Chinese diplomats hauled in by the Foreign Office over attack on Hong Kong protester and other ‘scenes of violence’ at Manchester consulate as MP accuses top communist officials of being involved in suppressing demonstration
- UK Government is ‘extremely concerned at the apparent scenes of violence’
- Scuffles after 30 to 40 pro-democracy protesters gathered in Manchester
- One protester rescued by police after being dragged into consulate grounds
A senior Chinese diplomat has been ordered to the Foreign Office after a Hong Kong pro-democracy protester was attacked in the grounds of the country’s consulate in Manchester.
Foreign Office minister Jesse Norman said the UK Government is ‘extremely concerned at the apparent scenes of violence’ on Sunday and had told the Chinese embassy of the need to allow people to protest peacefully.
Scuffles broke out outside the building after 30 to 40 pro-democracy protesters gathered and put up posters.
One protester had to be rescued by police after being dragged into the grounds of the consulate and beaten.
A Tory MP today accused the Chinese consul-general of being directly involved in suppressing the protest.
Alicia Kearns, who chairs the Foreign Affairs Committee, told the Commons: ‘What we saw was the Chinese consul general then ripping down posters and peaceful protest and soon followed grievous bodily harm against a Hongkonger, one of whom was hospitalised for taking part in a peaceful protest.
‘Some were then dragged on to consulate territory for a further beating by officials who have been recognised to be members of the Chinese Communist Party (CCP).
‘We cannot allow the CCP to import their beating of protesters, their silencing of free speech and their failure to allow time and time again protests on British soil. This is a chilling escalation.’
Foreign Office minister Jesse Norman said the UK Government is ‘extremely concerned at the apparent scenes of violence’ on Sunday and had told the Chinese embassy of the need to allow people to protest peacefully.
China’s foreign ministry has provoked uproar over the events by saying its diplomatic missions abroad have the right to ‘take necessary measures’ to maintain security, and rejected the protester’s claims of ill treatment.
Scuffles broke out outside the building after 30 to 40 pro-democracy protesters gathered and put up posters.
Alicia Kearns, who chairs the Foreign Affairs Committee, told the Commons: ‘We cannot allow the CCP to import their beating of protesters, their silencing of free speech and their failure to allow time and time again protests on British soil. This is a chilling escalation.’
China’s foreign ministry has provoked uproar over the events by saying its diplomatic missions abroad have the right to ‘take necessary measures’ to maintain security, and rejected the protester’s claims of ill treatment.
Mr Norman told MPs that Greater Manchester Police had been notified of the demonstration and ‘intervened to restore order’, adding: ‘I understand that Greater Manchester Police has launched an investigation to establish the facts of the incident.
‘The Foreign Secretary (James Cleverly) has issued a summons 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 demand an explanation for the actions of the consulate staff.
‘It’d be inappropriate to go into further detail until the investigation has concluded, but let me be clear that peaceful protest – as this House has always recognised – is a fundamental part of British society and of our way of life.
‘All those on our soil have the right to express their views peacefully without fear of violence. FCDO (Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office) officials expressed that clearly to the Chinese embassy yesterday.
‘We will continue to work with the Home Office and Greater Manchester Police colleagues to decide on appropriate next steps.’
Mr Norman later added it was his ‘understanding’ that ‘the charge d’affaires will meet with officials this afternoon’
The injured campaigner told BBC Chinese that unidentified men had ripped down the posters before he was attacked.
UK police are not normally allowed to enter consulate grounds without permission. The properties fall under UK law, but staff who work there may have diplomatic immunity.
Wang Wenbin, Chinese foreign ministry spokesman, told reporters on Tuesday: ‘What I want to stress 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.
Labour MP Afzal Khan (Manchester Gorton) said he was ‘sickened 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. The UK stands for freedom, the rule of law, and democracy.
‘The quashing of peaceful protests will never be tolerated on British soil.’
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