Lord Patten Criticizes CCP’s ‘Vengeful Restrictions’ on Hong Kong’s Civil Society

The last Hong Kong governor Chris Patten (R), waved to well-wishers in July 1997 before he departed from Hong Kong. (ROMEO GACAD / AFP)

On June 28, Lord Patten of Barnes, the last Governor of Hong Kong, criticized CCP’s “comprehensively vengeful restrictions” on freedom of the press, civil society, and democracy in Hong Kong in his speech at a reception in Parliament to commemorate the 26th anniversary of the handover of Hong Kong and the third year since passing the Hong Kong National Security Law.

Hong Kong Watch Patron Catherine West MP hosted the reception, which welcomed over 100 participants, including 14 Parliamentarians from both Houses supporting human rights in Hong Kong, diplomats, human rights advocates, media, and members of the All-Party Parliamentary Group on Hong Kong.

The Hong Kong National Security Law: Lord Patten’s Critique

Lord Patten said the law showed “comprehensively vengeful restrictions on freedom of the press, [and] on any development of civil society or democracy.”

The Hong Kong National Security Law was imposed on June 30, 2020, by the CCP, allegedly to maintain national security and stability in Hong Kong. The law grants broad powers to the authorities to crack down on activities deemed secessionist, subversive, terrorist, or colluding with foreign forces.

In the past three years, Under the National Security Law, individuals can be arrested for expressing opinions that the authorities deem to violate the law. This leads to a chilling effect on freedom of speech and self-censorship.

Protest Movements: Express Signs of The People’s Sentiment

Lord Patten’s remarks highlighted the significance of the protest movements in Hong Kong from 2014 to 2020 as expressions of the people’s sentiment towards China and Chinese leadership.

He recognized the importance of the 2014 Umbrella Movement, where thousands of Hong Kongers demanded universal suffrage for the Chief Executive’s election, the widespread participation and determination of the people during the 2019 anti-extradition bill protests, which aimed to protect Hong Kong’s autonomy and the “One Country, Two Systems” principle.

Furthermore, Lord Patten emphasized the significance of the 2020 protests, which arose in response to the imposition of the National Security Law, as a direct response to Beijing’s perceived tightening grip on Hong Kong’s autonomy.

He viewed these protests as powerful expressions of concern regarding the potential encroachment on the legal system, the erosion of civil liberties, and evidence of deep-seated discontent among the people, reflecting their desire for a democratic society that upholds human rights and the rule of law.

Michael Sze: A Chinese Patriot’s Stand Against the CCP

In the speech, Lord Patten also reflected on the life of Mr. Sze. He praised him as a Chinese patriot who stood against the CCP’s United Fronts and exemplified honesty and integrity in public service.

Mr. Sze, Secretary for Constitutional Affairs and Secretary for the Civil Service, while Lord Patten was the Governor, was also one of the few government officials in Hong Kong who openly opposed the extradition bill during the 2019 protest. At that time, he signed a joint letter urging the then Chief Executive, Carrie Lam, to withdraw the proposed amendments to the 2019 Hong Kong extradition bill.

Jimmy Lai: Courageous Supporter of Democracy and Freedom

Lord Patten commended Mr. Lai, a prominent figure supporting democracy, for “starting that hugely successful newspaper supporting democracy” in Hong Kong, and for his courage and unwavering belief in freedom.

Mr. Lai, who once smuggled himself to Hong Kong from China, founded the Apple Daily, a newspaper known for criticizing the authoritarian regime of the CCP. Due to his anti-communist stance, Lai played a significant role in Hong Kong’s pro-democracy movements. As a result, he became a thorn in the side of the CCP. He was arrested by the police following the implementation of the Hong Kong National Security Law.

Apple Daily, once the largest circulation paid newspaper in Hong Kong, was forced to cease operations in June 2021. On Sept. 21, 2021, Mr. Lai was awarded the 33rd Annual Freedom Award by the National Constitution Center in the United States, recognizing his courage and dedication to exercising freedom of speech, peaceful resistance, and other fundamental rights. He became the first ethnic Chinese to receive this award.

Lord Patten expressed his unwavering confidence in the invaluable contributions of the Hong Kong diaspora to British society and highlighted the significance of the BNO (British National Overseas) scheme.

The BNO Scheme was introduced as a direct response to the implementation of the Hong Kong National Security Law, offering a viable pathway to British citizenship for Hong Kong residents who hold or are eligible to apply for BNO Status.

This initiative aims to provide a new home and promising prospects for Hong Kong individuals seeking to relocate to the UK, driven by concerns over the erosion of their freedoms and the political climate back home.

With a firm commitment to supporting and integrating BNO passport holders and their families, the British government offers an array of resources and opportunities upon their arrival in the United Kingdom. Notably, more than 140,000 Hong Kongers have moved to the UK through this scheme.

The BNO scheme has received substantial attention and support from the international community, as countries such as the United States, Australia, Canada, and others have also extended opportunities for Hong Kong residents seeking to pursue a new life abroad.