British nationality. We share the desire of the House to
do everything we can to enhance the security of the
people of Hong Kong. On that basis, the Government are
looking at what flexibility the rules allow. But the House will appreciate the reason why we could not easily contemplate a massive new immigration commitment which would more than double the ethnic minority population of the United Kingdom. Our overriding aim must be to do everything possible to secure the continuation of those conditions in Hong Kong that have led to its outstanding success over the last century. I hope the House will send a message to the people of Hong Kong, reaffirming our commitment to their secure, stable and prosperous
future.
The events of the last few days in China run directly counter to the recent trend within China itself and to the pressure for legitimate democratic change which is being increasingly recognised throughout the world. The Chinese students are demanding from their Communist leadership rights and liberties which are taken for granted in the free world. The slaughter in Peking is a tragic setback to the campaign for democracy but I hope this House will send a united message: a message of support to the people of China; a message of warning to the Government of China that the economic revival which they have successfully fostered in recent years can only succeed if it is accompanied by essential human rights and freedoms.
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