Tom Gordon challenges government to protect Hong Kongers in Britain

On Tuesday, Tom Gordon raised the issues facing Hong Kongers living in Harrogate and Knaresborough who travelled to Britain on BNO (British National Overseas) passports, and are facing trans national persecution by China. 

Since his election, Tom has visited a number of local businesses in Harrogate that are owned and run by Hong Kongers, and have become an important part of the community. 

However, there is concern amongst the community from Hong Kong that China will take action against their community, and that fear of this happening may lead them to close their businesses and withdraw from the community to stay under the radar and avoid the persecution. 

In Parliament, Tom asked what work the Government is doing to reassure and protect the Hong Konger community from such actions as trans national repression, bounties and arrest warrants. 

The Minister’s response was poor, and failed to address the question, stating that Hong Kongers should refer to one of the 12 hubs set up around the country to support the BNO community, and an offer of a fuller response. 

Commenting, Tom said:

“Today’s response will provide little comfort for my constituents who worry about their future here in the United Kingdom. 

“They should not need to worry – in Britain they should be sure that they will be free from trans-national persecution. 

“They should be able to fully engage with and contribute to our society, as they have already been doing. 

“It would be a tragedy for this community to end up closeted and hidden away. We cannot let that happen. 

“The Government must act to make it clear to China that trans national persecution will not be tolerated and will be cracked down on.”

ENDS