Inquiry launched into role of British banks in Hong Kong in ‘suppression’ of rights
- Britain’s All-Party Parliamentary Group (APPG) on Hong Kong will consider whether banks including HSBC helped China punish pro-democracy activists
- The inquiry is seeking witness statements from activists who have had their bank accounts frozen, as happened to fugitive former lawmaker Ted Hui Chi-fung
The All-Party Parliamentary Group (APPG) on Hong Kong, which includes both unelected peers and MPs, is asking for written witness statements from activists who have had their bank accounts frozen.
The aim is to determine if British banks contributed to the suppression of human rights in Hong Kong, including freedom of expression, movement, assembly and property. The inquiry also seeks to establish if the actions of the banks create any risk to Britain.
“These banks benefit from the UK government’s commitment to the rule of law and respect for human rights, and as such these are principles they should be expected to uphold when conducting their business abroad,” said the co-chairs of the group, Labour’s Alistair Carmichael MP and Green Party Peer Natalie Bennett.
“This inquiry will aim to establish whether UK banks are affording Hongkongers the rights and dignity they deserve and shed new light on the responsibilities of such businesses operating in foreign jurisdictions.”
The move follows a January meeting of the Foreign Affairs Select Committee which saw HSBC’s CEO Noel Quinn defend his bank’s move to freeze the accounts of fugitive former opposition lawmaker Ted Hui Chi-fung and his family.