UK 6 month report on Hong Kong describes National Security law as in 'direct conflict' with Hong Kong’s Basic Law

The British Government today published its biannual six-monthly report on Hong Kong. In a foreword to the report, the UK Foreign Secretary describes the current proposals for National Security legislation as being in ‘direct conflict’ with Hong Kong’s Basic Law and the Sino-British Joint Declaration.

The report describes Simon Cheng’s treatment in detention as ‘torture’ and a ‘flagrant violation of China’s international obligations’.

The Foreign Secretary also reiterates the UK’s commitment to amend the status of BNOs if the Chinese government enact the National Security Law in Hong Kong: ‘ If China follows through with its proposed legislation, we will put in place new arrangements to allow BN(O)s to come to the UK without the current 6 month limit, enabling them to live and apply to study and work for extendable periods of 12 months, providing a path to British citizenship.’

He goes onto underline the need for a genuinely independent inquiry into police brutality during the protests, as well as the need for transparent and fair elections in September: ‘Elections provide a chance to express views peacefully, and the UK hopes September’s Legislative Council elections will be free, fair and without violence or intimidation.’

Click to read the report here.

Johnny Patterson, Director of Hong Kong Watch says:

“The six-monthly reports on Hong Kong have historically been fairly bland and insipid. The robust tone of the Foreign Secretary’s foreword reflects both a step-change in the British government’s stance and the speed with which the situation in Hong Kong has deteriorated.

The Foreign Secretary is right to underline that Simon Cheng was tortured in detention, and that this is both a flagrant violation of China’s international obligations and will inevitably increase existing divisions in Hong Kong.

His criticism of the Kangaroo-court Independent Police Complaints Commission inquiry is well-put. The George Floyd case shows the damage that unaccountable and violent policing can do to society. The first step to reconciliation in Hong Kong will be a genuinely independent inquiry into police brutality.

It is good to see the Government’s commitments to BNO reform set out in writing again, although it is vital that greater detail is provided on the substance of these reforms so that Hong Kongers are given reassurance and clarity over the future.”