Tom Gordon Takes Action to Defend Hong Kongers’ Right to Remain

Tom Gordon, Liberal Democrat MP for Harrogate and Knaresborough, has presented a
petition in Parliament urging the Government to protect the settlement pathway for BNO visa
holders from Hong Kong who are already living in the UK.

The petition opposes any changes to the current “5+1” route, which allows BNO passport
holders to apply for indefinite leave to remain after five years, followed by eligibility for
citizenship one year later. Proposed changes could double the minimum residence period to
ten years, though it remains unclear if or when such changes would apply to those already in
the UK.

Tom warned that altering the route would be profoundly unfair to nearly 150,000 people who
have made the UK their home following China’s imposition of the national security law in
Hong Kong in 2020. He highlighted the significant contributions of these communities, locally
and nationally, across all sectors of society and the economy, and stressed the importance
of allowing them to continue building their lives in the UK with certainty and stability.

The petition calls on the Government to maintain the existing pathway, ensuring that Hong
Kongers already living in the UK can continue to contribute, thrive, and plan their futures
without fear of sudden changes to the rules that affect their lives and families.

Commenting, Tom said:

‘Hong Kongers came to the UK seeking safety and opportunity, and have built thriving
communities that contribute to society, including here in Harrogate and Knaresborough.

‘Having made this country their home, they deserve certainty and stability – not sudden
changes that could upend their lives and futures. The Government must respect that and
maintain the existing route for those already here.

‘I want to thank my constituent Albert Kam for his work collecting over 300 signatures for this
petition. Together, we will continue to defend Hong Kongers’ right to remain in the UK.’

Albert Kam added:

‘For many Hongkongers, moving to the UK under the BNO visa scheme meant leaving
behind homes, careers, and loved ones to seek safety, freedom, and a future for our
children.

‘The 5+1 settlement route was a promise from the Government, and keeping it honours the
trust of thousands of families and demonstrates Britain’s moral leadership.

‘Breaking it would not only impose uncertainty and a financial burden on our future here, but
also hand Beijing a propaganda victory by claiming that the UK does not keep its word.’