MPs back Hong Kong visa relaxations
Almost 90,000 Hongkongers applied to come to the UK between February and the end of September under under the BNO - British National (Overseas) - visa scheme.
At least a dozen Conservative MPs are supporting the amendment, including former party leader Iain Duncan Smith, and chairman of the House of Commons foreign affairs select committee, Tom Tugendhat.“The BNO scheme is a great success story which the government should take credit for, but sadly the current scheme does not cover many of the brave young activists in Hong Kong,” said Mr Duncan Smith.“Many of these pro-democracy campaigners are in danger of being prosecuted by the intolerant Chinese Communist party and its representatives in Hong Kong. I urge the government to think carefully about helping these people, too.”Mr Green added: “My amendment would mandate a simple rule change that would ensure our immigration system offers a lifeline to the young people who need it most.“If we do not rationalise the policy in this way, many of these people will inevitably end up claiming asylum because they face political prosecution.”
Read more news and views from David Sapsted.
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