Chinese diplomats summoned by the Foreign Office over attacks on Hong Kong protesters and other “scenes of violence” at the Manchester consulate, while the MP accuses senior Communist officials of involvement in suppressing demonstrations
- UK government is ‘extremely concerned at the apparent scenes of violence’
- Brawls after 30 to 40 pro-democracy protesters who had gathered in Manchester
- A protester was rescued by police after being dragged onto consulate grounds
A senior Chinese diplomat has been summoned to the Foreign Office after a pro-democracy Hong Kong protester was attacked at the compound of the country’s consulate in Manchester.
Foreign Office Secretary Jesse Norman said Sunday the UK government was “extremely concerned at the apparent scenes of violence” and had told the Chinese embassy of the need to allow people to protest peacefully.
Fighting broke out outside the building after 30 to 40 pro-democracy protesters gathered and put up placards.
A protester had to be rescued by police after being dragged onto consulate grounds and beaten.
A Tory MP today accused the Chinese Consul-General of being directly involved in quelling the protest.
Alicia Kearns, the chair of the Foreign Affairs Committee, told the House of Commons: “What we saw was the Chinese consul-general then tearing down placards and peaceful protests, followed soon after by aggravated assault on a Hong Konger, one of whom for attending one was hospitalized peaceful protest.
“Some were then dragged to the consulate area by officials recognized as Chinese Communist Party (CCP) members, where they continued to be beaten.
“We cannot allow the CCP to import its beatings on protesters, its silence on freedom of expression and its failure to consistently allow protests on British soil. This is a frightening escalation.”
Foreign Office Secretary Jesse Norman said Sunday the UK government was “extremely concerned at the apparent scenes of violence” and had told the Chinese embassy of the need to allow people to protest peacefully.
China’s foreign ministry has sparked furor over the events, saying its overseas diplomatic missions have the right to “take necessary measures” to maintain security and dismissing the protester’s allegations of ill-treatment.
Fighting broke out outside the building after 30 to 40 pro-democracy protesters gathered and put up placards.
Foreign Affairs Committee Chair Alicia Kearns told the House of Commons: “We cannot allow the CCP to import its beatings on protesters, its silence on freedom of expression and its failure to consistently allow protests on British soil. This is a frightening escalation.”
China’s foreign ministry has sparked furor over the events, saying its overseas diplomatic missions have the right to “take necessary measures” to maintain security and dismissing the protester’s allegations of ill-treatment.
Mr Norman told MPs that Greater Manchester Police had been briefed on the demonstration and “intervened to restore order”, adding: “I understand that Greater Manchester Police have launched an inquiry into the.” establish facts of the incident.
“The Foreign Secretary (James Cleverly) has issued a subpoena to the Chinese Charge d’Affaires at the Chinese Embassy in London to express His Majesty’s Government’s deep concern at the incident and to request an explanation for the actions of consular staff.
“It would be inappropriate to go into further detail until the inquiry is complete, but let me be clear that peaceful protest – as this House has always recognized – is a fundamental part of British society and the way we live.
“Everyone on our soil has the right to express their opinions peacefully and without fear of violence. FCDO (Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office) officials made this clear to the Chinese embassy yesterday.
“We will continue to work with colleagues from the Home Office and Greater Manchester Police to decide on appropriate next steps.”
Mr Norman later added it was his “understanding” that “the charge d’affaires will be meeting with officials this afternoon”.
The injured activist told BBC Chinese that unidentified men tore down the placards before he was attacked.
British police are not normally allowed to enter consulate premises without permission. The properties are governed by UK law, but staff working there may enjoy diplomatic immunity.
Wang Wenbin, spokesman for China’s Foreign Ministry, told reporters Tuesday, “What I want to emphasize is that the peace and dignity of Chinese embassies and consulates abroad must not be violated.”
The Chinese ambassador to the UK is believed to be out of the country.
Labor MP Afzal Khan (Manchester Gorton) said he was “disgusted that such an event took place in my own constituency”.
He added, “These scenes … have no place on the streets of my city or our country. Britain stands for freedom, the rule of law and democracy.
“The crackdown on peaceful protests will never be tolerated on British soil.”
