Liberal Democrat MP Wera Hobhouse was denied entry to Hong Kong while attempting to visit her grandson, suggesting the existence of a secret blacklist by Chinese authorities. After arriving with her husband, he was allowed to enter, but Hobhouse was asked to step aside without explanation. She speculated that her political stance on rights abuses in China led to her barring. This incident reflects China's historical pattern of excluding critique from politicians, highlighting the chilling implications of dissent against its policies.
Hobhouse emphasized that her barring from Hong Kong should serve as a warning for all parliamentarians about China's secretive blacklist practices, highlighting the risks of speaking out.
She recalled her shocking experience: 'I was asked to step aside. My husband was free to go, but I had no explanation for my denied entry.'
In expressing her frustration, Hobhouse stated, 'This is so chilling... I had no warning that I was on the blacklist,' reflecting on the abruptness of her situation.
The incident draws attention to China's previous actions against British MPs, showcasing a pattern of excluding those critical of its human rights record.
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