China has threatened to block Boris Johnson’s move to offer citizenship to almost three million Hong Kong residents amid a row the imposition of a controversial new security law there.
The Chinese embassy in London said it “firmly” opposed the plan to make it easier for people in Hong Kong to come to the UK to live and work.
The move came after what Mr Johnson called “a clear and serious breach” of China’s commitment to protect the freedoms of those living in Hong Kong by pushing ahead with a controversial new security law.
The Government has promised to boost rights for British National Overseas (BNO) passport holders in Hong Kong following the introduction of legislation which clamps down on secession, subversion and terrorism in the former British colony.
The Foreign Office said a new immigration route would now allow people to come to the UK without the existing six-month limit, granting them five years limited leave to remain followed by the chance to apply for citizenship.
