A consortium of Hong Kong community groups have accused the UK government’s flagship programme for welcoming Hongkongers of funding an organisation with alleged links to the Chinese Communist party (CCP). Last week, the government announced grants worth more than £3m to a range of organisations that support east and south-east Asian communities, including Hongkongers who have recently arrived in the UK via the bespoke British National (overseas) (BNO) immigration route. Of the grants issued, £39,990 went to Wai Yin Society, a charity that runs three community centres in Manchester. In…
Tag: Greater Manchester
Protester condemns ‘barbaric’ attack in Manchester outside China consulate
A pro-democracy protester who appeared to be beaten up by men from China’s consulate in Manchester has condemned the attack as “barbaric” and backed calls for the UK government to expel any Chinese officials involved. Speaking for the first time since the incident, which was captured on video, Bob Chan said: “I’m shocked and hurt by this unprovoked attack,” adding he had been taking part in a “peaceful protest”. He said he had bruises on his eye, neck and back and had nightmares about possible repercussions against his family. Chan…
Chinese diplomat involved in violence at Manchester consulate, MP says
One of China’s most senior diplomats in the UK was involved in the violence against pro-democracy protesters at the Manchester consulate, a British MP has said. Alicia Kearns, a Conservative MP, told the House of Commons that Beijing’s consul general in Manchester, Zheng Xiyuan, was seen “ripping down posters” before a Hong Kong campaigner was attacked on Sunday. Footage posted online shows a person, believed to be Zheng, who is a veteran Chinese Communist party (CCP) official, kicking down a poster and pulling the hair of a protester, who was…