英國港僑協會
媒體報導
The Telegraph | Free speech row erupts after HSBC suspends banker over climate change criticism
23-May-2022
Mr Kirk, who is responsible investment chief in HSBC’s asset management division, said in a presentation last week that “there's always some nut job telling me about the end of the world” and argued that doom-laden climate predictions are sucking up resources and are unlikely to come true.
His comments triggered immediate calls for him to be sacked and HSBC executives quickly distanced themselves from the remarks, even though the presentation had reportedly been agreed with senior managers.
Noel Quinn, the bank's chief executive, said that the remarks were inconsistent with HSBC’s strategy.
However, there are wider concerns in the City that a fad for "ethical" investment is shutting down debate.
Human rights activists also accused HSBC of hypocrisy for preventing discussion of climate change while refusing to condemn a brutal crackdown on dissent in Hong Kong, where it makes most of its money.
Luke de Pulford, human rights activist and coordinator of the Inter-Parliamentary Alliance on China, said: “Eye-watering double standards, and exactly what we have come to expect from HSBC. Happy to freeze the bank accounts of peaceful democracy campaigners while suspending bankers who don’t agree with the climate consensus.”
Simon Cheng, founder of Hongkongers in Britain, said: "If HSBC is so determined to show up the big sense of social responsibility… then it should not be in a harsh way to silence their employees for climate change policy, but set people and their HSBC bank accounts free to stand up to [the] repressive national security law and Chinese totalitarian regime.”
Mr Kirk, who is responsible investment chief in HSBC’s asset management division, said in a presentation last week that “there's always some nut job telling me about the end of the world” and argued that doom-laden climate predictions are sucking up resources and are unlikely to come true.
His comments triggered immediate calls for him to be sacked and HSBC executives quickly distanced themselves from the remarks, even though the presentation had reportedly been agreed with senior managers.
Noel Quinn, the bank's chief executive, said that the remarks were inconsistent with HSBC’s strategy.
However, there are wider concerns in the City that a fad for "ethical" investment is shutting down debate.
Human rights activists also accused HSBC of hypocrisy for preventing discussion of climate change while refusing to condemn a brutal crackdown on dissent in Hong Kong, where it makes most of its money.
Luke de Pulford, human rights activist and coordinator of the Inter-Parliamentary Alliance on China, said: “Eye-watering double standards, and exactly what we have come to expect from HSBC. Happy to freeze the bank accounts of peaceful democracy campaigners while suspending bankers who don’t agree with the climate consensus.”
Simon Cheng, founder of Hongkongers in Britain, said: "If HSBC is so determined to show up the big sense of social responsibility… then it should not be in a harsh way to silence their employees for climate change policy, but set people and their HSBC bank accounts free to stand up to [the] repressive national security law and Chinese totalitarian regime.”
VOA | 調查：近半移英港人有抑鬱或焦慮症狀 六成人移居後情況改善
21-May-2022
一個由英國香港人團體進行的調查發現，接近一半受訪移英港人有抑鬱或焦慮症狀，又有約四份之一有與香港政治情況有關的創傷後壓力症候群（Post-Traumatic stress disorder，PTSD）。同時，有大約六成受訪者表示，他們搬到英國後，認為自己的心理健康有所改善。
“英國港僑協會”（Hongkongers in Britain）與劍橋大學健康、醫學及社會哲學碩士生Mark Liang共同進行調查，是英國首次有這類研究。
Mark Liang說，英國政府歡迎香港人計劃有撥款給公民團體，向港人提供心理健康支援服務，但有取得撥款的華人團體被懷疑受到中共滲透，令香港人非常不願意向這些團體尋求幫助。
他說：“現時已經有一些為亞裔及華人提供心理輔導的團體，我們見到對於這群香港人，他們不信任這些團體，可能是因為政治因素，而比較不是因為語言，即使我們見到一些受訪者說他們想要廣東話（心理輔導）。這是比較關乎政治情況，他們擔心他們的說話會被錯誤理解，或者會在將來為他們帶來負面影響。”
英國港僑協會創辦人鄭文傑對美國之音說，他對調查結果不感到意外。
他說：“很多香港人帶着共同的創傷而來，我想大家經常都說香港人有共同回憶，其實民主抗爭亦是大家共同回憶一部份。但是無論是怎樣的回憶，在英國就變成了共同的創傷，我們要一起去面對。雖然調查結果好像是一個很嚴峻的問題，但其實反而我們在調查結果見到，大部份香港人都相信英國是很好地治癒他們這種創傷的地方。這是一個很好的機會讓我們團結，一起去嘗試解決這個問題。”
移居英國的香港獨立政治學者黃偉國對美國之音說，他認識一個以往政治上不活躍的人，但因為2019年香港的社會氣氛，例如是受到示威中使用的催淚彈影響，以及遭到防暴警察騷擾，令這個人精神出現問題，需要求醫。
他說：“結果（他）來到英國之後，住了一段時間，他的精神狀態或是健康狀況都有所改善。”
黃偉國又說，香港人一般對於心理問題抱諱疾忌醫的態度，來到英國後也不清楚如何在當地尋求幫助。他亦質疑英國現有的組織對香港人心理問題的認知程度。
他說：“他們有沒有一個足夠的同理心或認知去處理呢？這是第一點。等而下之，甚至很多組織，這些所謂組織可能其實是由中國人，或來我們叫內地人去經營的或組織的。如果這些人竟然也能取得相關撥款，去幫香港人的話，我反而覺得是，究竟英國的相關部門去審批這些計劃書或者撥款時，有沒有認清楚這些組織的性質？這些組織說是幫香港人，究竟其實是不是這回事？”
英國港僑協會創辦人鄭文傑說，解決香港人的心理創傷，答案不只在於個人層面。
他說：“解鈴還須繫鈴人，真正要去治癒香港人集體的共同創傷，就一定是要還香港社會一個公道，一個符合公義、程序的社會才是真正解決香港人共同創傷的靈丹妙藥。”
一個由英國香港人團體進行的調查發現，接近一半受訪移英港人有抑鬱或焦慮症狀，又有約四份之一有與香港政治情況有關的創傷後壓力症候群（Post-Traumatic stress disorder，PTSD）。同時，有大約六成受訪者表示，他們搬到英國後，認為自己的心理健康有所改善。
“英國港僑協會”（Hongkongers in Britain）與劍橋大學健康、醫學及社會哲學碩士生Mark Liang共同進行調查，是英國首次有這類研究。
Mark Liang說，英國政府歡迎香港人計劃有撥款給公民團體，向港人提供心理健康支援服務，但有取得撥款的華人團體被懷疑受到中共滲透，令香港人非常不願意向這些團體尋求幫助。
他說：“現時已經有一些為亞裔及華人提供心理輔導的團體，我們見到對於這群香港人，他們不信任這些團體，可能是因為政治因素，而比較不是因為語言，即使我們見到一些受訪者說他們想要廣東話（心理輔導）。這是比較關乎政治情況，他們擔心他們的說話會被錯誤理解，或者會在將來為他們帶來負面影響。”
英國港僑協會創辦人鄭文傑對美國之音說，他對調查結果不感到意外。
他說：“很多香港人帶着共同的創傷而來，我想大家經常都說香港人有共同回憶，其實民主抗爭亦是大家共同回憶一部份。但是無論是怎樣的回憶，在英國就變成了共同的創傷，我們要一起去面對。雖然調查結果好像是一個很嚴峻的問題，但其實反而我們在調查結果見到，大部份香港人都相信英國是很好地治癒他們這種創傷的地方。這是一個很好的機會讓我們團結，一起去嘗試解決這個問題。”
移居英國的香港獨立政治學者黃偉國對美國之音說，他認識一個以往政治上不活躍的人，但因為2019年香港的社會氣氛，例如是受到示威中使用的催淚彈影響，以及遭到防暴警察騷擾，令這個人精神出現問題，需要求醫。
他說：“結果（他）來到英國之後，住了一段時間，他的精神狀態或是健康狀況都有所改善。”
黃偉國又說，香港人一般對於心理問題抱諱疾忌醫的態度，來到英國後也不清楚如何在當地尋求幫助。他亦質疑英國現有的組織對香港人心理問題的認知程度。
他說：“他們有沒有一個足夠的同理心或認知去處理呢？這是第一點。等而下之，甚至很多組織，這些所謂組織可能其實是由中國人，或來我們叫內地人去經營的或組織的。如果這些人竟然也能取得相關撥款，去幫香港人的話，我反而覺得是，究竟英國的相關部門去審批這些計劃書或者撥款時，有沒有認清楚這些組織的性質？這些組織說是幫香港人，究竟其實是不是這回事？”
英國港僑協會創辦人鄭文傑說，解決香港人的心理創傷，答案不只在於個人層面。
他說：“解鈴還須繫鈴人，真正要去治癒香港人集體的共同創傷，就一定是要還香港社會一個公道，一個符合公義、程序的社會才是真正解決香港人共同創傷的靈丹妙藥。”
自由亞洲電台 | 【離散港人】移民後你快樂嗎？ 調查發現：近半移英港人有抑鬱或焦慮症狀
20-May-2022
在英港人團體「英國港僑協會」（Hongkongers in Britain, HKB）和英國劍橋大學研究員Mark Liang合作，進行移英港人心理健康調查，該團隊在2022年3月至4月，向在英港人發放問卷，成功收回658份回覆。當中近9成被訪者是BNO（英國國民海外護照）持有人，少部分是仍在申請政治庇護的香港人，和已入籍英國的香港人；年齡以35至44歲為主，在英時間以7至11個月最多。
作為首份針對移英港人心理健康的報告，調查發現，18.9%受訪者有明顯抑鬱症臨牀症狀，而有明顯焦慮症臨牀症狀的受訪者則有25.8%，兩者都是根據英國國民保健署（NHS）的標準進行評估。而移英港人的心理健康狀況，也和香港政治情況有關。23.8%受訪者因2019年香港社會運動和《港區國安法》實施，而有明顯創傷後壓力症候群（post-traumatic stress disorder, PTSD）臨牀症狀。
Mark Liang表示，既然英國政府致力歡迎港人融入當地，就必須關注能否向港人提供有效的心理支援。他建議從學校、教會及職場開始，加強不同支援團體的溝通，以處理香港家庭的需要，並研究推廣由香港人提供、專為港人而設的心理治療服務，同時令港人建立對英國社會支援的信心。
不過值得留意的是，報告同時發現，62%的港人認為移民英國後，整體心理健康狀況有所改善。
在英港人團體「英國港僑協會」（Hongkongers in Britain, HKB）和英國劍橋大學研究員Mark Liang合作，進行移英港人心理健康調查，該團隊在2022年3月至4月，向在英港人發放問卷，成功收回658份回覆。當中近9成被訪者是BNO（英國國民海外護照）持有人，少部分是仍在申請政治庇護的香港人，和已入籍英國的香港人；年齡以35至44歲為主，在英時間以7至11個月最多。
作為首份針對移英港人心理健康的報告，調查發現，18.9%受訪者有明顯抑鬱症臨牀症狀，而有明顯焦慮症臨牀症狀的受訪者則有25.8%，兩者都是根據英國國民保健署（NHS）的標準進行評估。而移英港人的心理健康狀況，也和香港政治情況有關。23.8%受訪者因2019年香港社會運動和《港區國安法》實施，而有明顯創傷後壓力症候群（post-traumatic stress disorder, PTSD）臨牀症狀。
Mark Liang表示，既然英國政府致力歡迎港人融入當地，就必須關注能否向港人提供有效的心理支援。他建議從學校、教會及職場開始，加強不同支援團體的溝通，以處理香港家庭的需要，並研究推廣由香港人提供、專為港人而設的心理治療服務，同時令港人建立對英國社會支援的信心。
不過值得留意的是，報告同時發現，62%的港人認為移民英國後，整體心理健康狀況有所改善。
SCMP | Almost half of new Hong Kong immigrants in Britain have symptoms of depression or anxiety, survey finds
18-May-2022
But more than half of Hongkongers report an improvement in their mental health after moving to the country.
Study by graduate student and advocacy group Hongkongers in Britain is the first UK-wide one on the mental health of new immigrants from city.
But more than half of Hongkongers report an improvement in their mental health after moving to the country.
Study by graduate student and advocacy group Hongkongers in Britain is the first UK-wide one on the mental health of new immigrants from city.
自由亞洲電台 | 港人向英議員示警 中共在英滲透危機
14-May-2022
英國在野工黨東亞及東南亞裔小組周三（11日）在國會舉行活動，多名工黨國會議員與港人代表會面，了解移英港人在英國面對的各種生活難題和需要。
工黨下議員、影子入境事務大臣斯蒂芬·金諾克（Stephen Kinnock）發言時形容，中國政府不斷侵蝕世界民主和自由，而香港人勇敢捍衛人權和自由，啟發了世界。他強調工黨支持英國政府推出BNO（英國國民海外護照）簽證計劃，讓被辜負的香港人得以移民英國。
在英港人團體「英國港僑協會」創辦人鄭文傑，在會上提到中共在英國的滲透問題。
英國政府今年二月批出4300萬英鎊支援移英港人，然而獲批資助的部分英國華人團體，卻有被中共勢力滲透之嫌。以「伯明翰華人社區中心」為例，該中心獲英國政府批出35000英鎊舉辦支援港人活動，然而中心兩名理事卻被揭曾在「英國華人參政項目」（British Chinese Project）任職。該項目由被英國軍情五處（MI5）點名為中共滲透國會的英國華人律師李貞駒（Christine Lee）所創立。
鄭文傑表示，部分華人團體管理層的取態，讓部分港人感到憂慮，然而它們至今未有正面回應被中共滲透的嫌疑。他認為英國政府有必要防範中共滲透，保護香港人和全體國民安全，讓他們真正在英國得享自由，不用再為因恐懼而不敢發聲。
鄭文傑說：你們收取政府資金接待港人，那就請回答港人的疑問。我們必須堅守價值，這些極權體制容不下任何異見，我們必須向這些極權說不！這無比重要，我們呼籲華人群體和港人群體站在一起，守護我們珍惜的價值。
英議員承諾積極跟進港人意見
人稱「攬炒巴」的在英港人活動家劉祖廸，2020年6月在倫敦街頭遇襲，導致右眼眼骨爆裂。他懷疑事件和中共買兇有關，並報警處理。他在會上向議員反映警方未有積極跟進事件，促請英國政府保障在英港人的人身安全。
其他與會港人亦向議員反映各種問題，包括BNO港人子女入讀當地大學的高昂國際生學費問題、尋求政治庇護者的工作權問題，以及BNO港人在英國誕下子女後，必須到中國大使館辦理香港特區護照而面對的恐懼。
英國在野工黨東亞及東南亞裔小組周三（11日）在國會舉行活動，多名工黨國會議員與港人代表會面，了解移英港人在英國面對的各種生活難題和需要。
工黨下議員、影子入境事務大臣斯蒂芬·金諾克（Stephen Kinnock）發言時形容，中國政府不斷侵蝕世界民主和自由，而香港人勇敢捍衛人權和自由，啟發了世界。他強調工黨支持英國政府推出BNO（英國國民海外護照）簽證計劃，讓被辜負的香港人得以移民英國。
在英港人團體「英國港僑協會」創辦人鄭文傑，在會上提到中共在英國的滲透問題。
英國政府今年二月批出4300萬英鎊支援移英港人，然而獲批資助的部分英國華人團體，卻有被中共勢力滲透之嫌。以「伯明翰華人社區中心」為例，該中心獲英國政府批出35000英鎊舉辦支援港人活動，然而中心兩名理事卻被揭曾在「英國華人參政項目」（British Chinese Project）任職。該項目由被英國軍情五處（MI5）點名為中共滲透國會的英國華人律師李貞駒（Christine Lee）所創立。
鄭文傑表示，部分華人團體管理層的取態，讓部分港人感到憂慮，然而它們至今未有正面回應被中共滲透的嫌疑。他認為英國政府有必要防範中共滲透，保護香港人和全體國民安全，讓他們真正在英國得享自由，不用再為因恐懼而不敢發聲。
鄭文傑說：你們收取政府資金接待港人，那就請回答港人的疑問。我們必須堅守價值，這些極權體制容不下任何異見，我們必須向這些極權說不！這無比重要，我們呼籲華人群體和港人群體站在一起，守護我們珍惜的價值。
英議員承諾積極跟進港人意見
人稱「攬炒巴」的在英港人活動家劉祖廸，2020年6月在倫敦街頭遇襲，導致右眼眼骨爆裂。他懷疑事件和中共買兇有關，並報警處理。他在會上向議員反映警方未有積極跟進事件，促請英國政府保障在英港人的人身安全。
其他與會港人亦向議員反映各種問題，包括BNO港人子女入讀當地大學的高昂國際生學費問題、尋求政治庇護者的工作權問題，以及BNO港人在英國誕下子女後，必須到中國大使館辦理香港特區護照而面對的恐懼。
TRT World | How will John Lee’s appointment impact Hong Kong?
09-May-2022
Hong Kong's Election Committee has chosen John Lee as the city's new chief executive. We ask the founder of Hongkongers in Britain, Simon Cheng, whether this appointment marks the end of the ‘one country, two systems’ principle.
#JohnLee #HongKong #China
Hong Kong's Election Committee has chosen John Lee as the city's new chief executive. We ask the founder of Hongkongers in Britain, Simon Cheng, whether this appointment marks the end of the ‘one country, two systems’ principle.
#JohnLee #HongKong #China
ITV | No surprises in Hong Kong as one-man election sees former security chief anointed leader
08-May-2022
One of those helping people to re-locate to the UK is Simon Cheng. He has had to leave his relatives behind, cutting ties for their own safety.
Simon was working at the British Consulate in 2019 during the protests when he was detained and interrogated by Chinese police. He describes being tortured and bound as he was asked about his work and the protest movement.
The appointment of John Lee has left him in no doubt that there will be further crackdowns in Hong Kong. He explained that the former law enforcement official is known for his "notoriously suppressive tactics."
We will never know what might have happened if the people of Hong Kong were allowed to vote in this leadership election.
John Lee has a mandate which is likely to give them even less of a say and China more control.
One of those helping people to re-locate to the UK is Simon Cheng. He has had to leave his relatives behind, cutting ties for their own safety.
Simon was working at the British Consulate in 2019 during the protests when he was detained and interrogated by Chinese police. He describes being tortured and bound as he was asked about his work and the protest movement.
The appointment of John Lee has left him in no doubt that there will be further crackdowns in Hong Kong. He explained that the former law enforcement official is known for his "notoriously suppressive tactics."
We will never know what might have happened if the people of Hong Kong were allowed to vote in this leadership election.
John Lee has a mandate which is likely to give them even less of a say and China more control.
Aspen Institute UK (Podcast) | The future of Hong Kong
05-May-2022
THIS EPISODE WAS RECORDED AS A LIVE BROADCAST ON 4TH APRIL 2022
Since the transfer of its sovereignty from the UK to China in 1997, Hong Kong has been governed by a ‘one country, two systems’ approach, which has allowed it to retain a level of independence in its social and economic systems. But in recent years the Hong Kong parliament has become increasingly pro-Beijing and moved to change laws pertaining to freedom of movement and expression. Protests in 2019 against plans to allow extradition to mainland China continued into 2020, when Beijing imposed a national security law that gave it powers to punish critics and silence dissenters. Dozens of pro-democracy activists and lawmakers have been arrested and many more have been forced to flee the region, and the UK government has opened a visa scheme for citizens to come to the UK.
Big questions remain about the future of democracy in Hong Kong, and whether there is hope yet for the pro-democracy movement. What does this mean for Hong Kong’s relationship with China, and the role Hong Kong plays within President Xi’s plans? What impact might migration to the UK and elsewhere have on Hong Kong society? Meanwhile, Hong Kong’s location puts it at high risk from the impacts of climate change – how is the region planning for a greener future?
MODERATED BY:
Prashant Rao – Prashant is a senior editor at The Atlantic, where he oversees the Global section. Previous to joining The Atlantic, he was Deputy Europe Business Editor at The New York Times, and Iraq Bureau Chief at Agence France-Presse.
ON THE PANEL:
Simon Cheng – Simon is the founder of the expat organization Hongkongers in Britain (HKB), and holds degrees from the London School of Economics and National Taiwan University. He is an exiled pro-democracy activist, Hong Kong BN(O) citizen, and was granted refugee status by the UK in 2020.
Laurel Chor – Laurel is an Emmy-nominated freelance journalist, photographer, filmmaker, and National Geographic Explorer from Hong Kong. She has worked with VICE, HBO, SHOWTIME, the New York Times, Al Jazeera, the Washington Post, the Guardian, Reuters, Getty, National Geographic, and others all over the world. In 2020, she was named an honoree for the IWMF Anja Niedringhaus Courage in Photojournalism award for her work during the 2019-2020 Hong Kong protests. She is currently studying for a Masters in Biodiversity, Conservation, and Management at Christ Church, Oxford University. An accomplished rugby player, she represented Hong Kong in the 2017 Rugby World Cup.
Ines Gafsi – Ines is the Co-Founder of Female Entrepreneurs Worldwide. She leads FEW strategic partnerships and sponsorships, and special programs like FEW incubator “Invest in Women Who Tech”. Ines is also leading the Hong Kong chapter of an international charity Inspiring Girls empowering girls to believe in their dreams by connecting them with female role models. She has served as a speaker at the SCMP’s Game Changers, AmCham Women of Influence awards and was voted “Top 10 Female Entrepreneurs in Hong Kong” by Hong Kong Tatler.
Professor Shirley Ze Yu – Shirley is a leading voice on China’s political economy. She is Director of the China-Africa Initiative at the Firoz Lalji Centre for Africa, the LSE, and a Senior Practitioner Fellow with the Ash Center of Harvard Kennedy School. She is also an MBA professor at the IE Business School and an Honorary Distinguished Foreign Faculty Professor at the National Defence University, Islamabad. Shirley is a member of the Davos Expert Network on China, 5G, and geo-economics. She is the creator of a daily intelligence and insights newsletter on China for Fortune Global stakeholders-China BIG Idea by Yu & Partners, and a NY-based business talk show Hey China! Shirley Yu is a frequent commentator and contributor to the BBC News, Bloomberg, CNN, Al Jazeera, PBS Frontline, SP Global, Channel News Asia on China. She is an Op-Ed contributor to the FT and is appointed as a South China Morning Post Expert.
THIS EPISODE WAS RECORDED AS A LIVE BROADCAST ON 4TH APRIL 2022
Since the transfer of its sovereignty from the UK to China in 1997, Hong Kong has been governed by a ‘one country, two systems’ approach, which has allowed it to retain a level of independence in its social and economic systems. But in recent years the Hong Kong parliament has become increasingly pro-Beijing and moved to change laws pertaining to freedom of movement and expression. Protests in 2019 against plans to allow extradition to mainland China continued into 2020, when Beijing imposed a national security law that gave it powers to punish critics and silence dissenters. Dozens of pro-democracy activists and lawmakers have been arrested and many more have been forced to flee the region, and the UK government has opened a visa scheme for citizens to come to the UK.
Big questions remain about the future of democracy in Hong Kong, and whether there is hope yet for the pro-democracy movement. What does this mean for Hong Kong’s relationship with China, and the role Hong Kong plays within President Xi’s plans? What impact might migration to the UK and elsewhere have on Hong Kong society? Meanwhile, Hong Kong’s location puts it at high risk from the impacts of climate change – how is the region planning for a greener future?
MODERATED BY:
Prashant Rao – Prashant is a senior editor at The Atlantic, where he oversees the Global section. Previous to joining The Atlantic, he was Deputy Europe Business Editor at The New York Times, and Iraq Bureau Chief at Agence France-Presse.
ON THE PANEL:
Simon Cheng – Simon is the founder of the expat organization Hongkongers in Britain (HKB), and holds degrees from the London School of Economics and National Taiwan University. He is an exiled pro-democracy activist, Hong Kong BN(O) citizen, and was granted refugee status by the UK in 2020.
Laurel Chor – Laurel is an Emmy-nominated freelance journalist, photographer, filmmaker, and National Geographic Explorer from Hong Kong. She has worked with VICE, HBO, SHOWTIME, the New York Times, Al Jazeera, the Washington Post, the Guardian, Reuters, Getty, National Geographic, and others all over the world. In 2020, she was named an honoree for the IWMF Anja Niedringhaus Courage in Photojournalism award for her work during the 2019-2020 Hong Kong protests. She is currently studying for a Masters in Biodiversity, Conservation, and Management at Christ Church, Oxford University. An accomplished rugby player, she represented Hong Kong in the 2017 Rugby World Cup.
Ines Gafsi – Ines is the Co-Founder of Female Entrepreneurs Worldwide. She leads FEW strategic partnerships and sponsorships, and special programs like FEW incubator “Invest in Women Who Tech”. Ines is also leading the Hong Kong chapter of an international charity Inspiring Girls empowering girls to believe in their dreams by connecting them with female role models. She has served as a speaker at the SCMP’s Game Changers, AmCham Women of Influence awards and was voted “Top 10 Female Entrepreneurs in Hong Kong” by Hong Kong Tatler.
Professor Shirley Ze Yu – Shirley is a leading voice on China’s political economy. She is Director of the China-Africa Initiative at the Firoz Lalji Centre for Africa, the LSE, and a Senior Practitioner Fellow with the Ash Center of Harvard Kennedy School. She is also an MBA professor at the IE Business School and an Honorary Distinguished Foreign Faculty Professor at the National Defence University, Islamabad. Shirley is a member of the Davos Expert Network on China, 5G, and geo-economics. She is the creator of a daily intelligence and insights newsletter on China for Fortune Global stakeholders-China BIG Idea by Yu & Partners, and a NY-based business talk show Hey China! Shirley Yu is a frequent commentator and contributor to the BBC News, Bloomberg, CNN, Al Jazeera, PBS Frontline, SP Global, Channel News Asia on China. She is an Op-Ed contributor to the FT and is appointed as a South China Morning Post Expert.
産経新聞 | 英国に潜む中国共産党 警戒強める民主化活動家
05-May-2022
英国は昨年１月末、香港国家安全維持法（国安法）への対抗措置として、香港人の英国永住権取得に道を開く特別査証（ビザ）の申請受け付けを開始。中国共産党の統制強化などに失望した香港人８万人以上がビザを申請し、英国で新たな生活を始めている。
２団体が香港人を支援する狙いは不明だ。ただ、香港人を支援する英団体「英国港僑協会」の創設者、サイモン・チェン氏は産経新聞に「中国共産党が英国に逃れた香港人を監視しようとしている可能性は否定できず、（共産党との関係が指摘される）２団体（の存在が）一部の香港人の間で疑われている」と述べた。 香港の人権状況を監視する英人権団体「香港ウオッチ」のロジャーズ最高責任者は産経新聞に、英政府は英国内の支援団体に中国共産党が侵入していないかどうかなどを「徹底的に調査一方、ＣＣＣ－Ｂはタイムズに「（羅氏らが指摘する）懸念には根拠がない」などと反論。ＣＡＳの委員会は産経新聞に対し、「（中国の人権侵害を擁護した寄稿の筆
者は）ＣＡＳの委員の一員だったに過ぎず、２０１１年末にＣＡＳを退会してからは業務に参加していない」などと主張した。
英政府の報道官は産経新聞に、助成金を提供した団体について「組織の適性などを評価し、しっかりとしたデューディリジェンス（査定）を実施張した」などと発言するにとどめた。
英国は昨年１月末、香港国家安全維持法（国安法）への対抗措置として、香港人の英国永住権取得に道を開く特別査証（ビザ）の申請受け付けを開始。中国共産党の統制強化などに失望した香港人８万人以上がビザを申請し、英国で新たな生活を始めている。
２団体が香港人を支援する狙いは不明だ。ただ、香港人を支援する英団体「英国港僑協会」の創設者、サイモン・チェン氏は産経新聞に「中国共産党が英国に逃れた香港人を監視しようとしている可能性は否定できず、（共産党との関係が指摘される）２団体（の存在が）一部の香港人の間で疑われている」と述べた。 香港の人権状況を監視する英人権団体「香港ウオッチ」のロジャーズ最高責任者は産経新聞に、英政府は英国内の支援団体に中国共産党が侵入していないかどうかなどを「徹底的に調査一方、ＣＣＣ－Ｂはタイムズに「（羅氏らが指摘する）懸念には根拠がない」などと反論。ＣＡＳの委員会は産経新聞に対し、「（中国の人権侵害を擁護した寄稿の筆
者は）ＣＡＳの委員の一員だったに過ぎず、２０１１年末にＣＡＳを退会してからは業務に参加していない」などと主張した。
英政府の報道官は産経新聞に、助成金を提供した団体について「組織の適性などを評価し、しっかりとしたデューディリジェンス（査定）を実施張した」などと発言するにとどめた。
明報 | BNO移英港人參選 學者：或可鼓勵效法
05-May-2022
英國港僑協會則稱，移英港人是特別族群，對比本地民眾較關注經濟政策或國民保健服務（NHS）等議題，港人選民則在乎候選人對民主、人權等政治價值觀的立場，以至對港區國安法等人權議題的關心程度與立場，或是否維護英國民主體制免受中共等專制政體的統戰或破壞。
英國港僑協會則稱，移英港人是特別族群，對比本地民眾較關注經濟政策或國民保健服務（NHS）等議題，港人選民則在乎候選人對民主、人權等政治價值觀的立場，以至對港區國安法等人權議題的關心程度與立場，或是否維護英國民主體制免受中共等專制政體的統戰或破壞。
The Guardian | ‘Hong Kong is strange to me now’: how five refugees are finding their new lives in Britain
25-Apr-2022
Emily, 50, Sheffield
I came to England last July. For the past month, I’ve been working as a regional coordinator for Hongkongers in Britain. I’ve been organising some seminars for BNO visa holders to try to find out how we can help them integrate into UK life.
I used to be an activist. I was arrested during the protests and sent to court. Luckily, I was found not guilty. A Chinese Communist party-supporting newspaper in Hong Kong wrote an article about me, and I was worried I might be arrested again. Most of my activist friends are in jail now. If I wasn’t at risk, I would stay in Hong Kong.
The government said the national security law only affects some people. But that’s not true. It’s like a knife on your neck, and you don’t know what you might say or do to make it cut you. Everybody is frightened.
I still haven’t settled down here because I haven’t found a place to live long-term yet. I’ve travelled around from Rotherham to Sheffield to Warrington to Manchester to Bristol, and I’ve come back to Sheffield. Many people who have the visa are finding it difficult to rent because they don’t have a job.
My friend and I have been putting on community events in Sheffield for Hongkongers. I’ve met some people here who understand what happened in Hong Kong, and they have welcomed us. In a few years, I’ll reach retirement age. I think England is a good place for people to have a quiet life.
I’m safe now. I don’t have to worry that one day I might be arrested. But I’m still thinking about the young people who don’t have the right to apply for a visa [the scheme is only open to people over 18 who have BNO status. They can bring over their dependents, but their children can’t apply independently. There are now plans to change this]. Young people need it more than older people.
I would like to go back to Hong Kong. But if the political environment doesn’t change, I can’t. I miss my family and my friends. But Hong Kong is very different now to how it was before.
Emily, 50, Sheffield
I came to England last July. For the past month, I’ve been working as a regional coordinator for Hongkongers in Britain. I’ve been organising some seminars for BNO visa holders to try to find out how we can help them integrate into UK life.
I used to be an activist. I was arrested during the protests and sent to court. Luckily, I was found not guilty. A Chinese Communist party-supporting newspaper in Hong Kong wrote an article about me, and I was worried I might be arrested again. Most of my activist friends are in jail now. If I wasn’t at risk, I would stay in Hong Kong.
The government said the national security law only affects some people. But that’s not true. It’s like a knife on your neck, and you don’t know what you might say or do to make it cut you. Everybody is frightened.
I still haven’t settled down here because I haven’t found a place to live long-term yet. I’ve travelled around from Rotherham to Sheffield to Warrington to Manchester to Bristol, and I’ve come back to Sheffield. Many people who have the visa are finding it difficult to rent because they don’t have a job.
My friend and I have been putting on community events in Sheffield for Hongkongers. I’ve met some people here who understand what happened in Hong Kong, and they have welcomed us. In a few years, I’ll reach retirement age. I think England is a good place for people to have a quiet life.
I’m safe now. I don’t have to worry that one day I might be arrested. But I’m still thinking about the young people who don’t have the right to apply for a visa [the scheme is only open to people over 18 who have BNO status. They can bring over their dependents, but their children can’t apply independently. There are now plans to change this]. Young people need it more than older people.
I would like to go back to Hong Kong. But if the political environment doesn’t change, I can’t. I miss my family and my friends. But Hong Kong is very different now to how it was before.
自由亞洲電台 | 【中共滲透】獲英國資助的在英華人組織或被中共滲透 讓在英港人憂慮
21-Apr-2022
其中一個獲批英國政府資助的在英港人組織「港僑協會」創辦人鄭文傑，接受本台訪問時表示，在獲資助機構的名單公布後，已留意到部分團體未必可信，然而要有具體證據，證明這些團體和中共有確切關係，卻非常困難。
不過他認為被《泰晤士報》點名的2個華人團體，和中共的關係非常明顯，對此感到憂慮。他呼籲在英港人參與不同組織舉辦的歡迎港人活動時，必須小心謹慎。
鄭文傑說：我想輕則麻痹你的民主意識和鬥志，比如你慢慢安頓後，他們可能會鼓勵你放下你的過去。假設他們真的有親中共議程的話，輕則會有這個風險，或被統戰。重則就是把你的個人資料通報國安單位，當你回港或去任何一個和中國或香港有引渡協議的國家，就會出問題。
他建議港人在參加歡迎港人活動時，應先了解主辦組織的背景和管理層成員，會否有被中共統戰的跡象；在參加活動時也應小心不要曝露太多個人資訊，並留意組織活動的機構有否刻意淡化民主自由意識。
鄭文傑認為，英國中央政府在審批撥款申請時，或會依賴地方政府的建議，而地方政府為了避免破壞和歷史悠久的華人團體的關係，或將其提議給中央政府。
其中一個獲批英國政府資助的在英港人組織「港僑協會」創辦人鄭文傑，接受本台訪問時表示，在獲資助機構的名單公布後，已留意到部分團體未必可信，然而要有具體證據，證明這些團體和中共有確切關係，卻非常困難。
不過他認為被《泰晤士報》點名的2個華人團體，和中共的關係非常明顯，對此感到憂慮。他呼籲在英港人參與不同組織舉辦的歡迎港人活動時，必須小心謹慎。
鄭文傑說：我想輕則麻痹你的民主意識和鬥志，比如你慢慢安頓後，他們可能會鼓勵你放下你的過去。假設他們真的有親中共議程的話，輕則會有這個風險，或被統戰。重則就是把你的個人資料通報國安單位，當你回港或去任何一個和中國或香港有引渡協議的國家，就會出問題。
他建議港人在參加歡迎港人活動時，應先了解主辦組織的背景和管理層成員，會否有被中共統戰的跡象；在參加活動時也應小心不要曝露太多個人資訊，並留意組織活動的機構有否刻意淡化民主自由意識。
鄭文傑認為，英國中央政府在審批撥款申請時，或會依賴地方政府的建議，而地方政府為了避免破壞和歷史悠久的華人團體的關係，或將其提議給中央政府。
The Times | China ‘infiltrates’ groups welcoming Hongkongers to Britain
18-Apr-2022
The Times can reveal fears that the Chinese Community Centre — Birmingham (CCC-B) and Chinese Association of Southampton (CAS) have been infiltrated.
Nathan Law, a Hong Kong activist who fled to the UK, and the expat group Hongkongers in Britain (HKB) has expressed concerns about British Chinese groups welcoming Hong Kong citizens.
HKB said it had “grave concerns” about Chinese Communists targeting Hongkongers and overseas Chinese people. It risks neutering our political asylum, and endangers democracy and freedom — just what BNO visa-holders came here to find.”
Law said: “The origin of the BNO scheme was the suppression of basic freedom and human rights in Hong Kong. I believe this funding should not be awarded to organisations that support these intrusions of the Chinese government.”
The Times can reveal fears that the Chinese Community Centre — Birmingham (CCC-B) and Chinese Association of Southampton (CAS) have been infiltrated.
Nathan Law, a Hong Kong activist who fled to the UK, and the expat group Hongkongers in Britain (HKB) has expressed concerns about British Chinese groups welcoming Hong Kong citizens.
HKB said it had “grave concerns” about Chinese Communists targeting Hongkongers and overseas Chinese people. It risks neutering our political asylum, and endangers democracy and freedom — just what BNO visa-holders came here to find.”
Law said: “The origin of the BNO scheme was the suppression of basic freedom and human rights in Hong Kong. I believe this funding should not be awarded to organisations that support these intrusions of the Chinese government.”
The Times | China is tracking me, says Hong Kong dissident Simon Cheng
16-Apr-2022
Hong Kongers in Britain, a non-profit
organisation that Simon Cheng set up with
government funding, has helped
thousands of citizens to flee to the UK.
“The CCP hates what we do and it will
never compromise. They will do
whatever it takes to suppress rebels to
its government, including acting in
foreign countries,” he said.
“I left Hong Kong to find somewhere
safe but even here I am targeted. Our
group is the main organisation helping
Hong Kongers come to Britain so
China sees us as a huge threat. I believe
at the moment I am being monitored so
they can build a case against me and try
me in China as a traitor.”
Hong Kongers in Britain, a non-profit
organisation that Simon Cheng set up with
government funding, has helped
thousands of citizens to flee to the UK.
“The CCP hates what we do and it will
never compromise. They will do
whatever it takes to suppress rebels to
its government, including acting in
foreign countries,” he said.
“I left Hong Kong to find somewhere
safe but even here I am targeted. Our
group is the main organisation helping
Hong Kongers come to Britain so
China sees us as a huge threat. I believe
at the moment I am being monitored so
they can build a case against me and try
me in China as a traitor.”
Politics Home The House | If the UK is to be a home for Hong Kongers, they need more than an entry ticket
11-Apr-2022
-Alistair Carmichael MP
BNO applicants hail from all walks of life, including students, young professionals with fewer savings, and lower-income families and individuals. With costs climbing to thousands of pounds, such a policy could price out desperate Hong Kongers from safety and freedom.
Once in the UK, however, the challenges facing BNO visa holders persist. A survey conducted last year by Hongkongers in Britain found that nearly half of Hong Kongers who have recently resettled in the UK remain unemployed. This comes despite a Home Office study showing that seven in ten BNO status holders have higher education qualifications.
At present, all BNO visa holders aged 19 and above remain shut out of the government’s adult education and training programmes for the first three years of their residency. For the 31 per cent of Hong Kongers who arrive without a higher education background, or those seeking to develop new skills in an effort to adjust to life in the UK, this policy is particularly harmful.
We have shortages in skilled sectors across our workforce, and so the UK also stands to benefit economically by ensuring that Hong Kongers can prosper in the UK. According to the survey, 89 per cent of BNO visa holders arrive having worked in administrative, professional or managerial occupations, and could have the potential to mitigate the working shortages confronting the economy.
These provisions could transform the lives of Hong Kongers here in the UK.
The government must also recognise, however, that without a renewed effort to introduce sanctions on those officials guilty of creating the conditions that are driving the mass displacement of Hong Kongers, these policies merely address the symptoms, rather than the source of the problem.
In order to adequately fulfil its historic obligations to Hong Kong, the UK has a responsibility to confront the Beijing-backed terror that has swept unchallenged through the once-proud city for too long.
One way to do this is for the government to impose Magnitsky-style sanctions on those who have desecrated Hong Kong’s democracy and violated its people’s freedoms.
By taking action both at home and abroad, we can send a clear message that we truly stand with Hong Kong.
-Alistair Carmichael MP
BNO applicants hail from all walks of life, including students, young professionals with fewer savings, and lower-income families and individuals. With costs climbing to thousands of pounds, such a policy could price out desperate Hong Kongers from safety and freedom.
Once in the UK, however, the challenges facing BNO visa holders persist. A survey conducted last year by Hongkongers in Britain found that nearly half of Hong Kongers who have recently resettled in the UK remain unemployed. This comes despite a Home Office study showing that seven in ten BNO status holders have higher education qualifications.
At present, all BNO visa holders aged 19 and above remain shut out of the government’s adult education and training programmes for the first three years of their residency. For the 31 per cent of Hong Kongers who arrive without a higher education background, or those seeking to develop new skills in an effort to adjust to life in the UK, this policy is particularly harmful.
We have shortages in skilled sectors across our workforce, and so the UK also stands to benefit economically by ensuring that Hong Kongers can prosper in the UK. According to the survey, 89 per cent of BNO visa holders arrive having worked in administrative, professional or managerial occupations, and could have the potential to mitigate the working shortages confronting the economy.
These provisions could transform the lives of Hong Kongers here in the UK.
The government must also recognise, however, that without a renewed effort to introduce sanctions on those officials guilty of creating the conditions that are driving the mass displacement of Hong Kongers, these policies merely address the symptoms, rather than the source of the problem.
In order to adequately fulfil its historic obligations to Hong Kong, the UK has a responsibility to confront the Beijing-backed terror that has swept unchallenged through the once-proud city for too long.
One way to do this is for the government to impose Magnitsky-style sanctions on those who have desecrated Hong Kong’s democracy and violated its people’s freedoms.
By taking action both at home and abroad, we can send a clear message that we truly stand with Hong Kong.
自由亞洲電台 | 香港特首選舉或成「獨角戲」 北京美其名曰「澳門模式」
06-Apr-2022
那究竟什麼是「澳門模式」？ 「澳門特首選舉，除了第一屆以外，其餘的選舉都只有一個候選人，都是沒有競爭的。中央欽點只有一個人可以參選，也當然只有一個人成功當選。」英國港僑協會董事Jason Chao這樣形容「澳門模式」。他是前新澳門學社理事長，曾參與2009年澳門立法會選舉。
Jason Chao表示，以往的香港特首「選舉」，即使有超過1名候選人蔘選，最後當選者都是由北京欽點，其他候選人只是配合上演「政治秀」。然而如果把所謂的「澳門模式」搬到香港特首「選舉」，顯示北京連最後的面具都撕破，而疫情和時間原因，都不是「一人選舉」的真正理由。
Jason Chao說：「以前所謂多加一兩個人參選，都是一場秀，能夠當選的人都是中央指定，但給人的感覺也好像是有選擇似的。不過現在《香港國安法》下，中央已對是否維持一國兩制撕破面具，已經是赤祼祼，因此連戲都不演了。」
那究竟什麼是「澳門模式」？ 「澳門特首選舉，除了第一屆以外，其餘的選舉都只有一個候選人，都是沒有競爭的。中央欽點只有一個人可以參選，也當然只有一個人成功當選。」英國港僑協會董事Jason Chao這樣形容「澳門模式」。他是前新澳門學社理事長，曾參與2009年澳門立法會選舉。
Jason Chao表示，以往的香港特首「選舉」，即使有超過1名候選人蔘選，最後當選者都是由北京欽點，其他候選人只是配合上演「政治秀」。然而如果把所謂的「澳門模式」搬到香港特首「選舉」，顯示北京連最後的面具都撕破，而疫情和時間原因，都不是「一人選舉」的真正理由。
Jason Chao說：「以前所謂多加一兩個人參選，都是一場秀，能夠當選的人都是中央指定，但給人的感覺也好像是有選擇似的。不過現在《香港國安法》下，中央已對是否維持一國兩制撕破面具，已經是赤祼祼，因此連戲都不演了。」
大紀元 | 劉康流亡英國 專注學業傳承香港文化
06-Apr-2022
兩年前只有18歲，就讀大學的劉康，在《港區國安法》實施後，為走避當局政治迫害，故隻身飛往英國尋求政治庇護，是首批被香港警方指控違反國安法而被通緝的港人之一。
劉康抵達英國之後，輾轉在不同城市居住，隨後獲英國駐港總領事館前職員鄭文傑等人成立的「避風驛」協助，開始申請政治庇護。由英國內政部提供住宿和三餐，保障其人身安全。但與其他流亡英國的香港政治人物相比，他的生活較低調，鮮有接受傳媒訪問。
「英國是我的將來。」他早前已向英國數間大學申請政治、哲學和經濟學文學士（PPE）學位，期望在將來3年完成他未竟的學業，「本來今年我應該在香港讀完大學，但政權害得我無法在香港戴上四方帽。我希望將來能在英國順利完成心儀的學位課程。」
「雖然我們被迫離開，但我們不是逃兵，仍然在海外努力堅持，為香港發聲。反之，是對不起在香港身陷牢獄的人。」身處彼岸的劉康表示，在海外的他仍然可以為香港做些實事。作為一個文科生，保存和推廣香港文化成為他的使命和首要目標。他早前聯同英國港僑協會在倫敦舉行新書發布會，發布英國哲學家苗莊雪（John Stuart Mill）著作《論自由》（On Liberty）的粵語譯本《講自由》和《劉康論刊》，希望可以推廣香港的粵語文化。
《講自由》原著對社會影響深遠廣泛，本次是首有粵語譯本推出；《劉康論刊》則是收錄劉康的文章，主題牽涉分析哲學和語言學。
他表示，去年香港圖書館下架多本「禁書」事件，驅使他翻譯哲學名著，「我翻譯《講自由》是由於港人過往一直爭取書中提到的各項個人自由之道德準則，包括出版、思想，以及討論自由。來到海外，讓我們毋忘初衰，繼續爭取自由，傳承和捍衛香港文化，避免文化斷層。」
兩年前只有18歲，就讀大學的劉康，在《港區國安法》實施後，為走避當局政治迫害，故隻身飛往英國尋求政治庇護，是首批被香港警方指控違反國安法而被通緝的港人之一。
劉康抵達英國之後，輾轉在不同城市居住，隨後獲英國駐港總領事館前職員鄭文傑等人成立的「避風驛」協助，開始申請政治庇護。由英國內政部提供住宿和三餐，保障其人身安全。但與其他流亡英國的香港政治人物相比，他的生活較低調，鮮有接受傳媒訪問。
「英國是我的將來。」他早前已向英國數間大學申請政治、哲學和經濟學文學士（PPE）學位，期望在將來3年完成他未竟的學業，「本來今年我應該在香港讀完大學，但政權害得我無法在香港戴上四方帽。我希望將來能在英國順利完成心儀的學位課程。」
「雖然我們被迫離開，但我們不是逃兵，仍然在海外努力堅持，為香港發聲。反之，是對不起在香港身陷牢獄的人。」身處彼岸的劉康表示，在海外的他仍然可以為香港做些實事。作為一個文科生，保存和推廣香港文化成為他的使命和首要目標。他早前聯同英國港僑協會在倫敦舉行新書發布會，發布英國哲學家苗莊雪（John Stuart Mill）著作《論自由》（On Liberty）的粵語譯本《講自由》和《劉康論刊》，希望可以推廣香港的粵語文化。
《講自由》原著對社會影響深遠廣泛，本次是首有粵語譯本推出；《劉康論刊》則是收錄劉康的文章，主題牽涉分析哲學和語言學。
他表示，去年香港圖書館下架多本「禁書」事件，驅使他翻譯哲學名著，「我翻譯《講自由》是由於港人過往一直爭取書中提到的各項個人自由之道德準則，包括出版、思想，以及討論自由。來到海外，讓我們毋忘初衰，繼續爭取自由，傳承和捍衛香港文化，避免文化斷層。」
The Bunker (Podcast) | Daily: Detained for Democracy
3-Apr-2022
What is life like for Hong Kong activists detained then forced into exile after daring to defy Beijing?
Simon Cheng was imprisoned in 2019, and fled to Britain later that year, establishing the expat group Hongkongers in Britain. He talks to Ros Taylor about his brutal experience in detention, his new life and the threat to democracy in his home city.
“Increasingly the younger generation in Hong Kong don’t think they are Chinese.”
“Provided the regime isn’t changed, I have no chance of going back to Hong Kong.”
“I miss my hometown, my friends and my family, but I need to be able speak out freely.”
“One day if the regime changes, we could be back in Hong Kong with democracy and freedom.”
“I will continue to speak out for those people who can’t speak in Hong Kong.”
https://www.patreon.com/bunkercast
Presented by Ros Taylor. Group Editor: Andrew Harrison. Lead Producer: Jacob Jarvis. Producers: Jacob Archbold, Jelena Sofronijevic and Alex Rees. Audio production by Jade Bailey. THE BUNKER is a Podmasters Production
Learn more about your ad choices.
Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
What is life like for Hong Kong activists detained then forced into exile after daring to defy Beijing?
Simon Cheng was imprisoned in 2019, and fled to Britain later that year, establishing the expat group Hongkongers in Britain. He talks to Ros Taylor about his brutal experience in detention, his new life and the threat to democracy in his home city.
“Increasingly the younger generation in Hong Kong don’t think they are Chinese.”
“Provided the regime isn’t changed, I have no chance of going back to Hong Kong.”
“I miss my hometown, my friends and my family, but I need to be able speak out freely.”
“One day if the regime changes, we could be back in Hong Kong with democracy and freedom.”
“I will continue to speak out for those people who can’t speak in Hong Kong.”
https://www.patreon.com/bunkercast
Presented by Ros Taylor. Group Editor: Andrew Harrison. Lead Producer: Jacob Jarvis. Producers: Jacob Archbold, Jelena Sofronijevic and Alex Rees. Audio production by Jade Bailey. THE BUNKER is a Podmasters Production
Learn more about your ad choices.
Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
TV Tokyo・BSテレ東 | ザ・ドキュメンタリー 香港人（ホンコンヤン）
31-Mar-2022
ウクライナ、ミャンマーをはじめ、世界で危ぶまれる「民主主義の危機」。民主派への弾圧が続く香港の今と、香港を離れる決断をした人々を追うドキュメント。
中国の特別行政区「香港」。中国にあって民主化運動も許され、経済的なルールも西側と同様で“自由の象徴”とされていた。しかし旧宗主国イギリス時代から築き上げてきた香港の自由は次々と消えていった。コロナ以前から強まった民主化運動への弾圧に加え、制定された「香港国家安全維持法」によって市民は完全に沈黙。思想だけでなく中国政府は経済までも管理下に置き、自由都市である香港を事実上、消し去った。
いま香港はどうなっているのか…関連する人々を追跡取材。ウクライナ、ミャンマーをはじめ、世界で危ぶまれる「民主主義」をいまの香港を通じてドキュメンタリー形式で描く。
ウクライナ、ミャンマーをはじめ、世界で危ぶまれる「民主主義の危機」。民主派への弾圧が続く香港の今と、香港を離れる決断をした人々を追うドキュメント。
中国の特別行政区「香港」。中国にあって民主化運動も許され、経済的なルールも西側と同様で“自由の象徴”とされていた。しかし旧宗主国イギリス時代から築き上げてきた香港の自由は次々と消えていった。コロナ以前から強まった民主化運動への弾圧に加え、制定された「香港国家安全維持法」によって市民は完全に沈黙。思想だけでなく中国政府は経済までも管理下に置き、自由都市である香港を事実上、消し去った。
いま香港はどうなっているのか…関連する人々を追跡取材。ウクライナ、ミャンマーをはじめ、世界で危ぶまれる「民主主義」をいまの香港を通じてドキュメンタリー形式で描く。
gal-dem | The unflinching Hong Kong protest film moving audiences to tears
23-Mar-2022
For Carmen Lau, watching the film alongside an audience comprised mainly of Hongkongers in London was like “an emotional release”. She was initially apprehensive, having seen two other documentaries following the movement – Taking Back the Legislature and Inside the Red Brick Wall (the latter of which features in the festival) – and feeling emotionally unsettled and upset afterwards. Yet while watching Revolution of Our Times was a difficult process, she felt like it eased a sense of homesickness and negative emotions towards Hong Kong, where authorities issued a warrant for her arrest last December, accusing her of inciting a poll boycott. “Watching it, I couldn’t believe that that’s what we’ve gone through, and it’s already been two years since,” says Lau, who now works for Hongkongers in Britain helping new arrivals settle in the UK. “2019 was just the beginning of Hong Kong being oppressed. What’s worse is what’s happening now.”
For Carmen Lau, watching the film alongside an audience comprised mainly of Hongkongers in London was like “an emotional release”. She was initially apprehensive, having seen two other documentaries following the movement – Taking Back the Legislature and Inside the Red Brick Wall (the latter of which features in the festival) – and feeling emotionally unsettled and upset afterwards. Yet while watching Revolution of Our Times was a difficult process, she felt like it eased a sense of homesickness and negative emotions towards Hong Kong, where authorities issued a warrant for her arrest last December, accusing her of inciting a poll boycott. “Watching it, I couldn’t believe that that’s what we’ve gone through, and it’s already been two years since,” says Lau, who now works for Hongkongers in Britain helping new arrivals settle in the UK. “2019 was just the beginning of Hong Kong being oppressed. What’s worse is what’s happening now.”
SCMP | Why many Hongkongers in Britain on BN(O) scheme find themselves at career crossroads
22-Mar-2022
A survey of 609 people conducted last October by Hongkongers in Britain, a British-based civil society organisation, found that only 30 per cent of respondents had landed paid employment, with 81 per cent of employed arrivals hoping to move sectors or find other job opportunities.
Organisation helping out is Hongkongers in Britain, founded by Simon Cheng Man-kit, who was granted political asylum in 2020. It had secured a grant to support the employment and mental health of the new arrivals.
Cheng estimated that about 35 per cent of Hongkongers who had jobs were working in the same industry as before. Others were doing jobs unrelated to their former professions, he said, citing the example of some former district councillors who were now working as part-time bartenders.
“Hongkongers are generally resilient and willing to adapt to a new environment with different types of jobs, and they generally need to spend some time to reapply or restudy their qualifications to continue their professions,” he said.
The group helps run a job-matching website for Hongkongers and employers and works with a local charity to co-host employment workshops and coaching sessions.
A survey of 609 people conducted last October by Hongkongers in Britain, a British-based civil society organisation, found that only 30 per cent of respondents had landed paid employment, with 81 per cent of employed arrivals hoping to move sectors or find other job opportunities.
Organisation helping out is Hongkongers in Britain, founded by Simon Cheng Man-kit, who was granted political asylum in 2020. It had secured a grant to support the employment and mental health of the new arrivals.
Cheng estimated that about 35 per cent of Hongkongers who had jobs were working in the same industry as before. Others were doing jobs unrelated to their former professions, he said, citing the example of some former district councillors who were now working as part-time bartenders.
“Hongkongers are generally resilient and willing to adapt to a new environment with different types of jobs, and they generally need to spend some time to reapply or restudy their qualifications to continue their professions,” he said.
The group helps run a job-matching website for Hongkongers and employers and works with a local charity to co-host employment workshops and coaching sessions.
自由亞洲電台 | 【俄國入侵】在英港人組織促請英國接收烏克蘭難民 港人為何感同身受？
14-Mar-2022
作為同樣被強權壓迫的一群人，在英港人同樣關注烏克蘭的情況。11個在英港人組織日前聯合向英國內政大臣彭黛玲（Priti Patel）致函，呼籲英國政府向在英國避難的烏克蘭難民提供免簽證待遇，容許他們在英國居留至少3年，讓他們可以在英國工作及獲得公共財政援助。
參與聯署的組織包括「The Campaign for Hong Kong」、「英國港僑協會」（Hongkongers in Britain, HKB）和「香港協會」（Hong Kong Umbrella Community, HKUC）等。
聲明提到，英國30年前為逃離巴爾幹地區種族滅絕的難民提供避難所，最近又開放BNO（英國國民海外護照）簽證計劃，為數十萬港人打開大門，逃離政治壓迫。聲明說，作為《布達佩斯安全保障備忘錄》的共同簽署國，英國必須緊跟歐盟、加拿大等國家的做法，為烏克蘭人提供安全通道。
聲明說：在英港人切身體會到救生艇政策，對於面對暴行、鎮壓和衝突的人民的重要性。 我們敦促英國政府堅持其悠久傳統，幫助逃離戰火和壓迫的人。
參與聯署的在英港人組織「英國港僑協會」創辦人鄭文傑認為，這顯示在英港人的聲音發揮了一定作用。
鄭文傑說：很多英國媒體報道都提到，英國當初願意接收香港人，未來5年可能有30至50萬香港人來英國。我們都知道，這種救生艇政策對我們是很重要，將心比心，我們希望英國政府以同樣態度處理烏克蘭事件。我們發了這個聯合聲明後，內政大臣宣布會簡化程序讓烏克蘭人來英國，這是好的進展。我也希望讓外界知道，我們在英港人也在當中略盡了綿力。
作為同樣被強權壓迫的一群人，在英港人同樣關注烏克蘭的情況。11個在英港人組織日前聯合向英國內政大臣彭黛玲（Priti Patel）致函，呼籲英國政府向在英國避難的烏克蘭難民提供免簽證待遇，容許他們在英國居留至少3年，讓他們可以在英國工作及獲得公共財政援助。
參與聯署的組織包括「The Campaign for Hong Kong」、「英國港僑協會」（Hongkongers in Britain, HKB）和「香港協會」（Hong Kong Umbrella Community, HKUC）等。
聲明提到，英國30年前為逃離巴爾幹地區種族滅絕的難民提供避難所，最近又開放BNO（英國國民海外護照）簽證計劃，為數十萬港人打開大門，逃離政治壓迫。聲明說，作為《布達佩斯安全保障備忘錄》的共同簽署國，英國必須緊跟歐盟、加拿大等國家的做法，為烏克蘭人提供安全通道。
聲明說：在英港人切身體會到救生艇政策，對於面對暴行、鎮壓和衝突的人民的重要性。 我們敦促英國政府堅持其悠久傳統，幫助逃離戰火和壓迫的人。
參與聯署的在英港人組織「英國港僑協會」創辦人鄭文傑認為，這顯示在英港人的聲音發揮了一定作用。
鄭文傑說：很多英國媒體報道都提到，英國當初願意接收香港人，未來5年可能有30至50萬香港人來英國。我們都知道，這種救生艇政策對我們是很重要，將心比心，我們希望英國政府以同樣態度處理烏克蘭事件。我們發了這個聯合聲明後，內政大臣宣布會簡化程序讓烏克蘭人來英國，這是好的進展。我也希望讓外界知道，我們在英港人也在當中略盡了綿力。
Byline TV | Hong Kong Protestor’s 15 Day Torture Ordeal
12-Mar-2022
Hong Kong Protestor’s 15 Day Torture Ordeal.
Simon Cheng, exiled pro-democracy activist and founder of Hongkongers in Britain, received interview of Byline TV for talking about his detention of Chinese authorities and vision of the Hong Kong pro-democracy movement.
Hong Kong Protestor’s 15 Day Torture Ordeal.
Simon Cheng, exiled pro-democracy activist and founder of Hongkongers in Britain, received interview of Byline TV for talking about his detention of Chinese authorities and vision of the Hong Kong pro-democracy movement.
InterCardiff | Ex Hong Kong politician is now helping immigrants in Wales
10-Mar-2022
For a month, Valerie Wong has now been working at Hongkongers for Britain, which is a Hongkonger support group in the UK. It is not an easy job for her. “My main difficulty when I’m doing my job is actually that I’m also new in Wales. I have to work and learn at the same time. It’s quite challenging for me but I really like the challenge actually,” says Valerie. “It’s quite meaningful to me because I was a District Councillor in Hong Kong.”
Valerie recently organised a meeting between Hong Kong immigrants and a Cardiff Councillor in a community centre. Councillor Peter Wong along with Valerie addressed immigrants to help them understand how the UK legislative system works. They were answering questions about everything from Westminster and Cardiff Council to education and taxation. Peter sat across the immigrants and answered the questions one by one.
In October 2019, Valerie was elected as a District Councillor in Hong Kong, however, this position does not have any legislative power. They regularly hold meetings with government officials to give suggestions. Handling complaints from the community is also in a district councillor’s daily routine.
In October 2021, the Hong Kong government disqualified Valerie as a District Councillor. A few months before that, there already were rumours that the authority would disqualify pro-democracy District Councillors and ask them to return the expense of the office, along with their salary.
For a month, Valerie Wong has now been working at Hongkongers for Britain, which is a Hongkonger support group in the UK. It is not an easy job for her. “My main difficulty when I’m doing my job is actually that I’m also new in Wales. I have to work and learn at the same time. It’s quite challenging for me but I really like the challenge actually,” says Valerie. “It’s quite meaningful to me because I was a District Councillor in Hong Kong.”
Valerie recently organised a meeting between Hong Kong immigrants and a Cardiff Councillor in a community centre. Councillor Peter Wong along with Valerie addressed immigrants to help them understand how the UK legislative system works. They were answering questions about everything from Westminster and Cardiff Council to education and taxation. Peter sat across the immigrants and answered the questions one by one.
In October 2019, Valerie was elected as a District Councillor in Hong Kong, however, this position does not have any legislative power. They regularly hold meetings with government officials to give suggestions. Handling complaints from the community is also in a district councillor’s daily routine.
In October 2021, the Hong Kong government disqualified Valerie as a District Councillor. A few months before that, there already were rumours that the authority would disqualify pro-democracy District Councillors and ask them to return the expense of the office, along with their salary.
SCMP | Leaving Hong Kong: UK’s property boom is turbocharged by influx of city’s BN(O) migrants
5-Mar-2022
Due to the overwhelming demand, the UK government said it would expand the programme, letting 18 to 24-year-old Hongkongers apply independently of their parents. The programme was previously capped for Hongkongers born in the British colonial era before July 1, 1997, translating to an age limit of 25 years.
Where are BN(O) emigrants settling in the UK?
Anecdotal evidence shows Hongkongers preferring England to Northern Ireland, Scotland and Wales.
Including the Greater London area, 94 per cent of BN (O) arrivals picked England as their preferred destination, according to a survey by Hongkongers in Britain, a support group formed in 2020 to aid new arrivals and aspiring migrants.
Due to the overwhelming demand, the UK government said it would expand the programme, letting 18 to 24-year-old Hongkongers apply independently of their parents. The programme was previously capped for Hongkongers born in the British colonial era before July 1, 1997, translating to an age limit of 25 years.
Where are BN(O) emigrants settling in the UK?
Anecdotal evidence shows Hongkongers preferring England to Northern Ireland, Scotland and Wales.
Including the Greater London area, 94 per cent of BN (O) arrivals picked England as their preferred destination, according to a survey by Hongkongers in Britain, a support group formed in 2020 to aid new arrivals and aspiring migrants.