UK condemns arrest of overseas Britishers in Hong Kong

Foreign Secretary Lammy Tuesday called for repeal of 'extra-territorial' National Security Law.

File photo of UK foreign secretary David Lammy | Reuters

New Delhi: UK Foreign Secretary David Lammy condemned the arrest of several individuals in Hong Kong under the National Security Law, including British National Overseas (BNO) passport holders living in the UK.

 

In a statement released on Christmas Eve, Lammy took note of the arrests made on Christmas Eve.

“We will not tolerate any attempts by foreign Governments to coerce, intimidate, harass, or harm their critics overseas, especially in the UK,” he said.

The Foreign Secretary called for a repeal of the National Security law, calling it “extraterritorial”.

“We call on Beijing to repeal the National Security Law, including its extraterritorial reach. And we call on the Hong Kong authorities to end their targeting of individuals in the UK and elsewhere who stand up for freedom and democracy,” his statement read.

“The UK will always stand up for the rights of the people of Hong Kong. This Government is deeply committed to supporting all members of the Hong Kong community who have relocated to the UK and made valuable contributions to life in the UK. Ensuring their continued safety remains a priority,” Lammy added.