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.”