Hong Kong: Government must act to prevent end of democracy

Today, Liberal Democrat Foreign Affairs spokesperson Layla Moran, has challenged the Government to set out a clear plan to protect Hong Kong's democracy & Basic Law*.   Layla has called on new Magnitsky sanctions and bringing the case to the International Court of Justice.   Layla Moran secured an Urgent Question in Parliament about the proposed reforms to Hong Kong’s electoral system by the Chinese Government. Under the plans, people wishing to stand for election in Hong Kong will have to be approved as ‘patriots’ by a panel of Communist Party officials.   Layla said the Government had a “legal obligation” to act and that “bullies” like China "only understand words when they are followed by action.   Speaking after her Urgent Question to the Minister for Asia, Layla Moran said: “I urge the Government to take immediate action to protect Hong Kong, its democracy and human rights, as it is obliged to do under international law. Enough is enough.   “With almost every prominent member of the democratic movement in jail, the BBC banned in China and our Ambassador rebuked just yesterday for standing up for a free press, the Foreign Secretary and the Government must take a stand.    “Liberal Democrats will stand, as we always have, with the people of Hong Kong, whose democracy is under threat, and stand up to China’s attempts to erase free and fair elections. The Government can make no more excuses - it is time for the UK to step up on the world stage, lead and take action. That must include Magnitsky sanctions and taking China to the International Court of Justice. Any red line has surely been crossed.”   *Under the Sino-British Joint Declaration, the UK and China are obliged to protect and maintain Hong Kong’s Basic Law and democratic system until 2047.