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<p>We believe that it is fitting to show respect to any National Anthem. Whether it
is necessary to enforce such respect with legislation is a matter for the Chinese
and Hong Kong SAR Governments to decide. In Hong Kong freedom of speech is guaranteed
under the Sino-British Joint Declaration, and it is vital that such freedoms are fully
respected</p><p>Article 23 of the Hong Kong Basic Law requires that Hong Kong enact
laws relating to national security. We are not, however, aware of any plans to enact
such legislation at the present time</p><p>We are aware of the Hong Kong Special Administrative
Region Government's proposals to change the Fugitive Offenders Ordinance and the Mutual
Legal Assistance in Criminal Matters Ordinance. We have noted the concerns voiced
by legal and business representative organisations and civil society groups in Hong
Kong about both the content and the short consultation period allowed for the proposed
changes. We have raised a number of issues with the Hong Kong Government, including
the implications for both our joint security cooperation and our bilateral extradition
treaty and the potential consequences for the UK business community and for UK citizens
living in or travelling through Hong Kong. We will continue to seek clarity from the
authorities on these points and to make clear that we would welcome a longer consultation
period to allow the issues we and others have raised to be dealt with in a comprehensive
way that maintains public and business confidence. <br> <br>It remains the British
Government's view that, for Hong Kong's future success, it is essential that Hong
Kong enjoys, and is seen to enjoy, the full measure of its high degree of autonomy
and rule of law as set out in the Joint Declaration and enshrined in the Basic Law,
in keeping with the commitment to 'One Country, Two Systems'. </p>
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