Liberal Democrats pledge to reopen BNO passports to Hong Kong citizens and extend right of abode to all holders

Jo Swinson, Leader of the Liberal Democrats

The Liberal Democrats today made a major BNO commitment in their Manifesto on 20 November for the upcoming General Election. In the Manifesto they pledge that a Liberal Democrat government will "[h]onour our legal and moral duty to the people of Hong Kong by reopening the British National Overseas Passport offer, extending the scheme to provide the right to abode to all holders."

Writing in The Independent, the Liberal Democrat parliamentary candidate for the Cities of London and Westminster​ Chuka Umunna pledged that a Liberal Democrat government will fulfil the UK’s obligations and promises made to Hong Kong by reopening the offer of British National (Overseas) (BNO) passports to Hong Kong citizens and extending the rights to include the right of abode in the UK. Umunna wrote that the violent repression of protestors in Hong Kong by Hong Kong Police Force and the Hong Kong government are clear proof that China has reneged on its promises under the Sino-British Joint Declaration and stressed that it is unforgivable that “the UK government has thus far turn a blind eye to the situation failing to show any leadership or take decisive action”. Upholding democracy, human rights and the rule of law will be at the heart of a Liberal Democrat government and by taking tangible actions the UK will live up to its promises and duty to Hong Kong.

The late Paddy Ashdown, one of the founding patrons of Hong Kong Watch and former leader of Liberal Democrats, has been advocating tirelessly for the extension of rights to BNO holders. Hong Kong Watch has continued his work and legacy and called on the UK government and parliamentarians to take actions to recognise and extend the rights to BNO.