Parliamentary Search

Written question asked by Lord Alton of Liverpool (Crossbench) on Wednesday, 1 July 2026, in the House of Lords. It was due for an answer on Wednesday, 15 July 2026. It was answered by Baroness Chapman of Darlington (Labour) on Monday, 13 July 2026 on behalf of the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office.

Hong Kong: Oppression

Question

To ask His Majesty's Government what assessment they have made of Article 63 of the new Ethnic Unity and Progress Law introduced by the government of China, which directs Chinese authorities to act against organisations and individuals outside China for any acts that "undermine ethnic unity and progress or create ethnic division"; and in particular of its potential use as a tool in the transnational repression of the Chinese diaspora, including Hong Kongers resident in the UK.

Answer

I refer the Noble Lord to the answer provided in the House of Commons on 8 July in response to Question 15259, which - for ease of reference - has been reproduced below:

"This is a concerning development in China. We note the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights' concern that this law may entrench restrictions on the rights and freedoms of ethnic minorities in a country where the environment for freedom of religion or belief is already restrictive.

"The Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office has discussed this law with Chinese officials, stressing the importance that the law does not harm the rights of members of minority groups and that it is not applied extraterritorially. We will never tolerate attempts by foreign governments to coerce, intimidate, harass, or harm their critics overseas, and anyone caught assisting a foreign state to undermine our security will be brought to justice."

Secondary information

Type
Written question
Reference
HL1521
Session
2026-27
Related items
China: Ethnic Groups
Wednesday, 8 July 2026
Written questions
House of Commons
Grouped for answer
Yes
Subjects
Hong Kong Oppression British national (overseas)
Link
View this Written question on www.parliament.uk