Tom Gordon MP, Harrogate and Knaresborough, has presented a petition in Parliament for Hong Kong nationals with a British National Overseas (BNO) passport.
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 Gordon believes that making these changes would be 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 has highlighted the 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.
Tom Gordon MP 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.
