§ Jane GriffithsTo ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what assessment Her Majesty's Government have made of the Hong Kong legislative elections held on 24 May. [44493]
§ Mr. FatchettWe welcome the fact that these elections have been held. The high turn-out demonstrates the determination of people in Hong Kong to play a full role in the democratic process. While we retain strong concerns about the framework for the elections, particularly the sharp reduction in the franchise for the functional constituencies, we believe that the conduct of the elections reflects well on the HKSAR Government and the independent Electoral Affairs Commission, which ensured strict adherence to the rules and fair treatment for all candidates.
These elections are a step towards a legislature elected entirely through universal suffrage. We hope that the HKSAR Government will build on this achievement and work towards early realisation of this goal.