UK demands explanation after assault on Hong Kong protester at Chinese consulate

The UK has summoned the Chinese ambassador’s deputy to demand an explanation after a Hong Kong pro-democracy protester was attacked in the grounds of the Chinese consulate in Manchester.

Foreign Office minister Jesse Norman said the UK Government was “extremely concerned at the apparent scenes of violence” at the consulate and had told the Chinese embassy of the need to allow people to protest peacefully.

He 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.

Police try to pull a Hong Kong pro-democracy protester out of the grounds of the Chinese consulate in Manchester. Picture: Matthew Leung/The Chaser News/AFP via Getty Images

“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”

Scuffles broke out outside the building on Sunday afternoon 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.

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.

China’s foreign ministry said its diplomatic missions abroad had the right to “take necessary measures” to maintain security and rejected the protester’s account.

Wang Wenbin, Chinese foreign ministry spokesman, told reporters: “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.

Conservative MP Alicia Kearns, who chairs the foreign affairs committee, told the Commons: “What we saw was the Chinese consul general 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.”

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.”