Joint Statement on the Rights of BN(O) Passport Holders Petition Presented in Parliament

RAMP Parliamentarians - Kate Green MP, Tim Farron MP and the Bishop of Durham - welcome a petition that Steve Double MP is presenting in the Commons today, regarding the rights of British National (Overseas) Passport Holders.

"Despite the deteriorating state of human rights, rule of law and democracy in Hong Kong over 150,000 British National (Overseas) holders are unable to access British consular assistance in Hong Kong or seek political asylum in the UK.

Most of the BN(O) passport holders who are living, working and studying in the UK are highly educated and skilled professionals. They feel proud of their historic ties with Britain and shared many of our cultural and political values. These are exactly the kind of people that the Government is seeking to attract and retain under a future immigration system. However, unlike citizens of other former British colonies, BN(O) passport holders are British in name only, as their passports are issued without the right of abode in the UK. Many are being turned away the opportunity to remain in the UK and contribute further to our economy and society after their study or work visa expires.

In view of the current political situation in Hong Kong and the obligation that the UK has to monitor, uphold and protect the people of Hong Kong as set out in the Sino-British Joint Declaration, we call on the government to carry out an urgent review of the rights of BN(O) passport holders, addressing the need for these passport holders to access British consular assistances and re-examining the case for BN(O) passport holders to be given better options to remain in the UK.

We applaud the work of campaigners on this issue and support their petition to Parliament, which is to be formally presented in the Commons by Steve Double MP."