ANNEX B
57.
Despite the importance which Hong Kong people
attach to a clear recognition by HMG of the United
Kingdom's responsibility for, and special connection
with Hong Kong, most Hong Kong people accept the reality
of the present situation. There have nevertheless
been some calls for Hong Kong passport holders to be
given the right of abode in the United Kingdom (some
drawing comparison with treatment by Portugal of its
nationals from Macau). These people argue that such
a move would represent a manifestation of HMG wanting
the Joint Declaration to work for the best interests
of Hong Kong: if they were to have unrestricted access
to the UK, they would not feel constrained to defend
their best interests if a subsequent Chinese Government
did not honour the Joint Declaration, nor would they
feel the need to emigrate to third countries. The
Government, however, do not believe that it would be
sensible, or acceptable to Parliament, to give over
3 million people the right to enter this county,
if the majority had no intention of exercising this
right. Such a move would be more likely to be interpreted
as a vote of no confidence in Hong Kong Kong's future.
even
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