Oppression: Hong Kong
The question
To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, what assessment she has made of confidence among Hong Kongers in the United Kingdom in the Government's mechanisms for reporting and responding to incidents of transnational repression; and what steps she is taking to address victims' concerns about those mechanisms.
Answered by Dame Angela Eagle
The Government recognises the importance of confidence in reporting mechanisms for transnational repression (TNR), including among Hong Kongers in the UK. Officials engaged with victims, community leaders, and civil society during the Defending Democracy Taskforce’s review of TNR. This engagement has and will continue at both Ministerial and official levels, ensuring our response remains responsive to the evolving nature of the threat.
The Government has taken steps to strengthen confidence in existing mechanisms, including publishing practical guidance on GOV.UK. Counter Terrorism Policing have rolled out training across all police forces to ensure reports are handled sensitively and escalated appropriately.
The Government carefully considered whether to introduce a dedicated hotline. Following consultation with CTP, it has been assessed that existing reporting routes, through 101 and 999, provide the most effective and proportionate means of handling reports. Language support, including translation services, is embedded within these mechanisms, and work is ongoing to ensure interpreters understand the nature of TNR and support accurate referrals.
Verbatim has judged this answer against the question that was actually asked — answered, partly answered, or evaded. Sign in to see the verdict →