Alexander Stafford – 2022 Question on the British National Overseas Visa Scheme

The question asked by Alexander Stafford, the Conservative MP for Rother Valley, in the House of Commons on 8 November 2022.

What assessment he has made of the impact of the British national overseas visa scheme on diplomatic relations with China. (902107)

The Minister of State, Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (Anne-Marie Trevelyan)

We warmly welcome all those who have taken up the BNO visa route. This route is about our relationship with Hong Kong and its people. The BNO visa scheme was introduced in response to China’s breaches of the Sino-British joint declaration, including its imposition of the national security law, which has been used to undermine rights and freedoms in Hong Kong.

Alexander Stafford

I deeply commend the Government on implementing the impressive, tailor-made British national overseas visa and standing up for the Hongkongers in the face of growing repression from Beijing. British nationals overseas are Britons, and it is important that we defend them at home and abroad. In the light of the recent assault on a Hongkonger inside the Chinese consulate in Manchester and the increasing harassment of Hongkongers by the Chinese state all over the world, will my right hon. Friend commit to protecting the British Hongkongers?

Anne-Marie Trevelyan

We are steadfast in our support of the Hong Kong BNO community. Those who choose to live their lives in the UK should enjoy the same freedoms that are afforded to any nationality. As British nationals, BNO passport holders are entitled to consulate assistance from our diplomatic posts overseas.