UK could offer 'pathway to citizenship' for Hong Kong's British passport holders
The UK could offer British National passport holders in Hong Kong a path to UK citizenship if China does not suspend plans for a security law in the territory, UK Foreign Secretary Dominic Raab says.They have the right to visit the UK for up to six months without a visa.
Announcing the possible change in policy, Mr Raab said the six-month limit on stays in the UK for BNO holders would be scrapped. China might not mind if some pro-democracy campaigners escape to the UK but the flight of talented wealth creators would be of concern, our correspondent says.Mr Raab says time limits on visits by Hong Kong BNO holders could be scrapped
Referring to the security law, she told the BBC:"This is the latest in a series of attempts by China to start to erode the joint declaration which Britain co-signed with the Chinese government when we handed over Hong Kong, and protected its special status."Former Foreign Secretary Jeremy Hunt said the UK should bring together a coalition of countries to avoid a tragedy in the territory.
On Thursday Prime Minister Boris Johnson's official spokesman told a Westminster briefing:"We are deeply concerned about China's legislation related to national security in Hong Kong.
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