&E units and Pupil Referral Units.

Labour will also act to reduce reoffending. We will work with prisons to improve offenders’ access to purposeful activity, such as learning, and ensure they create pre-release plans for those leaving custody. We will support prisons to link up with local employers and the voluntary sector to get ex-offenders into work, helping to prevent them from being drawn back into committing crime.

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

Last updated: 2/7/2024

Bassetlaw

Policy questionnaire

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

Jo White (Labour Party):

If elected I will take a public stance on this issue. I will support the Hong Kong Democracy movement and will campaign for the release of Jimmy Lai and be outspoken on all Chinese attempts to intimidate Hong Kongers and those who are active in the UK.

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

Jo White (Labour Party):

If elected, I will have no fear in challenging the Chinese government and support the sanctioning of those Chinese and Hong Kong Officials with links to human rights abuses.

3. Shutting down Confucius Institutes in the UK

Jo White (Labour Party):

Learning languages is an important part of education, and ensuring that children have access to that experience through qualified teachers is crucial. Chinese languages and culture are obviously an important part of the world in which our children will grow up.

However, the current approach to Chinese influence in Britain over the last decade has been naïve, inconsistent and complacent. This is why Labour will take a coherent and levelheaded approach to ensure our schools and universities continue to be the best in the world, but do not want to see any undue influence exercised through them.

If Labour forms the next government, we will conduct an in-depth strategic audit into Chinese influence in Britain and the British Government's approach to China to ensure our country is secure.

We do not want to see programmes that teach children and young people new skills banned, but we need to be alert to where funding, staffing and direction is coming from. This s why we need an in-depth strategic audit into Chinese influence in Britain and the British Government's approach to China, to understand if there is any threat or any reason to take action to ban these programmes.

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

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

6. Improving NHS services and reducing crimes in local communities

Jo White (Labour Party):

If elected I would be very happy to assist as the local Member of Parliament on these issues and will hold a special surgery for Hong Kong immigrants.

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

Last updated: 26/6/2024