MP Detained in Hong Kong: A Call for Answers
Wera Hobhouse, the Liberal Democrat MP for Bath, was barred from entering Hong Kong during a recent trip to visit her family. Detained at the airport for five hours, Hobhouse claims her deportation was an attempt to silence her as a vocal critic of Beijing’s human rights record. The incident has sparked outrage among UK lawmakers, prompting calls for government intervention and clarification from Chinese authorities.
MP Detained in Hong Kong: A Call for Answers
Wera Hobhouse traveled to Hong Kong with her husband to see their son and newborn grandson. Upon arrival, while her husband was processed quickly and allowed entry, Hobhouse was taken aside for questioning. She reported being held for five hours without any clear reason given for her detention. Speaking on BBC’s Newscast, Hobhouse expressed her frustration, stating, “They said not to worry at first, just a few questions to answer.” Despite her relatively low profile regarding China, she suspects her involvement with the Inter-Parliamentary Alliance on China (Ipac) may have played a role in her treatment.
Hobhouse emphasized her commitment to human rights, stating, “I was only standing up for our values.” She expressed concern that her deportation could be a tactic to intimidate her and others who advocate for democracy and liberty. “It would be terrible if China uses this now to intimidate me,” she added, highlighting the chilling effect such actions could have on political discourse.
Political Backlash and Calls for Action
The incident has drawn significant attention from fellow MPs, with many expressing solidarity with Hobhouse. Foreign Secretary David Lammy has pledged to address the situation with Hong Kong and Beijing authorities, demanding an explanation for the denial of entry. He stated, “It would be unacceptable for an MP to be denied entry for simply expressing their views as a parliamentarian.”
Lib Dem Leader Sir Ed Davey has called for Lammy to summon the Chinese ambassador, insisting that the Chinese government must not be allowed to undermine UK democracy by intimidating its parliamentarians. Hobhouse herself has urged the government to reassure MPs that such treatment will not be tolerated, stating, “I want some answers.” The incident raises broader concerns about the diplomatic norms that allow politicians to travel freely between nations.
Concerns Over Diplomatic Relations
Hobhouse’s experience comes on the heels of another incident where two Labour MPs were denied entry to Israel during a visit to the occupied West Bank. She described the situation as “very chilling,” noting that authoritarian regimes are increasingly disregarding diplomatic protocols. “The diplomatic understanding in which we allow politicians into each other’s countries seems to be collapsing,” she remarked.
In light of her experience, Hobhouse has ruled out seeking permission from the Chinese embassy to enter Hong Kong, stating that her family will meet elsewhere. She also speculated on the timing of her detention, coinciding with the UK government’s efforts to take control of the Chinese-owned British Steel plant in Scunthorpe. “They want something from us,” she warned, urging a cautious approach to relations with China and emphasizing the need to protect critical national infrastructure. The Chinese Embassy has been contacted for comment regarding the incident, but no response has been received yet.
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