Several surveys conducted by Hong Kong people’s organizations in the UK have shown that the vast majority of respondents agree with the British government’s efforts to crack down on the Chinese Communist Party’s overseas police stations, restrict the activities of CCP political agents in the UK, shut down Confucius Institutes, sanction officials from Hong Kong and China, and dismantle Hong Kong’s economic and trade office in the UK.
Additionally, the groups are concerned about Hong Kong political prisoners being denied BNO visas after release from prison for being detained for over a year. They plan to present their concerns to the new government after the UK general election scheduled for Thursday (4th).
The survey, conducted from June 5 to June 27 by organizations such as “UK Welcomes Refugees,” “Ficus Rumphii Humanitarian Support Fund,” and “West Midlands Support HongKonger CIC,” was carried out in the form of an online questionnaire. It was overseen by social policy and public administration scholar, former Deputy CEO of the Hong Kong Public Opinion Research Institute (PORI) Mr. Chung Kim Wah. A total of 843 Hong Kong residents in the UK participated, covering their views on employment, housing, education, healthcare, social welfare, foreign policy, and treatment of political refugees.
The results of the survey indicate that over 90% of respondents “strongly agree” or “agree” with measures to crack down on CCP overseas police stations, restrict CCP political agents’ activities in the UK, close Confucius Institutes, replace Chinese surveillance equipment in public facilities, limit sensitive Chinese industries (technology, semiconductors) in the UK, sanction officials from Hong Kong and China, and support the UK government in preventing CCP infiltration in various forms.
Moreover, over 80% of respondents “strongly agree” or “agree” to end the “twin city” partnerships between UK cities and Chinese mainland cities and to shut down Hong Kong’s economic and trade office in the UK.
The survey suggests that Hong Kong people in the UK have clear and consistent expectations regarding the UK government’s foreign policy and policies towards China. They are highly concerned about issues related to China and express worry about their own security and freedom in the UK, fearing surveillance and infiltration activities by the CCP and its agents.
Mr. Chung Kim Wah believes that the survey results reflect the strong opinions of Hong Kong people in the UK towards the Hong Kong government and the CCP, expressing anger towards the forces that compelled them to leave Hong Kong.
Apart from providing information to the UK government, Mr. Chung emphasized that such surveys could also prompt Hong Kong and Beijing to reflect on how to address the approximately 200,000 BNO visa holders in the UK. Most Hong Kong respondents in the survey hoped for a tougher stance from the UK government, which he views as a constructive suggestion for both Chinese and Hong Kong authorities.
The founder of the UK Hong Kongers Association, Mr. Zheng Wenjie, believes that most respondents associate the call to shut down Hong Kong’s economic and trade office in the UK with previous espionage cases, which have raised concerns among Hong Kongers. The decision to sanction officials from Hong Kong and China is seen as a necessary response to their human rights violations.
Mr. Zheng pointed out that while most British people focus on domestic issues such as inflation, taxation, and the economy, Hong Kong residents are also concerned with foreign policy and hope for a stronger stance against the CCP, regardless of the ruling party.
On another front, Mr. Thomas Fung, a representative from the Ficus Rumphii Humanitarian Support Fund, noted that political prisoners involved in the 2019 anti-extradition protests who have been recently released are encountering difficulties in acquiring BNO visas when their imprisonment exceeds one year, often leading to rejection by the UK Home Office due to relevant laws. He expressed regret over this situation as BNO visas serve as a “lifeboat” to help Hong Kong people escape from the CCP and the Hong Kong government. While he finds it challenging to amend existing laws currently, he hopes that the new government post-election can address and solve these issues to allow relevant individuals to live in the UK with their families.
Moreover, Mr. Fung highlighted the administrative challenges and errors faced by those seeking asylum from Hong Kong to the UK. Most of these individuals are young and have low levels of education and English proficiency, often relying on translators during interviews. However, the translators often come from other Cantonese-speaking regions such as Malaysia and mainland China, leading to misunderstandings and missing out on critical information.
Even after obtaining refugee status, some individuals lack funds and credit history. Mr. Fung hopes that the UK government can assist them in reintegrating into society by facilitating communication with employers and real estate agents, helping them settle down and overcome further challenges in their lives.
According to the survey, 79% of the respondents “strongly agree,” and 18.4% “agree” that the UK government should handle BNO visa applications of Hong Kong people convicted due to social activism on a case-by-case basis. Additionally, 69.6% of respondents “strongly agree” that the UK government should provide a specific timetable to asylum seekers waiting for approval to predict the waiting time. 62.6% of respondents “strongly agree” the UK government should enhance protection for Hong Kong people (especially asylum seekers or refugees) in the UK.