Epsom and Ewell

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.

Mhairi Fraser (Conservative Party): Signed

Helen Maguire (Liberal Democrats): Signed

Statement

Mhairi Fraser (Conservative Party):

I can assure you that these issues mean a great deal to me. I was born in Hong Kong in 1988 and lived there until 1990; I then went to school there again from 1998 to 2000, and have been back to visit numerous times since. I learned to use chopsticks as a child before I learned to use a knife and fork, and spoke good Mandarin as a child, while my parents spoke some Cantonese. It is one of my favourite places in the world, and I am very proud to have been able to call it home. I have been extremely saddened by developments in Hong Kong in recent years, as China's influence becomes more pervasive. My younger sister was almost teargassed during the pro-democracy protests in Hong Kong in 2019, where she was working at the time; I know how serious the situation is.

Finally, I have already said that, if elected, I intend to take one more trip to Hong Kong shortly thereafter so I can effectively "say goodbye" - as I intend to take such a strong tone on the wellbeing of Hong Kongers that I know I will be targeted by the Chinese authorities myself, and may not be able to return. That makes me extremely sad, as I consider Hong Kong to be my dual homeplace, but I consider it my moral duty to do my best for the Hong Kongers who gave me such a happy home as a child. I promise you that there is no candidate in Epsom and Ewell, or even in the rest of the UK, who will do more for Hong Kong than I intend to.

Policy Questionnaire

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

Mhairi Fraser (Conservative Party):

I believe China to be the greatest threat to the national security of the UK, and to the security of the West in general. I hope to see the National Security and Investment Act used to prevent investment in our critical infrastructure by Chinese companies linked to the CCP.

I would want to see people acting on behalf of China placed under the enhanced tier under the National Security Act, and would also like to see a "foreign interference watchdog" established in the UK, to allow government, industry and the academic sector to work together to address vulnerabilities.

The protection of Hong Kongers in the UK is of paramount importance to me, and I am a firm supporter of the BNO visa scheme. We should continue to ensure there is no cap to the BNO visa scheme, and ensure that local authorities have funding specifically ringfenced to ensure the successful integration of Hong Kongers in UK communities.

The recent death of Matthew Trickett was of serious concern. We must forcibly close China's "administrative services centres" in the UK, which in fact appear to act as clandestine police stations. MI5 resources should be increasingly targeted on Chinese activities, and any individual or entity linked with a threat to Hong Kongers in the UK should be subject to strict sanctions.

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

Mhairi Fraser (Conservative Party):

I am an anti-corruption lawyer by trade, and within that remit I specialise in sanctions law. I believe that malicious Chinese actors should be subject to a much greater range of sanctions, preventing them from being able to travel to the UK, and freezing their assets, as has been implemented in relation to Russia since the invasion of Ukraine. I intend to use my professional expertise to pursue such policies in Parliament, if fortunate enough to be elected.

3. Shutting down Confucius Institutes in the UK

Mhairi Fraser (Conservative Party):

I disagree with the u-turn on Confucius Institutes in the UK, and believe they should be closed immediately, as they are so closely tied to the CCP and China's Ministry of Education. Sweden has closed all of its Confucius Institutes, and there is therefore no reason why we cannot do the same.

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

Mhairi Fraser (Conservative Party):

I believe that Hong Kong immigrants should have access to their Mandatory Provident Fund savings, and would intend to lobby HSBC - which holds around 30% of the total value of all MPF schemes - to release those savings in the first instance, while also trying to reach consensus with the Mandatory Provident Fund Authority. Hongkongers in the UK deserve to feel financially secure, and have access to the funds to which they are entitled.

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

Mhairi Fraser (Conservative Party):

I have spent a lot of time speaking to Hongkongers in Epsom - including teachers and nurses - about how difficult it has been for them to transfer to similar jobs in the UK. I think the process for applying for the requisite qualifications needs to be streamlined, and Hong Kong qualifications should be perceived to be equivalent to UK qualifications in the teaching and medical fields.

6. Improving NHS services and reducing crime in local communities

Mhairi Fraser (Conservative Party):

It was the previous Conservative MP in Epsom and Ewell, Chris Grayling, who successfully campaigned to save Epsom Hospital when it was at risk of being closed under a Labour government - I will continue in the tradition of fighting to retain NHS services in Epsom, and at a national level I believe that we should reduce waste in the NHS and ensure that the majority of funding is diverted to front line services and those who deliver them.

Tackling crime has consistently been one of my top local priorities, and I have already been in discussions with the Surrey Police and Crime Commissioner about having a more visible police presence on our streets, which I believe to be the best deterrent to crime.

You can see a full list of all the candidates for the Epsom and Ewell constituency here.

Last updated: 3/7/2024

Aldershot

Statement

Alex Baker (Labour Party):

The first thing I'd say is that we need a change. Chaotic Conservative foreign policy has weakened our alliances and undermined our reputation as upholders of international law. Sadly, for most of the past 14 years the UK Government’s approach on China has basically been the opposite to what we need, which is stability and predictability. We have lurched 180 degrees from embracing a “golden era” of bilateral relations and having a pint down the pub with Xi Jinping under the then Prime Minister, who is now Foreign Secretary. China thinks in generational terms, and we require a foreign policy that is capable of considering the bilateral relationship over a far longer timeframe and that aims above all for consistency. After 14 years of damaging Conservative inconsistency over China, Labour will bring a long-term and strategic approach to managing our relations. We will co-operate where we can, compete where we need to, and challenge where we must. We will improve the UK’s capability to understand and respond to the challenges and opportunities China poses through a long-overdue audit of our bilateral relationship and we will always act in our interests, defend our democratic values and stand up for our principles on human rights.

Most importantly, we will stand with and support members of the Hong Kong community who have relocated to the UK. Hong Kong’s new national security law is the latest degradation of the rights and freedoms of Hong Kong. My good friend and would be colleague David Lammy, the shadow Foreign Secretary, has highlighted this in Parliament and repeatedly pressed the Conservatives on the action taken to counter the threat of transnational repression, especially towards the 160,000 Hongkongers in the UK. Moreover, I know that thousands of Hongkongers still feel threatened by the Chinese government and many have a sense that the Chinese government can act with relative impunity in the UK. That is why we have pressed the government to look urgently into the security of Hongkongers. Finally, I would add that Britain is a tolerant and compassionate country. We have a proud tradition of welcoming people fleeing persecution and abuse, which is why we support schemes like Hong Kong humanitarian visas that have provided important routes for refugees seeking sanctuary.

I hope you find this note helpful. This is my home and it would mean so much to represent the place I live. Change is possible, but only if we vote for it – and I expect the final outcome will be decided by a handful of votes. If we can replace my opponent on 4th July, Hongkongers in Aldershot & Farnborough will have a strong voice in Parliament that is ready to listen to their concerns.

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

Last updated: 2/7/2024

Bracknell

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.

James Sunderland (Conservative Party): Signed

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

Last updated: 2/7/2024

Reading West and Mid Berkshire

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.

Adrian Abbs (Independent): Signed

Policy questionnaire

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

Adrian Abbs (Independent):

As China moved to a more aggressive diplomatic stance along with a very rapid increase in military size and sophistication it has become clear that the Chinese state has weaponised capitalism and is using every leaver possible against the west.

The UK should be the loudest voice in the removal of the freedoms enjoyed Hong Kong using every possible lever. We must disconnect as much as possible economically with the Chinese state as Western Funds are enabling what the Chinese state is dong.

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

Adrian Abbs (Independent):

There should be no acceptance of anyone involved in this activity. Any lever possible should be used to push back on this.

3. Shutting down Confucius Institutes in the UK

Adrian Abbs (Independent):

If the evidence is clear then I don’t see any reason why they should remain open.

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

Adrian Abbs (Independent):

Pressure on the banks involved is something we should be able to do and so yes we should be helping here.

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

Adrian Abbs (Independent):

All immigrants should have this . Not doing so wastes talent that is needed.

6. Improving NHS services and reducing crimes in local communities

Adrian Abbs (Independent):

Who designs the processes is key. For me it is doctors and nurses and then have the administrators enable those processes. The funding can then be set to support the improved processes. The same is true of crime. The experts design what’s needed. Politicians work out how to fund what’s needed through tax etc.

You can see a full list of all the candidates for the Reading West and Mid Berkshire constituency here.

Last updated: 1/7/2024

Romsey and Southampton North

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.

Geoff Cooper (Liberal Democrats): Signed

You can see a full list of all the candidates for the Romsey and Southampton North constituency here.

Last updated: 27/6/2024

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

Wokingham

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.

Lucy Demery (Conservative Party): Signed

Colin Wright (Reform UK): Signed

Policy questionnaire

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

Colin Wright (Reform UK):

There is no place for repression of Hongkongers and we need to morally and effectively support as much as is physically possible with relevant actions to make a substantive difference.

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

Colin Wright (Reform UK):

Sanctions need to hurt, be relevant and be driven through to conclusion.

3. Shutting down Confucius Institutes in the UK

Colin Wright (Reform UK):

These should never have been allowed to be set up and we need to take swift action to remove them forthwith.

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

Colin Wright (Reform UK):

Yes, anything that can be done with an MPs support has my 100% backing.

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

Colin Wright (Reform UK):

Yes Wokingham and surrounding areas are a buoyant area and we should assist in anyway feasible to ensure skills are mirrored to available employment.

6. Improving NHS services and reducing crimes in local communities

Colin Wright (Reform UK):

These are both key priorities that Reform have key strategies to ensure both have the key focus they very sorely need.

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

Last updated: 2/7/2024

Reading Central

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.

Henry Wright (Liberal Democrat): Signed

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

Last updated: 23/6/2024

Earley and Woodley

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.

Pauline Jorgensen (Conservative Party): Signed

Statement

Yuan Yang (Labour Party):

Having witnessed firsthand the crackdown on democracy in Hong Kong and tightening of free speech in China as a journalist, I stand with Hongkongers who come to the UK in search of vital freedoms. We must do more to ensure that we protect diasporas in the UK from transnational repression and harassment.

I support the BNO visa scheme and support its extension for Hongkongers born after 1997. I also believe we need to act urgently to settle the backlog of asylum cases, including from younger Hongkong activists not currently eligible for the BNO scheme.

As an immigrant myself, I understand the difficulty migrant families face, and believe we should do more to promote integration in the job market, as well as providing better language and counselling support to children in schools. I've already worked with Hongkonger community groups as a journalist, and look forward to continuing to work and advocate for you in future.

Policy questionnaire

Yuan Yang (Labour Party):

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

I believe transnational repression by authoritarian states is one of the biggest national security threats that we are yet unequipped to deal with. Hong Kongers who have settled in the UK should be defended against intrusion and surveillance, and should be supported in exercising their freedom of speech without fear. I support Vote for Hong Kong’s call for a central agency to tackle transnational repression.

As a former Financial Times journalist, I’ve written groundbreaking news stories about the extent of transnational repression facing Uyghur Muslim and Hong Kong activists in the UK. As a former journalist based in Beijing, my family and I have also been subjected to state surveillance and attempted intimidation, and so I am extremely well-placed to understand this issue.

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

I oppose the proposal, described in a briefing circulated by David Cameron’s office, to “indefinitely” pause sanctions against Chinese firms accused of human rights abuses. We need to have a consistent policy whenever we decide to take the bold move to sanction foreign officials or foreign companies, and so I support the Labour Party’s proposal for a full audit of the UK-China relationship.

3. Shutting down Confucius Institutes in the UK

Students in British universities have raised concerns over surveillance and influence enacted by Chinese government-linked actors in their campuses. We have to defend campuses against foreign interference, and in particular to defend particularly at-risk students, such as those from the Uyghur, Tibetan, Chinese and Hong Kong diasporas.

There are many things we should do to tackle on-campus interference. We are currently woefully inadequate when it comes to dealing with transnational repression. University staff as well as local police forces need to be properly trained on the topic.

As well as making sure our policing system is well-equipped to deal with transnational repression, we also have to make sure campuses are welcoming to foreign students, providing an attractive counter-offer to Chinese embassy-sponsored events, and creating open, friendly, well-integrated spaces for Chinese students overseas. We should also advance Chinese language education, including in the Cantonese language, outside of Confucius Institutes to build up that attractive counter-offer.

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

The Chinese government’s decision to withhold Mandatory Provident Fund payments from Hong Kongers in Britain is purely retaliatory. It holds hostage the economic security of tens of thousands of people. The British government should scrutinise banks operating here, in particular HSBC, and question them on why they have not granted Hong Kongers the pension contributions that they are owed.

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

Ensuring everyone has access to well-paying, good work is a core tenet of the Labour Party’s economic mission. I know personally, from my own family’s experience of immigration to the UK in the early 1990s, that it is tremendously difficult for new arrivals to find work commensurate with their skills. I’ve spoken to local Hong Kongers in Reading as well as to national Hong Kong community groups about forming policy to improve this. A lack of UK work experience is often cited by Hong Kongers as a barrier, but it should not remain so.

The Labour Party is committed to reforming the broken system of apprenticeships, to help people get on the first rung of the ladder of work experience. Companies should report data on hiring by ethnicity, so any discrimination or bias in their hiring practices can be seen and addressed. Businesses will benefit from extending opportunities to the many talented and educated workers who are arriving in our country.

We should also work with professional standard-setting bodies to better translate qualifications gained in Hong Kong to British-recognised qualifications, so that we can better absorb the diverse skills of new arrivals.

And finally, we should support the entrepreneurial spirit of Hong Kongers through lowering the barriers to gaining credit for newcomers, and supporting the small and medium-sized enterprises that are the engine of local economies.

Getting our economy back on track is the most fundamental thing the Labour Party plans to achieve to enable all of these aspirations. We have had over a decade of wage and growth stagnation under the current government and we desperately need a fresh start for our economy.

6. Improving NHS services and reducing crimes in local communities

Doctors and nurses have told me that the NHS was at peak performance when the last Labour government left office in 2010. But after fourteen years of underinvestment in our healthcare system, waiting lists are at record lengths.

The Labour Party built the NHS and will always back the NHS. Reforming the NHS is one of our five national missions. We will do this through providing more diagnostic and preventative care in the community, to catch illnesses early and make our system smarter and more efficient. We’ll also extend out-of-hours capacity in GP surgeries to cut down the backlog. Finally, our focus on mental health, and providing counseling in schools, will support young people going through difficult transitions, including the challenge of moving to a new neighborhood.

Neighbourhood police patrols, too, have been cut after over a decade of austerity in local services. The government’s decision in 2014 to not prosecute shoplifting of amounts under £200 has led to increasing levels of crime on high streets. Labour would bring back neighbourhood police patrols.

Finally, much of our current wave of crime is also a result of the cost of living crisis and the deepening poverty in our society. We need a change of government and a Labour Party that can return us to sensible economic governance and a fairer, better economy for all.

You can see a full list of all the candidates for the Earley and Woodley constituency here.

Last updated: 25/6/2024

Guildford

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.

Zöe Franklin (Liberal Democrats): Signed

Sam Peters (Green Party): Signed

Angela Richardson (Conservative Party): Signed

Statement

Zöe Franklin (Liberal Democrats):

I can assure you that the Liberal Democrats take the issues impacting Hongkongers and Hong Kong very seriously.

As a party, the Liberal Democrats stand with the people of Hong Kong.

Many Hongkongers have suffered grave persecution at the hands of the Chinese Regime and with the repeated reports of police brutality, the UK has a moral and legal duty to stand with Hongkongers and ensure no one is left behind to suffer under the Chinese Communist Party.

For too long the UK Government has failed in its duty under the Joint Declaration and international law to preserve Hong Kong’s democracy and human rights.

We believe that the Government can make no more excuses – it is time for the UK to step up, lead and take action. The UK Government must step up and hold China to account. Now is the time for the UK to consider taking China to the International Court of Justice (ICJ) over its disregard for its obligations in international law.

Now is also the time for the UK to impose Magnitsky-style sanctions on those individuals in Hong Kong and China who are responsible for human rights abuses in the peninsula. That must include Magnitsky sanctions and taking China to the International Court of Justice.

The UK Government must also conduct an audit of UK-based assets owned by Hong Kong officials involved in the crackdown and should consider declaring Hong Kong as no longer autonomous - and review whether it should continue to receive preferential customs status - until fundamental liberties are restored.

We, the Lib Dems, are urging the Government to ensure no one is left behind. Gaps in the British National Overseas (BNO) visa scheme must be plugged - to give Hongkongers a lifeboat if they need it. The UK Government must ensure that Hongkongers in the UK are given the support they need - including guaranteeing an expansion of funding for the BNO Integration Scheme, and ensuring that Hongkongers’ needs are met, including proper mental health support and English language support where appropriate.

For a more general overview of our vision for the future of the UK please see “Our Fair Deal” (What we stand for - Liberal Democrats (libdems.org.uk) – this document sets five key themes which we regard as essential to achieve what the Liberal Democrats stand for: to give everyone the power to make the most of their potential, and real freedom to decide how they live their lives.

Policy Questionnaire

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

Sam Peters (Green Party):

The growing repression of freedoms in Hong Kong must be opposed by the UK government – not only as a matter of course for any country which claims to care about democracy and human rights, but especially in this case given the shared history of the UK and Hong Kong. It is particularly concerning to see the reach that this repression extends to – even targeting Hongkongers and those believed to be connected to protest or campaign groups abroad, including in the UK. Hongkongers in Hong Kong and worldwide must have the freedom to organise, debate and decide on their own future, safe in the knowledge that global governments will afford them all necessary protections to do so with dignity and human rights upheld.

Angela Richardson (Conservative Party):

Conservatives will stand up for the rights of all people to live here safely and freely. We will not tolerate transnational repression and any attempt by any foreign power to intimidate, harass or harm individuals or communities in the UK.

In Government, the Conservatives have passed new legislation which strengthens the UK's ability to counter and disrupt foreign interference.

The Conservative Government has raised serious concerns about the new national security legislation passed under article 23 of the Basic Law in Hong Kong earlier this year. We are clear that this law has no effect in the UK.

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

Sam Peters (Green Party):

Any government officials responsible for human rights abuses must be brought to justice. The UK government must impose sanctions – legal, financial, travel and otherwise – firstly to help bring perpetrators to justice if possible, but also to set a strong precedent for the application of consistent international law both inside and outside Hong Kong. The UK loses all credibility if it talks about human rights, democracy and freedom from repression but fails to act when it has the chance to demonstrate these fundamental principles.

Angela Richardson (Conservative Party):

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 imposed sanctions against Chinese government officials for gross human rights violations in Xinjiang.

The Conservative Government has also applied sanctions in response to Chinese state-affiliated 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

Sam Peters (Green Party):

The Scottish Green party became the first major UK party to call for the termination of Confucius partnerships in schools and universities in 2021, citing similar concerns that have led to scores of institutes being shut down worldwide. The University of Surrey appears not to have a CI branch, but plenty of other universities around the UK do. The ostensibly benign goals of sharing Chinese language and culture do not justify potential issues of funding, academic freedoms, and more which have been behind the closure of CIs around the world.

Angela Richardson (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)

Sam Peters (Green Party):

While I cannot profess to have known about the Mandatory Provident Fund or issues with it prior to reading the comprehensive policy brief, the argument for the UK government to assist Hong Kong immigrants to the UK in retrieving their savings is certainly compelling. Freedom from repression must also come with a financial perspective.

Angela Richardson (Conservative Party):

If elected, I will lobby the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office to use every power and diplomatic relationship to get these pension funds released.

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

Sam Peters (Green Party):

The Green Party believes how we treat people who have chosen the UK as their home says a great deal about our values and national character. Greens are proud that we are a country forged by migrants and welcome the economic and societal contributions that immigrants and refugees make to British society. We want to promote social cohesion and support migrants to put down roots, and this includes ensuring that everyone has full opportunity to find suitable work for their skills and talents. We will invest in local councils to better their ability to provide education for immigrants including language skills and converting existing qualifications to those recognised in the UK where applicable, rather than requiring skilled workers into alternative work or to have to take qualifications from scratch despite having all the requisite knowledge.

Angela Richardson (Conservative Party):

The role of an MP is to legislate and to deal with casework for constituents on a range of issues such as immigration, benefits, housing, education and health. Whilst an MP is unable to provide employment seeking assistance, they can direct constituents to the appropriate Services and lobby to Government to ensure the best environment for job creation exists.

6. Improving NHS services and reducing crimes in local communities

Sam Peters (Green Party):

Green Party policy on the NHS and policing/crime are both extremely comprehensive. I will share the ‘headlines’ below, but also encourage a reading of our manifesto which includes large sections on health and policing (available at https://greenparty.org.uk/app/uploads/2024/06/Green-Party-2024-General-ElectionManifesto-Long-version-with-cover.pdf).

On health and the NHS, the Green Party will;

• Commit to a fully public health service including actively reversing the privatisation and marketisation of the NHS. 3 - Guarantee rapid access to a GP and same-day access in case of urgent need.

• Make essential dentistry free at the point of use.

• Address existing health disparities in factors such as race, socioeconomic status, etc.

• Increase annual expenditure by £8bn in the first year of the next parliament, rising to a total of £28bn in 2030, plus an additional capital spend of at least £20bn over the next five years. Our tax policies, including a wealth tax on billionaires which will bring in over £50bn a year, will be crucial to supporting this funding.

• Support pay restoration for NHS staff who have faced over a decade of pay freezes and cuts.

• Put mental health on parity with physical health, and support social care and community care to ensure dignity for all patients while ending the exploitation of migrant workers so often seen in outsourced social/community care settings.

• Restore local council budgets for public health, and in particular focus on preventative health (much Green policy – for example on insulation, air pollution or active travel – has knock-on benefits for public health already).

On crime, justice and policing, the Green Party will;

• Focus on the prevention of crime through restoring funding withdrawn from youth services since 2010 and through community-based policing.

• Invest £11bn in restoring the Ministry of Justice budget over the course of the next parliament, to restore legal aid budgets, ensure that the Criminal Bar is sufficiently well funded, and to repair court buildings.

• Push to recruit more judges (and ensure that they are representative of wider society), so that defendants are brought to trial quickly in the interests of both victim and the people accused.

• Expand restorative justice when crimes do take place, both to give victims a voice and to help offenders take responsibility for the harm they have done, in turn reducing recidivism rates alongside a focus on rehabilitation.

• Push Police Services to acknowledge the institutional bigotry, including racism, that have remained rooted in policing for so long. Services must expel any officers who hold views incompatible with serving as a police officer.

Angela Richardson (Conservative Party):

I know that Hong Kongers pay a Health Surcharge, which can seem expensive, however, the health service we have in the UK is exceptional in how it is free at the point of need and world leading in new technologies and treatments In Guildford, our health service is of the highest quality and I have been working since 2019 to ensure that remains the case.

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

Last updated: 14/6/2024