UK MP Wera Hobhouse Denied Entry to Hong Kong During Family Visit
Liberal Democrat lawmaker refused entry without explanation; UK government seeks clarification
Liberal Democrat Member of Parliament Wera Hobhouse was denied entry to Hong Kong on April 10, 2025, during a personal visit to see her son and newborn grandson.
Upon arrival at Hong Kong International Airport, Hobhouse was detained, questioned, and subsequently deported without being provided a reason for the refusal.
Hobhouse, who represents the Bath constituency and is a member of the Inter-Parliamentary Alliance on China (IPAC), stated that she was the first British MP to be refused entry to Hong Kong since the territory's handover from the United Kingdom to China in 1997.
Her husband, who accompanied her on the trip, was permitted entry but chose to return to the UK with her.
UK Foreign Secretary David Lammy expressed concern over the incident and announced that the British government would seek an urgent explanation from both Hong Kong and Chinese authorities.
Liberal Democrat leader Sir Ed Davey also condemned the action and called for the Chinese ambassador to the UK to provide a full account of the situation.
The Hong Kong Immigration Department and China's embassy in London have not issued statements regarding the incident.
This event follows recent instances where British lawmakers have been denied entry to foreign territories, including two Labour MPs who were refused entry to Israel earlier this month.
Upon arrival at Hong Kong International Airport, Hobhouse was detained, questioned, and subsequently deported without being provided a reason for the refusal.
Hobhouse, who represents the Bath constituency and is a member of the Inter-Parliamentary Alliance on China (IPAC), stated that she was the first British MP to be refused entry to Hong Kong since the territory's handover from the United Kingdom to China in 1997.
Her husband, who accompanied her on the trip, was permitted entry but chose to return to the UK with her.
UK Foreign Secretary David Lammy expressed concern over the incident and announced that the British government would seek an urgent explanation from both Hong Kong and Chinese authorities.
Liberal Democrat leader Sir Ed Davey also condemned the action and called for the Chinese ambassador to the UK to provide a full account of the situation.
The Hong Kong Immigration Department and China's embassy in London have not issued statements regarding the incident.
This event follows recent instances where British lawmakers have been denied entry to foreign territories, including two Labour MPs who were refused entry to Israel earlier this month.