Lisa Nandy MP, Labour’s Shadow Foreign Secretary, responding to the extension of visa rights for British nationals overseas in Hong Kong, said:

“Labour welcomes the Government’s announcement that steps will now be taken to give British Nationals Overseas (BNOs) passport holders greater visa rights to come to the UK. This is an important first step in fulfilling our longstanding obligation to the people of Hong Kong and reflects the seriousness of the threat posed by China’s approval of new national security legislation earlier today.

“The UK must now go further and ensure that the issue of Hong Kong is on the agenda when world leaders meet at next month’s G7 summit. The events in Hong Kong over recent days represent a concerted effort to erode the Joint Declaration and undermine protected freedoms in Hong Kong. It represents a challenge to our values. Now is not the moment for the UK to turn away from our international obligations.”