Letters | Hong Kong protests and police action: the UK can no longer stand by

The actions of the Hong Kong police must be subjected to the scrutiny that they merit in this former colony and in relation to the many British passport holders

The All-Party Parliamentary Group’s inquiry aims to uncover the reality of life for those on the humanitarian front line of the crisis in Hong Kong

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Volunteer medics raise their hands as riot police (off-camera) take action during a protest march from Causeway Bay to Admiralty on September 29, 2019. Photo: K. Y. Cheng

Published: 6:30am, 19 Mar 2020Updated: 6:30am, 19 Mar 2020

The people of Hong Kong are struggling for their basic human rights and safety. Over the past several months, we have all witnessed shocking footage showing the excessive force used by the Hong Kong police. I have heard in the House of Lords a former UK police chief and other experts commenting on how the behaviour goes far beyond any accepted norm or standard.

Young people, often the same age as those who in Britain are braving the disapproval of their teachers and the doubts of parents to join climate strikes, are in Hong Kong risking life and limb, defending democracy, the rule of law and the rights they are guaranteed under the international treaty that is the Joint Declaration, of which Britain is a signatory.

We have reached a critical point in this protest movement. Britain can no longer stand by. We must subject the actions of the Hong Kong police to the scrutiny that such actions merit in this former colony and in relation to the many British passport holders.

A broad inquiry into the conduct of officials and police in Hong Kong, conducted perhaps by a major international institution, would be welcome. But, in the meantime, the All-Party Parliamentary Group on Hong Kong has launched a limited official inquiry that will aim to examine one particular issue of great international interest and with a potentially dreadful international impact: the treatment of medical and humanitarian workers and protected, known symbols of humanitarian work by the Hong Kong authorities.

This inquiry will judge the actions of the Hong Kong Police Force against internationally recognised humanitarian principles, international human rights laws and the Sino-British Joint Declaration.

It marks a defining moment for both Britain’s parliament and Hong Kong. Our group wants to listen to Hongkongers and the many constituents in Britain that support them.

Once we have collected and analysed the evidence submitted to us, we will publish a selection of accounts in a final report which we will submit to government. It will then be down to government to respond.