Press release

Foreign Secretary's call with the Chief Executive of Hong Kong Carrie Lam

Dominic Raab called the Chief Executive of Hong Kong, Carrie Lam, on Friday 9 August before departing Mexico.

Following the call, a Foreign Office spokesperson said:

The Foreign Secretary has called Carrie Lam to discuss his concerns about the situation in Hong Kong, and the protests there.

The Foreign Secretary underlined the strength of the relationship between the UK and Hong Kong, noting our support for Hong Kong’s high degree of autonomy as provided for in the Joint Declaration and our commitment to the principle of ‘One country, Two systems’.

The Foreign Secretary condemned violent acts by all sides but emphasised the right to peaceful protest, noting that hundreds of thousands of Hong Kong people had chosen this route to express their views. He underlined that the violence should not cloud the lawful actions of the majority.

The Foreign Secretary emphasised the need to find a way forward through meaningful political dialogue, and a fully independent investigation into recent events as a way to build trust.

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Published 9 August 2019