Honour is not a word often used in contemporary politics. Thus the resignation of British Paymaster General David Willetts over his role in the investigation into the 'cash for questions' scandal is a pleasant surprise.
Nicknamed 'Two Brains' because of his intelligence and ability, Mr Willetts was one of the brightest member of Prime Minister John Major's team.
When a House of Commons Select Committee inquiry into the cash for questions scandal severely criticised Mr Willetts' actions, he immediately stood down. Many were shocked that an MP actually did the decent thing.
The question of whether parliament has done the honourable and decent thing in the case of Hong Kong will come under intense international scrutiny in the run-up to the handover on June 30.
As the compelling story of 1997 unfolds, many people are waiting with bated breath to see how the communist giant will deal with the 6.2 million Hong Kong people.
The future of Hong Kong was decided in the early 1980s by Sino-British negotiations in which the local people played no part.