Duncan Smith welcomes removal of UK judges in Hong Kong

In a speech to Westminster Hall, Conservative MP Iain Duncan Smith had planned to call for the government to “intervene” in Hong Kong courts that have been prosecuting against individuals “whose only crime has been to cry out for freedom”. However, he had at the last moment realised that the government were in agreement.

The Conservative MP allowed the foreign under-secretary Vicky Ford to make clear what the government have said.

Ford explained that “China have undermined the fundamental rights and freedoms” of those living in Hong Kong. The government believe that it is “no longer tenable for UK judges to participate” as it provides “legitimacy”. This has lead to resignations to the Hong Kong authorities today.