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For some time, Michael has been saying that he would like to spend more time in London where his roots are. He came out to Hong Kong on a three year contract in 1983; and has stayed on in Hong Kong for twelve years because of me. He is now past 60 and would like to develop his practice in London and see more of his children. But he too will be spending a lot of time here. He will continue to practise in the Hong Kong Courts and will be keeping his chambers and staff here.
I have been on the Executive Council for thirteen years, and for some time I have been thinking that it was time to step down. I have asked the Governor last Monday - and he has agreed that I shall leave the Council during this summer recess in August. This will give me time to plan ahead and prepare to move to London and to give the Governor maximum notice of my plans.
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I want to stress that these decisions should not be misinterpreted. My confidence in Hong Kong's future is unchanged. It is simply that Michael and I have reached personal decisions that will enable each of us to continue with our careers in London.
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My views about the future of Hong Kong are well-known. I continue to believe what I have said over and over again publicly and privately that I have every confidence in the future of Hong Kong as part of China. I am sure that Hong Kong has a vital part to play in China's future, and I am sure that China is fully committed to giving Hong Kong a special status under the Basic Law so that it will continue to enjoy its distinctive way of life well beyond 1997. It is in China's own interest to do so. That is still my view today.
I am looking forward to taking up my new role as a London based Executive Director of the Swire Group, to helping to implement the Group's substantial investment plans here and to contributing to the health and strength of Hong Kong's economy in the coming years. I also hope to attend at the House of Lords more often and I will make sure that Hong Kong's voice is heard by Britain's political leaders. In all these ways, my heart will continue to beat for Hong Kong.
Although I am sure I will be seeing some of you in the next few months, I would like to take this opportunity to thank you all for the warmth and friendship and courtesy that you have always shown towards me. Hong Kong is very lucky to have such a committed, vigilant and professional media.
End/Thursday, June 15, 1995