As Hong Kong has become a hot topic over the past year more and more myths are circulating about the UK and Hong Kong. Now that the National People’s Congress Standing Committee has passed new legislation on national security we want to correct some of these misunderstandings.

Claim

The UK supports Hong Kong independence – The Paper published on June 6

Response

This is not true, the UK is clear that Hong Kong is part of China under the one country two systems framework.

The UK wants to uphold this framework which we believe is key to peace and prosperity in Hong Kong.

Claim

The Sino British Joint Declaration is an historic document and has no relevance – China News published on June 10

Response

The Sino British Joint Declaration, as it is known, was registered with the United Nations on 12 June 1985 as a legally-binding international treaty that remains in force today.

This agreement between the UK and China made clear that Hong Kong’s high-degree of autonomy, rights and freedoms would remain unchanged for 50 years – until 2047 – with limited exceptions such as foreign affairs and defence.

The declaration states: “The current social and economic systems in Hong Kong will remain unchanged, and so will the lifestyle”, including essential “rights and freedoms”.

The undertakings made by China, including the right to freedom of expression, an independent judiciary and the rule of law are important to Hong Kong’s prosperity and way of life.

Claim

Hong Kong affairs should only be an internal matter for China – Xinhua published on June 9 Xinhua published on June 9

Response

To maintain global peace and security all countries need to play their part in upholding international law.

The new national security law lies in direct conflict with China’s international obligations under the Joint Declaration which guaranteed Hong Kong with a high degree of autonomy with executive, legislative and independent judicial powers until 2047. The declaration was agreed by the UK and China and registered with the United Nations. It remains in force today.

As a result it risks intensifying divisions in Hong Kong’s fragile society. That is why, alongside other countries, we urged China to reconsider so that we can increase the chances of a return to peace and reconciliation.

Claim

The West does not criticise the US over police brutality and is guilty of double standards – CCTV published on June 6

Response

The UK supports the right to peaceful protest wherever it happens in the world. In Hong Kong, we have always been clear that we support peaceful protest and that violence and vandalism from protests is unacceptable.

Our position is the same on the Black Lives Matters protests that have occurred both in the US, UK and across the world. Due to the Great Firewall Chinese citizens are not always able to see where the UK raises it concerns outside China. Below is a tweet from our Ambassador to the US that underlines this.

Claim

The people of HK welcome the proposed law – China News published on 13 June

Response

It is certainly true that some of Hong Kong’s population support the law. But it is not the case that all of the population is in favour. Hong Kong is a city of 7 million. 2.9 million – less than half of the city – engaged in the survey orchestrated by the Central Government Liaison Office. A popular newspaper survey, Ming Pao, said 64% of the population oppose the law.

Claim

The NPC is acting in accordance with the law – BJ News published on 28 May

Response

The new national security law has no legal basis and is contrary to both the Joint Declaration and Hong Kong’s basic law.

Claim

Foreign interference is the reason for the protests – QS Theory published 30 May

Response

People in Hong Kong are protesting because they fear that their way of life and high degree of autonomy is under threat.

The suggestion that the UK or other countries have somehow organised the protests is false. Instead of making false allegations we hope that China will work alongside the international community to preserve everything that has allowed Hong Kong to thrive.

As the Prime Minister has said:

Britain does not seek to prevent China’s rise; on the contrary we will work side by side on all the issues where our interests converge, from trade to climate change. We want a modern and mature relationship, based on mutual respect and recognising China’s place in the world. And it is precisely because we welcome China as a leading member of the world community that we expect it to abide by international agreements.

Claim

The UK is biased and not willing to condone violence in HK – Sohu.com published on 9 June

Response

The UK supports the right to peaceful protest wherever it happens in the world. In Hong Kong, we have always been clear that we support peaceful protest and that violence and vandalism from protests is unacceptable.

In our Six-monthly Report on the issue of Hong Kong to the UK Parliament, we said “the UK has been consistently clear that violence and vandalism is unacceptable”. After the attack on LegCo on 1 July the then Foreign Secretary said “”no violence is acceptable”. The G7 leaders’ statement on 26 August issued a joint statement calling for the end of violence. An FCO spokesperson statement said on 11 November “we are seriously concerned by the ongoing violence”.

The Prime Minister has made his condemnation of the violence that occurred as part of the protests in the UK over the weekend of 13 and 14 June in his tweet.

• today, Peru and the UK signed a Government-to-Government (G2G) agreement for an ambitious Reconstruction Programme
• the UK Delivery Team (UKDT) is represented by strategic partners Mace Limited, Arup Limited and Gleeds International Limited

Following severe damages caused by climate cycle El Nino in Peru in 2017, today the Department for International Trade (DIT) has signed a G2G agreement with the Government of Peru to support the crucial reconstruction of public services facilities.

After a rigorous selection process, the UK has been chosen as the delivery partner of the Reconstruction Programme, to provide international expertise in major prevention programmes and to rebuild critical infrastructure affected by the El Niño phenomenon.

The Reconstruction Programme includes the reconstruction of 74 schools and 15 new health centres. As El Nino is a recurring phenomenon, the project also includes for the UK to support Peru in its prevention work on several infrastructure amenities, including the construction of 7 storm drainage systems.

Today, the agreement was signed by the Peruvian Government, represented by the Authority for Reconstruction with Changes (ARCC), and by the UK Government, represented by DIT. The Department will support UK businesses Mace Limited, Arup Ltd and Gleeds International Ltd to deliver the Reconstruction Programme. Knowledge transfer is at the heart of the UK’s approach as well as a shared interest in assuring the resilience and sustainability of infrastructure projects against the impact of climate change.

The UK delivery team will deliver technical assistance in relation to the provision of schools, medical facilities and flood resilience programmes. This major infrastructure programme is critical for Peru’s economic recovery from the damage caused by El Nino.

Following the success of the Lima 2019 Games, this is another great example of UK-Peru collaboration and is a testimony of UK businesses’ support for international projects that tackle natural disasters.

This agreement will last for two years, starting from July 2020 to June 2022, with the possibility to extend by one year.

International Trade Minister for Exports, Graham Stuart said:

I am delighted that the UK has been selected by Peru to support the Reconstruction Programme, following the devastating repercussions of the El Nino phenomenon in 2017.

This partnership highlights the value UK businesses can bring to other countries and is a great example of UK expertise helping people around the world.

The Department for International Trade will be working hand in glove with the Peruvian Government to help rebuild and protect these regions for years to come.

Mrs. Amalia Moreno Vizcardo, Executive Director from Reconstruction Authority, said:

The United Kingdom has a vast experience in the management of complex projects and will provide technical assistance in prevention works in rivers and streams.

The synergy of knowledge between the United Kingdom and Peru will make it possible for major reconstruction projects to become a reality and for Peruvians to access quality services and be protected against an eventual natural disaster.

We are convinced that the signing of this agreement and its immediate execution will become an important tool for economic reactivation for our country in the coming months and years.

Jason Millett, CEO for Consultancy at Mace, said:

Having already worked closely with DIT for the Lima 2019 Games, this contract is a testament to the importance of building and maintaining strong relationships, trust and collaboration.

To that point, I’m delighted that we can continue to collaborate with our friends and colleagues in Peru, to help deliver the critical social infrastructure needed by communities across the country. It’s an exciting commission that lays a clear marker for Mace’s ambitions overseas.

Stuart Senior, Supervisory Board, at Gleeds, said:

Over the next two years, on behalf of the Department for International Trade, we will be working hand in hand with the Peruvian Government to help future-proof Northern Peru from the impact of flooding in the years to come, following the devastating repercussions of the El Niño phenomenon in 2017.

Through intelligent risk analysis, cost planning and modelling and our in-depth understanding of routes to procurement, this programme will mark the beginning of a lasting relationship between the UK Delivery Team and our strategic network in the UK with local partners and communities in Peru.

Jerome Frost, Global Cities Leader at Arup, said:

This commission will build on the strong partnership that we have been proud to help build between the UK and Peru during our work on the Pan American and Parapan American Games.

And now, UK firms will be in a position to make an even bigger impact with this Reconstruction Programme. It’s partnerships like this that build better, more sustainable futures for all and we hope as part of this commission we can cement even closer ties between the two countries.

• today, Peru and the UK signed a Government-to-Government (G2G) agreement for an ambitious Reconstruction Programme
• the UK Delivery Team (UKDT) is represented by strategic partners Mace Limited, Arup Limited and Gleeds International Limited

Following severe damages caused by climate cycle El Nino in Peru in 2017, today the Department for International Trade (DIT) has signed a G2G agreement with the Government of Peru to support the crucial reconstruction of public services facilities.

After a rigorous selection process, the UK has been chosen as the delivery partner of the Reconstruction Programme, to provide international expertise in major prevention programmes and to rebuild critical infrastructure affected by the El Niño phenomenon.

The Reconstruction Programme includes the reconstruction of 74 schools and 15 new health centres. As El Nino is a recurring phenomenon, the project also includes for the UK to support Peru in its prevention work on several infrastructure amenities, including the construction of 7 storm drainage systems.

Today, the agreement was signed by the Peruvian Government, represented by the Authority for Reconstruction with Changes (ARCC), and by the UK Government, represented by DIT. The Department will support UK businesses Mace Limited, Arup Ltd and Gleeds International Ltd to deliver the Reconstruction Programme. Knowledge transfer is at the heart of the UK’s approach as well as a shared interest in assuring the resilience and sustainability of infrastructure projects against the impact of climate change.

The UK delivery team will deliver technical assistance in relation to the provision of schools, medical facilities and flood resilience programmes. This major infrastructure programme is critical for Peru’s economic recovery from the damage caused by El Nino.

Following the success of the Lima 2019 Games, this is another great example of UK-Peru collaboration and is a testimony of UK businesses’ support for international projects that tackle natural disasters.

This agreement will last for two years, starting from July 2020 to June 2022, with the possibility to extend by one year.

International Trade Minister for Exports, Graham Stuart said:

I am delighted that the UK has been selected by Peru to support the Reconstruction Programme, following the devastating repercussions of the El Nino phenomenon in 2017.

This partnership highlights the value UK businesses can bring to other countries and is a great example of UK expertise helping people around the world.

The Department for International Trade will be working hand in glove with the Peruvian Government to help rebuild and protect these regions for years to come.

Mrs. Amalia Moreno Vizcardo, Executive Director from Reconstruction Authority, said:

The United Kingdom has a vast experience in the management of complex projects and will provide technical assistance in prevention works in rivers and streams.

The synergy of knowledge between the United Kingdom and Peru will make it possible for major reconstruction projects to become a reality and for Peruvians to access quality services and be protected against an eventual natural disaster.

We are convinced that the signing of this agreement and its immediate execution will become an important tool for economic reactivation for our country in the coming months and years.

Jason Millett, CEO for Consultancy at Mace, said:

Having already worked closely with DIT for the Lima 2019 Games, this contract is a testament to the importance of building and maintaining strong relationships, trust and collaboration.

To that point, I’m delighted that we can continue to collaborate with our friends and colleagues in Peru, to help deliver the critical social infrastructure needed by communities across the country. It’s an exciting commission that lays a clear marker for Mace’s ambitions overseas.

Stuart Senior, Supervisory Board, at Gleeds, said:

Over the next two years, on behalf of the Department for International Trade, we will be working hand in hand with the Peruvian Government to help future-proof Northern Peru from the impact of flooding in the years to come, following the devastating repercussions of the El Niño phenomenon in 2017.

Through intelligent risk analysis, cost planning and modelling and our in-depth understanding of routes to procurement, this programme will mark the beginning of a lasting relationship between the UK Delivery Team and our strategic network in the UK with local partners and communities in Peru.

Jerome Frost, Global Cities Leader at Arup, said:

This commission will build on the strong partnership that we have been proud to help build between the UK and Peru during our work on the Pan American and Parapan American Games.

And now, UK firms will be in a position to make an even bigger impact with this Reconstruction Programme. It’s partnerships like this that build better, more sustainable futures for all and we hope as part of this commission we can cement even closer ties between the two countries.

• today, Peru and the UK signed a Government-to-Government (G2G) agreement for an ambitious Reconstruction Programme
• the UK Delivery Team (UKDT) is represented by strategic partners Mace Limited, Arup Limited and Gleeds International Limited

Following severe damages caused by climate cycle El Nino in Peru in 2017, today the Department for International Trade (DIT) has signed a G2G agreement with the Government of Peru to support the crucial reconstruction of public services facilities.

After a rigorous selection process, the UK has been chosen as the delivery partner of the Reconstruction Programme, to provide international expertise in major prevention programmes and to rebuild critical infrastructure affected by the El Niño phenomenon.

The Reconstruction Programme includes the reconstruction of 74 schools and 15 new health centres. As El Nino is a recurring phenomenon, the project also includes for the UK to support Peru in its prevention work on several infrastructure amenities, including the construction of 7 storm drainage systems.

Today, the agreement was signed by the Peruvian Government, represented by the Authority for Reconstruction with Changes (ARCC), and by the UK Government, represented by DIT. The Department will support UK businesses Mace Limited, Arup Ltd and Gleeds International Ltd to deliver the Reconstruction Programme. Knowledge transfer is at the heart of the UK’s approach as well as a shared interest in assuring the resilience and sustainability of infrastructure projects against the impact of climate change.

The UK delivery team will deliver technical assistance in relation to the provision of schools, medical facilities and flood resilience programmes. This major infrastructure programme is critical for Peru’s economic recovery from the damage caused by El Nino.

Following the success of the Lima 2019 Games, this is another great example of UK-Peru collaboration and is a testimony of UK businesses’ support for international projects that tackle natural disasters.

This agreement will last for two years, starting from July 2020 to June 2022, with the possibility to extend by one year.

International Trade Minister for Exports, Graham Stuart said:

I am delighted that the UK has been selected by Peru to support the Reconstruction Programme, following the devastating repercussions of the El Nino phenomenon in 2017.

This partnership highlights the value UK businesses can bring to other countries and is a great example of UK expertise helping people around the world.

The Department for International Trade will be working hand in glove with the Peruvian Government to help rebuild and protect these regions for years to come.

Mrs. Amalia Moreno Vizcardo, Executive Director from Reconstruction Authority, said:

The United Kingdom has a vast experience in the management of complex projects and will provide technical assistance in prevention works in rivers and streams.

The synergy of knowledge between the United Kingdom and Peru will make it possible for major reconstruction projects to become a reality and for Peruvians to access quality services and be protected against an eventual natural disaster.

We are convinced that the signing of this agreement and its immediate execution will become an important tool for economic reactivation for our country in the coming months and years.

Jason Millett, CEO for Consultancy at Mace, said:

Having already worked closely with DIT for the Lima 2019 Games, this contract is a testament to the importance of building and maintaining strong relationships, trust and collaboration.

To that point, I’m delighted that we can continue to collaborate with our friends and colleagues in Peru, to help deliver the critical social infrastructure needed by communities across the country. It’s an exciting commission that lays a clear marker for Mace’s ambitions overseas.

Stuart Senior, Supervisory Board, at Gleeds, said:

Over the next two years, on behalf of the Department for International Trade, we will be working hand in hand with the Peruvian Government to help future-proof Northern Peru from the impact of flooding in the years to come, following the devastating repercussions of the El Niño phenomenon in 2017.

Through intelligent risk analysis, cost planning and modelling and our in-depth understanding of routes to procurement, this programme will mark the beginning of a lasting relationship between the UK Delivery Team and our strategic network in the UK with local partners and communities in Peru.

Jerome Frost, Global Cities Leader at Arup, said:

This commission will build on the strong partnership that we have been proud to help build between the UK and Peru during our work on the Pan American and Parapan American Games.

And now, UK firms will be in a position to make an even bigger impact with this Reconstruction Programme. It’s partnerships like this that build better, more sustainable futures for all and we hope as part of this commission we can cement even closer ties between the two countries.