Hong Kong Watch welcomes UK Government suspension of extradition treaty with Hong Kong

Hong Kong Watch today supports the UK Government taking further steps to respond to the introduction of the National Security Law in Hong Kong, including joining Canada, Australia, and the USA, in suspending its Extradition Treaty and extending the UK’s arms embargo to cover Hong Kong.

The UK Foreign Secretary also outlined further details of the likely timeline for the implementation of the Government’s BNO policy, conversations he is having with like minded diplomatic partners to ensure there is an International Lifeboat scheme for Hong Kongers in need of a lifeline, and guaranteed that the UK Government would consider additional action if the National Security Law is used to undermine September’s Legislative Council elections.

Commenting on the Foreign Secretary’s statement on the National Security Law, Johnny Patterson, Hong Kong Watch’s Director, said:

“We welcome the UK Government joining the US, Canada, and Australia, in suspending its Extradition Treaty with Hong Kong in response to the National Security Law, and hope other countries will support the joint-campaign by Hong Kong Watch and the Inter-Parliamentary Alliance on China to ensure that no individual is extradited to Hong Kong under this vague and draconian National Security Law.

It is paramount now that the Government moves fast to announce the specific details of its policy for British National Overseas Passport holders and young pro-democracy activists who are not covered by the scheme, continues to work with like minded partners as part of an International Lifeboat Scheme, and addresses our concerns about the proposed six-month delay.”

 For further information: https://www.hongkongwatch.org/extradition