UK’s position ‘ clear’ as China urged to change course on Hong Kong

THE UK has called on China to change course over its approach to Hong Kong as the Government came under pressure to lead a global response to the crisis.

Downing Street said the UK’s position was “very clear” and the Government had been working with allies to press for a solution which respects Hong Kong’s autonomy from Beijing.

Seven former Foreign Secretaries urged Boris Johnson to form a global alliance to co-ordinate the international response.

But the Prime Minister’s official spokesman said: “We have been very clear about our position. We set out our concerns in a joint statement with the US, Canada and Australia last Thursday.

“The UK also raised the issue at the Security Council on Friday.

“We will continue to call on China to change their approach and to press for a solution which respects Hong Kong’s autonomy and the provisions of the joint declaration.”

China’s ceremonial legislature, the National People’s Congress, endorsed a security law for Hong Kong earlier this week that has strained relations with the UK and the US.

The law will alter the territory’s mini-constitution, or Basic Law, to require its government to enforce measures to be decided later by Chinese leaders.

According to the BBC, former Foreign secretaries Jeremy Hunt, David Miliband, Jack Straw, Lord Hague, Sir Malcolm Rifkind, Lord Owen and Dame Margaret Beckett

urged Mr Johnson to establish an “international contact group” of allies to co-ordinate any joint intervention action.

Tensions between the UK and Beijing are likely to be heightened by the ongoing row over Chinese tech giant Huawei’s ability to play a role in Britain’s 5G network.