Written question asked by Madeleine Moon (Labour) on Wednesday, 16 October 2019, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Monday, 21 October 2019. It was answered by Heather Wheeler (Conservative) on Wednesday, 23 October 2019 on behalf of the Foreign and Commonwealth Office.

Hong Kong: Demonstrations

Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs, what discussions he has had with his Hong Kong counterparts on the use of excessive police force against protesters.

Answer: We remain seriously concerned by the situation in Hong Kong and recent violent clashes between protesters and the police. It is essential that protests are conducted peacefully and within the law, and that the response of the authorities is proportionate. On 9 August, the Foreign Secretary spoke at length to the Hong Kong Chief Executive, Carrie Lam, about the police response to recent protests, and the UK Consul-General in Hong Kong is in regular contact with the authorities, including on this issue. We have made clear our view that there must be a robust, credible and independent investigation into events in Hong Kong. An inquiry is an important step in healing divisions and rebuilding trust that will support the process of dialogue and resolution.

Secondary information