It is our duty to help Hongkongers settle and prosper in London
For centuries, Londoners have embraced the benefits of immigration and welcomed new arrivals to their city with open arms. Around a third of Londoners were born outside the UK and over 200 languages are spoken on our streets. We are proud of this diverse, thriving city, and look forward to it remaining a multicultural hub for many years to come.
In this spirit, I was delighted to read that Sadiq Khan has said that “London is open” to newly-arrived Hongkongers. Affirming his commitment to those who are using the British National (Overseas) visa scheme as a lifeline to escape the totalitarian rule of the Chines Communist Party (CCP), the London Mayor predicted that “between a quarter and a third of those who come to the UK will choose London.” With 34,000 Hongkongers having applied for a BN(O) visa in January, that’s potentially tens of thousands of new citizens arriving in the capital.
Hong Kong and London share some similarities – historically, both are vibrant, entrepreneurial cities with a global outlook that were built on trade – which perhaps explains why so many BN(O) visa holders are expected to settle in London.
Sadly, there are now more differences than similarities between the two cities. Over the past two years, freedom and human rights in Hong Kong have been steadily dismantled. The city’s once thriving pro-democracy movement is now nothing more than a historic concept which has been stamped out by the Hong Kong and Chinese authorities. That is why it is our duty to help those Hongkongers who are leaving their city, their families and their lives behind and who now want to embrace London as their new home.
Since the introduction of the draconian National Security Law last year which eradicated freedom and democracy, Beijing’s influence has leaned heavily on Hong Kong, threatening the values and way of life of her citizens. At least 100 arrests have already been made under the legislation, but its impact has also served to embolden the police and authorities. The legal system in Hong Kong is no longer capable of administering fair and impartial justice or keeping Hongkongers safe. Instead, it is used to intimidate those who oppose the government, ensuring their silence out of fear for their freedom, livelihoods and families.
The UK government’s BN(O) scheme means many Hongkongers will be able to escape this Orwellian nightmare and reach the UK safely. But we need to ensure that once they arrive, they receive the support they need to rebuild their lives and prosper, including here in London.
Sadiq Khan has said that he will use the government funding to support newly arrived Hongkongers to find employment and housing. Much of this will be practical steps focused on ensuring access. For example, we need to make sure landlords don’t hold it against Hongkongers that they don’t have references from previous UK rentals, and that industry governing bodies recognize professional qualifications acquired in Hong Kong.
It’s also crucial however, that all Hongkongers receive the full government support they need. Many may need English language education, and children and young people must be able to enroll in local schools and get financial support for university. They may need help to access pension funds and personal bank accounts. Access to mental health support will be important, particularly for those who have been living in fear – the targets of harassment by the police and authorities because of their political beliefs.
I’m proud that London is opening its doors to Hongkongers and continuing its long history as a multicultural melting pot. But to become the latest part of London’s ongoing success story, we must give newly arrived HongKongers all the support they need to settle and thrive here.