Cathay Pacific’s chief quits over ‘support’ for Hong Kong protests
THE British-born boss of Cathay Pacific has resigned amid pressure from the Chinese authorities as pro-democracy protests continue in Hong Kong.
Rupert Hogg will stand down on Monday, days after the company provoked a backlash on the mainland by appearing to endorse the right of its employees to join the demonstrations.
John Slosar, Cathay’s chairman, said: “Recent events have called into question Cathay Pacific’s commitment to flight safety and security and put our reputation and brand under pressure.”
A new management team was needed to “reset confidence”, he added.
Mr Hogg’s departure was first disclosed by state broadcaster CCTV, underlining the politically charged nature of the decision. Cathay’s chairman had at first said that the company “wouldn’t dream” of telling staff what to think.
But China’s aviation authority then banned Cathay staff who protested from working on flights into the mainland, citing safety concerns. Cathay stocks dropped 7 per cent, and the company reversed its stance, warning staff they could be fired for participating in “illegal protests”.
Yesterday, two MPS called on the UK to directly condemn Beijing for failing to hold up its end of the Sino-british Joint Declaration and demanded the consideration of sanctions against Chinese officials and companies.
Thousands gathered in a public square in Hong Kong’s business district to hear messages of support from Heidi Allen, the independent MP, and Tom Watson, the deputy Labour leader.
“What is happening in Hong Kong is truly a human rights crisis in the making,” said Ms Allen, in a message read to the crowd. “We mustn’t allow China to ... bully us into submission, and relinquish our responsibilities.”
Mr Watson, in a recorded address, said: “This slow erosion of your freedoms is precisely what the Sino-british Joint Declaration was supposed to avoid when Britain signed that agreement in 1984.”
Protesters first came out against a now-suspended extradition proposal, though have stayed in the streets to demand the formal withdrawal of the bill. Calls have also expanded to include broader political reforms.
Mr Watson said the extradition bill “clearly breaches that understanding and starts to align Hong Kong’s legal system with that of China; this is not acceptable. The UK must not sit idly by as Hong Kongers lose their rights”. Cheers erupted in response.
Joshua Wong, a protest leader, urged Boris Johnson to intervene yesterday, warning of the threat of a “new Tiananmen massacre” and asking the Prime Minister to “at least make a phone call” to tell Beijing not to send in troops.
He told The Daily Telegraph Britain had a “moral responsibility” to stand up for Hong Kong, and said it was also in the UK’S business interests to prevent the erosion of freedoms.