LABOUR has been accused of plotting to restore an extradition deal which could let China deport its political opponents from the UK.
Bounties of £100,000 are being offered to those who deliver Hong Kong pro-democracy campaigners to the Chinese Embassy in London.
Richard TownshendAlicia Kearns, Shadow Minister for Home Affairs raised the alarm[/caption]
AFPIain Duncan Smith said: ‘This would be an absolutely dreadful kowtow to the Chinese’[/caption]
And Tories say proposed tweaks to the 2003 Extradition Act could see Chinese dissidents legally hauled back into the grip of the regime.
Alicia Kearns, Shadow Minister for Home Affairs, who raised the alarm, said in a letter: “Why has the Government introduced cooperation with Hong Kong, and by extension, the Chinese Communist Party authorities?
“Has freedom and the rule of law been returned to Hong Kong – or have you decided these issues are no longer saleable alongside the ‘reset’ in relations between the UK and China?
“You will be aware of the repression faced by Hong Kong democracy activists living in the UK, including the recent campaign of bounties.
“What guarantees can you give that no Hong Konger, CCP critic or anyone targeted by the CCP will be extradited under the new arrangement?
“We would be grateful for some clarity on why extraditions are being relaunched.”
Iain Duncan Smith said: “This would be an absolutely dreadful kowtow to the Chinese.
“I don’t know how much more this government can do to show what an absolutely pathetic supplicant it has become.
“They do not seem to understand that China is the single biggest threat to freedom in the world today.
“They are, yet again, bending the knee to a regime hell bent on destroying democracy.”
Labour’s Security Minister Dan Jarvis denied the move.
AlamyLabour has been accused of plotting to restore an extradition deal which could let China deport its political opponents from the UK[/caption] Published: [#item_custom_pubDate]
