British lawmakers looking to inquire into Hong Kong’s progress towards democracy will not be allowed to enter the region, the Chinese government decided on Sunday.
“I have been informed by the Chinese Embassy that if we attempt to travel to Hong Kong we will be refused entry,” the foreign affairs select committee chairman said in a statement.
“We are a committee of elected Members of Parliament from a democratic nation who wish to scrutinise British diplomatic work in Hong Kong. The Chinese government are acting in an overtly confrontational manner in refusing us access to do our job,” added Richard Ottoway.
The committee is looking to analyse Britain’s relations with Hong Kong after handing it over to China 30 years ago, reports Reuters.
The news comes as thousands of pro-democracy activists clashed with police whilst demonstrating outside government headquarters, in the early hours of Monday.
The protesters demanding free elections for the city’s next leader in 2017, charged ad security forces with makeshift barricades as they were struck by security force batons, reports Reuters.
Student leaders arrested as police clamp down on Hong Kong protests (26 November 2014)
Renewed clashes at Hong Kong protest site (18 October 2014)
“I have been informed by the Chinese Embassy that if we attempt to travel to Hong Kong we will be refused entry,” the foreign affairs select committee chairman said in a statement.
“We are a committee of elected Members of Parliament from a democratic nation who wish to scrutinise British diplomatic work in Hong Kong. The Chinese government are acting in an overtly confrontational manner in refusing us access to do our job,” added Richard Ottoway.
The committee is looking to analyse Britain’s relations with Hong Kong after handing it over to China 30 years ago, reports Reuters.
The news comes as thousands of pro-democracy activists clashed with police whilst demonstrating outside government headquarters, in the early hours of Monday.
The protesters demanding free elections for the city’s next leader in 2017, charged ad security forces with makeshift barricades as they were struck by security force batons, reports Reuters.
Student leaders arrested as police clamp down on Hong Kong protests (26 November 2014)
Renewed clashes at Hong Kong protest site (18 October 2014)
Hong Kong Chief Executive open for talks with protestors (16 October 2014)
Clashes as police clear Hong Kong protestors (14 October 2014)
Hundreds of pro-democracy protesters march through Hong Kong (14 September 2014)