Government Response

The Government responded to this petition on Wednesday 2nd August 2023

We keep all sanctions designations under close and regular review. We do not speculate about future sanctions designations, as to do so could reduce their impact.

We have been clear on our strong opposition to the continued erosion of rights and freedoms in Hong Kong. Actions by the Hong Kong and Chinese authorities, including China’s imposition of the National Security Law, have stifled opposition and criminalised dissent. Alternative voices in Hong Kong’s executive, legislature, civil society and media have been all but extinguished. Changes to electoral rules have further eroded the ability of Hong Kongers to be legitimately represented at all levels of government.

China is in ongoing non-compliance with the legally-binding Sino-British Joint Declaration. The Foreign Secretary outlined our objections to Chinese Vice President Han Zheng on 5 May and at the UN Human Rights Council in February.

The UK will continue to stand up for the rights of the people of Hong Kong, as we have demonstrated by introducing the bespoke immigration route for British National (Overseas) (BN(O)) status holders and their eligible family members. As of 31 March, 172,500 applications have been made and 166,420 visas granted.

We have taken a number of measures in response to the situation in Hong Kong, such as suspending our extradition treaty with Hong Kong and extending our arms embargo on mainland China to Hong Kong.

We will continue to act as a convening power, bringing our international partners together to stand up for the people of Hong Kong and to call out the violations of their rights and freedoms. We keep all sanctions designations under close and regular review. However, it is not appropriate to speculate about future sanctions designations as to do so could reduce their impact.

Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office