Letters | Hong Kong national security law: why Boris Johnson’s offer to worried Hongkongers feels more ominous than generous

Name: Boris Johnson vows to change visa system for Hongkongers under national security law
Uploaded: 2020-06-11T22:25:05.000Z
Duration: 3 min 8 s
Description: Boris Johnson vows to change visa system for Hongkongers under national security law

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Boris Johnson, then mayor of London, waves as he crosses Victoria Harbour on the Star Ferry during his visit to Hong Kong in October 2013, while on the last leg of a trade mission to China aimed at promoting the British capital as a major investment destination. He took over as prime minister in July 2019. Photo: AFP

Letters

Published: 6:25am, 12 Jun 2020Updated: 6:25am, 12 Jun 2020

As a Briton living in Hong Kong, Prime Minister Boris Johnson’s offer comes as somewhat of a surprise (“Britain to offer alternative for Hongkongers fearing for their way of life”, June 3). In wishing to persuade almost half of the entire population of Hong Kong to decamp to Old Blighty, your motives are in immediate question.

On the face of it, it would seem the United Kingdom is finally showing the magnanimous leadership you suggest China adopt. However, this warm glow of pride quickly dissipates into a feeling of distinct unease, remembering instead your anti-immigration stance of days gone by.

First, must the UK wade into the affairs of a former colony, even under the pretext of a China threat? Only recently has a shiny new generation grown up here, free from imperialist clutches. “What handover?” they utter, confused. Let us enlighten you, dear young person. It is only just over 20 years since Britain released its colonial grasp on this tiny city and yet, here it is again, ready to meddle in your affairs with gusto.

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Boris Johnson vows to change visa system for Hongkongers under national security law

Hongkongers might ponder this “kindly” offer: “It’ll do as a spare passport, a backup plan, in case the proverbial s*** really hits the fan.” For a start, to rally the troops in the fight for human rights, they will need all the numbers they can get.

Yes, Boris, you will well and truly rip out the rug from under the feet of those brave, masked protesters. Their cause will be severely weakened by supporters jumping ship. What would be left except a splintered city with little option but to accede to outside powers?

Don’t get me wrong. As a humanitarian, I support the provision of asylum and welcome attempts to right the wrongs of the past. However, this feels simply ominous.

Hannah Standring, Lamma

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Letters | Hong Kong national security law: why Boris Johnson’s offer to worried Hongkongers feels more ominous than generous