As the wave of emigration continues, the quality of life for Hong Kong immigrants in the UK has become a significant concern. A survey conducted by an organization of Hongkongers in the UK has found that Hong Kong immigrants generally feel that the UK is safe, with over 80 percent feeling safe in their local communities. However, regarding demonstrations and gatherings related to Hong Kong, only 40 percent of respondents said they had participated. Over 60 percent of respondents believe that the main security threats come from pro-China organizations and individuals, with 20 percent stating that the threats come directly from the Chinese Communist Party (CCP). Additionally, 67 percent of respondents expressed concerns about their safety due to CCP’s “overseas police stations” in the UK.
The Hongkongers in Britain Association conducted an online survey of 458 Hong Kong immigrants between April 22 and May 7 to understand the community security and safety situation of Hong Kong immigrants in the UK. Of those surveyed, 81 percent (369 people) felt that their community was safe, and 82 percent (375 people) did not perceive a high level of crime in their communities. However, 20 percent (93 people) reported experiencing verbal harassment from strangers, 11 percent (52 people) had been verbally abused, and 10 percent (46 people) had faced physical threats in public places.
While the living environment in the UK is generally considered safe, what about participation in Hong Kong community activities? To the question, 83 percent (345 people) had participated in Hong Kong community activities such as lectures and markets. However, regarding demonstrations and gatherings related to Hong Kong affairs, only 44 percent (181 people) participated, with 46 percent stating that they had not participated in any protest or demonstration activities. Furthermore, 47 percent (193 people) refrained from expressing opinions on Hong Kong issues online due to perceived dangers.
The survey found that 37 percent (142 people) felt that participating in Hong Kong-related demonstrations and gatherings in the UK was unsafe, not only because of concerns about their safety but also due to concerns about the safety of returning to Hong Kong in the future. Data also indicated that among those who had participated in Hong Kong-related demonstrations and gatherings in the UK, 34 percent (83 people) claimed to have been photographed by suspicious individuals, 8 percent (19 people) experienced verbal abuse, 7 percent (19 people) felt they were being followed, 3 percent (seven people) felt physically threatened, and 2 percent (six people) reported harassment of their families (including family members in Hong Kong).
Where do these security threats originate? Sixty-three percent (263 people) believed that the main security threats come from pro-China organizations and individuals, with 24 percent (98 people) believing they come directly from the Chinese Communist government. Ninety percent (371 people) of respondents indicated that they felt somewhat or very unsafe when it came to visiting the CCP’s embassy or visa centers in the UK to obtain travel documents. Concerns included data leaks, application obstacles, and personal safety. Additionally, 67 percent of people expressed concerns about their safety due to the presence of CCP’s “overseas police stations” in the UK.
Among the respondents, 79 percent (326 people) expressed a need for more confidence in the UK government, believing that it cannot effectively respond to the security threats faced by Hongkongers in the UK. Seventy-two percent (299 people) felt that the UK government needed to take more measures to ensure the safety of Hongkongers participating in civic activities and expressing their opinions.
The Hongkongers in Britain Association noted that the survey reflects the concerns of Hong Kong immigrants in the UK, who, despite perceiving the UK’s overall security as good, worry that the UK government has not taken adequate measures to safeguard their participation in social affairs. They called on the UK government to enhance the dissemination of laws to deter threats against them. Concerning the general unease among Hongkongers about the security of applying for Hong Kong travel documents in the UK, the association urged the UK authorities to minimize contact between Hongkongers and Hong Kong and Chinese government agencies. This could be achieved by encouraging employers to accept background checks in oaths, thus eliminating the need for Hongkongers to apply for a “Certificate of No Criminal Conviction” (CNCC) from the Hong Kong police. They also called on UK authorities to allow the children of BN(O) visa holders to apply for BN(O) passports.
Apart from the incident outside the Chinese Consulate-General in Manchester in 2022, where Chinese Consul-general Zheng Xiyuan and other diplomats attacked Hong Kong protesters, there have been instances in which Hongkongers in various parts of the UK faced harassment and even stalking during gatherings and protests related to Hong Kong affairs.
During the 612 Rally in Southampton in June this year, a mainland student made provocative remarks at the rally. After the rally was adjourned, the student attacked the participants and was eventually arrested.
Hongkongers living in Southampton told The Epoch Times that there was an increased sense of vigilance among local Hongkongers during the July 21 gathering following the incident. In addition to reminding participants to wear masks, they formed their security teams to guard the perimeter of the gathering to prevent any provocations or unforeseen incidents. Some Hongkongers reportedly said that they would not attend the 7.21 event due to what happened at the 6.12 event. Some suggested that participants travel in a group after the gathering and change clothes to avoid being identified by those with malicious intent.
