Urgent question asked on the impact of the Hong Kong Extradition Bill
10 June 2019 (updated on 10 June 2019)
Catherine West, MP for Hornsey and Wood Green and member of the Foreign Affairs Committee, asked the Government about the impact of the Hong Kong Extradition Bill on the Sino-British Joint Declaration.
The urgent question comes after thousands of people in Hong Kong held protests against a controversial extradition bill which would allow suspected criminals to be sent to mainland China for trial.
Since July 1997, the Foreign Secretary has reported to Parliament at 6-monthly intervals on the implementation of the Sino-British Joint Declaration on the Question of Hong Kong.
Mark Field, Minister of State for Asia and the Pacific, responded on behalf of the Government, saying;
"We shall […] continue to stress to the Hong Kong and Chinese authorities that for confidence in the 'One country, two systems' to be maintained, Hong Kong must enjoy the full measure of the high degree of autonomy and rule of law as set out in both the Joint Declaration and enshrined in basic law."
Following up on her question, Catherine West said;
"We have a long and enduring history with Hong Kong, with lasting political, economic and cultural ties, and as we mark the 21st anniversary of handover next month, it's crucial that we keep our promise that Hong Kong will never walk alone."
- Watch Parliament TV: Urgent Question asked on the impact of the Hong Kong Extradition Bill
- Read Commons Hansard: Urgent Question on the impact of the Hong Kong Extradition Bill
- Find out more about the Sino-British Joint Declaration (external site)
Image: David Iliff
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