Very often foreign politicians will meddle in Hong Kong politics to win support from their electorate at home, or perhaps to cover up their own faults or scandals at home. Former US secretary of state Mike Pompeo was well versed in these tactics. Just a few days before he left office, he slapped US sanctions on more Chinese officials, including Mr Tam Yiu-chung, a member of the Standing Committee of the National People’s Congress, due to their staunch support for our national security law. With this move, Pompeo made headlines again at home and abroad. Pompeo’s action smacks of double standards, especially when, in dealing with the riot at Capitol Hill , strict legal action was taken against the rioters. In contrast, US politicians called the protests in Hong Kong in 2019 “peaceful” and praised the rioters, turning a blind eye to all the dire consequences of the turmoil, including ordinary Hongkongers being physically injured . Given the outbreak of serious violence, it is not hard to imagine how devastating the unrest was back in 2019, and how much anger the protesters aroused in Hong Kong people. On Thursday, the central government announced sanctions against Pompeo and other anti-China former US officials. Many Hongkongers are jubilant at the deserved punishment. In the United Kingdom, some unprecedented action was taken against Hong Kong. British Foreign Secretary Dominic Raab called David Perry QC “mercenary” for acting for the Hong Kong Department of Justice to prosecute Jimmy Lai Chee-ying and others. That’s politicking, smearing the Hong Kong government at the expense of the legal profession. Worse, I was deeply dismayed by the fact that such a statement was made by someone with a legal background. Unfair pressure on top British barrister Unfortunately, Mr Perry has now decided to quit the role of prosecution in the case. It is very likely that, under pressure from Mr Raab and others, he had no choice but to quit. We have ushered in the new year, but the world is still struggling with the Covid-19 pandemic, as vaccines are gradually being rolled out. I suggest these foreign leaders mind their own business at home and stop meddling in Hong Kong affairs. In stark contrast, China has successfully contained the spread of Covid-19, and is now in a position to offer assistance to countries in need, including by supplying them with Chinese-developed vaccines. Holden Chow, member, Legislative Council of Hong Kong; Democratic Alliance for the Betterment and Progress of Hong Kong