HL Deb 11 September 2003 vol 652 cc139-40WA
Lord Howell of Guildford

asked Her Majesty's Government:

What discussions they have had with the Government of the People's Republic of China about current proposals to introduce a new set of "anti-subversion" laws to Hong Kong. [HL3333]

The Minister of State, Foreign and Commonwealth Office (Baroness Symons of Vernham Dean)

Article 23 of the Basic Law states that the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (SAR) shall enact national security legislation "on its own". We have therefore made frequent representations to the SAR Government on this issue, including at ministerial level.

We have also discussed the issue with the Chinese Government in general terms. My honourable friend the Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State at the Foreign and Commonwealth Office (Mr Rammell) did so with Chinese Assistant Foreign Minister Zhang Yesui in January and my right honourable friend the Foreign Secretary did so on 25 June when visiting Chinese Foreign Minister Li Zhaoxing. On 21 July, during his visit to China, my right honourable friend the Prime Minister discussed Article 23 with Chinese Premier Wen Jiabao.

We have followed this issue very closely. My honourable friend the Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State (Mr Rammell) issued press statements on 27 March and 30 June setting out views after the National Security (Legislative Provisions) Bill was introduced to the Legislative Council in February. Following a large demonstration in Hong Kong on 1 July, the Chief Executive announced significant amendments to the legislation on 5 July, including the removal of the proposed new provisions regarding the proscription of Hong Kong organisations subordinate to organisations proscribed on the Mainland on national security grounds. This had been one of the main concerns of the people of Hong Kong and of the international community. On 7 July the Chief Executive announced that passage of the legislation would be delayed to allow more time for further discussion in Hong Kong. My honourable friend the Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State (Mr Rammell) issued a press statement on 16 July welcoming these significant developments.

On 5 September the SAR Government announced that it would withdraw the Bill from the Legislative Council.

We shall continue to follow developments closely.