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Hong Kong Economic and Trade Office Act 1996

Asked by Mark SewardsLabourForeign, Commonwealth and Development OfficeTabled Answered 21 May 2026UIN 725

The question

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, if she will bring forward legislative proposals to repeal the Hong Kong Economic and Trade Office Act 1996.

Answered by Seema Malhotra

This Government is taking a consistent, long term, and strategic approach to managing the UK's relations with China, rooted in UK interests. The Hong Kong Economic and Trade Office Act 1996 exists to promote trade with the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, and that legitimate activity is permitted to continue. However, anyone in any organisation found to be assisting a foreign state to undermine our security will be brought to justice.

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