Urgent question after violence in Hong Kong
22 July 2019 (updated on 22 July 2019)
Foreign Affairs Committee Member and Hornsey and Wood Green MP, Catherine West, asked an urgent question in the Commons after violence in Hong Kong.
The urgent question follows an a violent attack on pro-democracy protesters in the Yuen Long area. Protestors are demonstrating against a controversial extradition bill which would allow suspected criminals to be sent to mainland China for trial. 45 people were injured when a group of masked men, suspected to have triad links, attacked protestors and passers-by on Sunday evening.
Responding to the urgent question, Dr Andrew Murrison MP, Minister of State (Foreign and Commonwealth Office) spoke for the Government saying;
"We must not let the violent actions of a few overshadow the fact that hundreds of thousands of people took part in the march yesterday and did so in a peaceful and lawful manner […] the Government remains fully committed to upholding Hong Kong's high degree of autonomy, rights and freedoms."
Following up on her urgent question, Catherine West asked the Foreign Office to push for clarification from Hong Kong that the extradition bill would be suspended, and for a continued commitment to addressing concerns that Hong Kong's freedoms, set out in the Joint Declarations, are being eroded.
- Watch Parliament TV: urgent question on Hong Kong
- Read Commons Hansard: urgent question on Hong Kong
- Read previous Commons news: urgent question asked on the impact of the Hong Kong Extradition Bill
- Read previous Commons news: urgent question as Hong Kong protests continue
Follow the @HouseofCommons on Twitter for updates on the UK House of Commons Chamber.
Image: David Iliff
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