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British MP Denied Entry to Hong Kong, Sparks Diplomatic Concerns
David Lammy, the UK Foreign Secretary, has expressed serious concern following the denial of entry to British MP Wera Hobhouse at Hong Kong’s airport. This incident, which occurred during Hobhouse’s personal trip to visit her son and newborn grandson, has drawn attention to the ongoing tensions surrounding freedom of movement and political expression in the region.
The Liberal Democrat representative stated that her refusal marked the first time a British parliamentarian had been barred from entering Hong Kong since the territory was returned to Chinese sovereignty in 1997. She described the situation as not only “cruel” but also an affront to the dignity of parliamentarians everywhere.
In an interview with the Sunday Times, Hobhouse recounted the emotional moment she was prevented from seeing her son upon arrival. “My son was waiting at the other end at arrivals. I couldn’t even see him and give him a hug and I hadn’t seen him in a year,” she lamented.
As a member of the Inter-Parliamentary Alliance on China (Ipac), which monitors human rights issues in relation to Beijing, Hobhouse noted that no rationale was offered for her exclusion.
In response, Lammy stated, “It is deeply concerning to hear that an MP on a personal trip has been refused entry to Hong Kong. We will urgently raise this with the authorities in Hong Kong and Beijing to demand an explanation.” He emphasized the untenability of barring MPs simply for their opinions, asserting that such actions further undermine Hong Kong’s standing in the international community.
Reports from the Sunday Times indicated alarming details surrounding Hobhouse’s treatment at the airport. She had her passport taken, was interrogated about her profession and the purpose of her journey, and her luggage was inspected before she was escorted away. “When I was given the decision my voice was shaking and I was just saying: ‘Why, please explain to me?’” she recounted.
Her colleagues in Parliament expressed their dismay at the situation. Lib Dem leader Sir Ed Davey condemned the action as “heartless” and “totally unacceptable.”
The Ipac stated that Hobhouse’s refusal was likely connected to her vocal criticism of China’s human rights abuses and her affiliation with the alliance, characterizing the incident as a violation of democratic values and personal rights. Additionally, Hobhouse has actively campaigned against China’s human rights violations in Tibet and the suppression of free speech in Hong Kong.
This episode is not an isolated case. China has previously denied entry to other British MPs, including members of Ipac such as Sir Iain Duncan Smith and Nusrat Ghani. Former security minister Tom Tugendhat has also faced similar restrictions.
A week prior to Hobhouse’s ordeal, Lammy criticized the Israeli government for barring entry to Labour MPs Abtisam Mohamed and Yuan Yang due to their remarks regarding the Gaza conflict.
The Hong Kong government has yet to comment on this development, with inquiries made by Agence France-Presse.
With contributions from Agence France-Presse and Press Association
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