Britain calls for ‘full respect’ of Hong Kong’s rights and freedoms, as pro-independence party faces shutdown threat
Statement from foreign office says it is concerned about authorities’ proposal to ban Hong Kong National Party
Britain and the United States voiced concerns on Wednesday over the Hong Kong government’s unprecedented attempt to ban a separatist party, calling for the city’s high degree of autonomy, rights and freedoms to be respected.
Party co-founder Andy Chan Ho-tin revealed on Wednesday morning that police had handed him a 700-page stack of documents, largely comprising transcripts of speeches he had given and events he had attended.
The small group of about 50 members was given 21 days to submit a written reply to contest the ban.
In a statement released in the early hours of Wednesday, the British foreign office said: “We note with concern the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region government plans to prohibit the continued operation of the Hong Kong National Party.”