Responding to China imposing sweeping electoral changes in Hong Kong, Liberal Democrats Spokesperson for Foreign Affairs Layla Moran MP said: “This amending of the Basic Law by China’s rubber-stamp legislature is a clear breach of the Joint Declaration. The Government must respond with firm action, as it has done elsewhere – words of condemnation have done nothing to protect Hong Kong’s democracy.
“The UK is failing in its duty under the Joint Declaration and international law to preserve Hong Kong’s institutions and human rights. Any red line has been crossed. If Dominic Raab won’t stand up now and act, when?
“The Liberal Democrats will stand, as we always have, with the people of Hong Kong. The Government can make no more excuses – it is time for the UK to step up, lead and take action. That must include Magnitsky sanctions and taking China to the International Court of Justice. And gaps in the BNO visa scheme must be plugged to give all Hong Kongers a lifeboat if they need it.”