Thank you for contacting me about the situation in Hong Kong.

The UK takes extremely seriously its longstanding duty to uphold the implementation of the Sino-British Joint Declaration. It is a legally binding treaty, registered with the UN, and remains in force until 2047. It is important that the basic freedoms enshrined in the Sino-British Joint Declaration are maintained. All rights and principles in that agreement have to be respected, not just by Hong Kong but by the Chinese authorities as well.

The Foreign Secretary raised Hong Kong, and the importance of the Joint Declaration, with Chinese State Councillor Wang Yi on 31 July. He also spoke to Hong Kong Chief Executive Carrie Lam on 9 August, when he noted the UK’s support for Hong Kong's high degree of autonomy, and its commitment to 'One Country, Two Systems'. The Prime Minister also discussed developments in Hong Kong with other leaders at the recent G7 Summit.

The UK government is monitoring closely the events in Hong Kong, speaking publicly on issues of concern.