Britain is to offer a new path to UK citizenship for Hong Kongers with British National (Overseas) status in response to China’s new security law.
Boris Johnson told MPs that he would introduce a new route after China’s actions overnight.
The new law constitutes a “clear and serious breach” of the UK-China treaty, the prime minister said.
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He said the government had made clear that if China took this action then it would respond.
“That is precisely what we will do now.”
Government sources said the new route could be open to as many as 2.9 million people.
Earlier, Foreign Secretary Dominic Raab said the new laws published by China constitute “a clear violation” of the autonomy of Hong Kong and a “direct threat to the freedoms of its people”.
He also echoed Mr Johnson’s words, saying: “Therefore, I’m afraid to say, it is a clear and serious violation of the joint declaration – the treaty between the United Kingdom and China.”
Mr Raab warned China was not “living up to its promises” on the freedom to peacefully protest in Hong Kong.
He added: “We fought very hard and we negotiated with the Chinese back in the 1980s to have the freedom for peaceful protest and freedom of expression to be respected.
“China through this national security legislation is not living up to its promises to the people of Hong Kong. We will live up to our promises to them.”
Nearly 200 people have been arrested as police fired water canon, tear gas and rubber bullets at demonstrators who decided to protest despite being denied permission for an annual march marking the anniversary of the city’s handover to Chinese rule.
Mr Raab said that the new route would be “bespoke” in light of the UK’s historic ties to the people of Hong Kong.
Under the plans, those with BNO status will be given five years limited leave to remain, with a right to work or study in the UK.
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After those five years they will be able to apply for settled status and after a further 12 months to apply for citizenship.
Shadow foreign secretary Lisa Nandy described the new security law as “deeply shocking”.
She warned the scheme must be open to everyone, not just the wealthy,
She also accused the government of appearing “deeply confused” on China and expressed fears that ministers saw the country as key to the UK’s economic recovery.
Asked what the implications will be for the Chinese company Huawei’s involvement in the UK’s 5G network, Mr Raab said: “The National Centre for Cyber Security is already conducting a review in light of the US sanctions and we will await an outcome of that review.”
The Home Secretary will set out the details of the scheme to MPs at a later date, Mr Raab said.
