Davey: Chinese authorities aren’t playing ball - summon ambassador immediately

EMBARGO: IMMEDIATE RELEASE

In a statement published online by the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, the authorities refused to be drawn on why Wera Hobhouse was not allowed to enter Hong Kong last week.

The statement suggests that the authorities also refused to provide a clear explanation when the issue was raised in conversations between Trade Minister Douglas Alexander and Hong Kong’s Chief Secretary for Administration this afternoon (local time).

It follows comments earlier today by a Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson, Lin Jian. In response to a question from AFP, he did not respond to UK Government concerns and said authority lies with the Hong Kong SAR.

Responding, Liberal Democrat Leader Ed Davey said:

“These statements today from the Chinese authorities suggest that, despite ministers’ best efforts, no explanation for the appalling treatment of my colleague and friend Wera Hobhouse is going to be forthcoming. We cannot simply let this slide.

“Refusing a British Parliamentarian entry to Hong Kong for a private family visit, without reason, is an affront to UK-China diplomatic relations and will have a chilling effect on all UK politicians who speak up for freedom and democracy. That is why it is so important that we secure a statement setting out the Chinese authorities' motivations for this act.

“It’s now clearer than ever that the Chinese authorities aren’t going to play ball here. The Foreign Secretary needs to urgently take the exceptional step of summoning the Chinese Ambassador in person to provide a clear and comprehensive account of why Wera was refused entry.”

ENDS

Notes to Editor:

Statement recently published by the Government of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region is available here https://www.info.gov.hk/gia/general/202504/14/P2025041400829.htm?fontSize=1 and excerpts below:

“A HKSAR Government spokesman said that it is the Government's standing policy not to comment on individual cases. [...] In addition, the Chief Secretary for Administration, Mr Chan Kwok-ki, today afternoon met with the Minister for Trade Policy and Economic Security, UK, Mr Douglas Alexander, who is visiting Hong Kong, to exchange views on the matter. Mr Chan also reiterated the stance of the HKSAR Government during the meeting.”

Earlier, Chinese foreign ministry spokesperson Lin Jian was asked about Wera’s case by AFP at a press conference https://www.fmprc.gov.cn/mfa_eng/xw/fyrbt/202504/t20250414_11594362.html and said:

“The Hong Kong SAR government has stated its position on that. Let me stress that border entry is a matter within a country’s sovereignty. The Hong Kong SAR government has the authority to handle individual cases of entry in accordance with relevant laws and policies.”

The UK Government released a statement today. https://www.gov.uk/government/news/uk-government-statement-on-denial-of-uk-mp-to-enter-hong-kong Excerpts below.

[...] Minister Alexander raised our concerns and demanded an explanation with senior Chinese and Hong Kong interlocutors including Hong Kong’s Chief Secretary for Administration, to understand why the Hong Kong authorities refused access to a British MP. [...] As the Foreign Secretary has made clear, and Minister Alexander relayed in person, it would be unacceptable for any MP to be denied entry for simply expressing their views.