UK: London condemns Hong Kong’s 'unacceptable scenes of violence'

W/S UK House of Commons, London
W/S Minister of State for Middle East and Minister of State for International Development Andrew Murrison taking podium
SOT, Andrew Murrison, UK's Minister of State for Middle East and Minister of State for International Development: "Yesterday, hundreds of thousands of people took part in a largely peaceful march on Hong Kong Island. However some protesters diverted from the approved route and there were clashes with the police including outside the Chinese central government liaison office. Last night, there were disturbing scenes in the New Territories town of Yuen Long. A group armed with canes and poles attacked pro-democracy protesters and other passengers at the Metro station. Forty five protesters were reportedly injured, one critically. We were all shocked to see such unacceptable scenes of violence."
W/S Murrison at podium *CUTAWAY*
SOT, Andrew Murrison, UK's Minister of State for Middle East and Minister of State for International Development: "There has been a great deal of speculation about the identity of the group who attacked people at Yuen Long metro station but it is important that we do not jump to any conclusions on their identity until a thorough investigation has taken place. I welcome [Hong Kong leader] Carrie Lam's statement today saying she has asked the Commissioner of Police to investigate this incident fully and pursue any lawbreakers. We will be keeping a close eye on this as I know will honourable and right honourable members. I condemn all violent acts but I stand by people's right to protest peacefully and lawfully. We must not let the violent actions of a few overshadow the fact that hundreds of thousands of people took part in the march yesterday and did so in a peaceful and lawful manner. In doing so, they were exercising their right to peacefully protest and standing up for their freedoms." *MULTIPLE SHOTS AT SOURCE*
W/S MP asking question *CUTAWAY*
SOT, Andrew Murrison, UK's Minister of State for Middle East and Minister of State for International Development: "We fully support this right which is guaranteed under the joint declaration. Successive six monthly reports in this house have highlighted that Hong Kong's political freedoms have been coming under increasing pressure and the house is right to reflect this in its appetite for UQ's, PQ's and statements. Let me assure the House that the Government remains fully committed to upholding Hong Kong's high degree of autonomy, rights and freedoms under the 'one country, two systems' principle. They are guaranteed by the legally binding joint declaration. We will continue to be unwavering in our support for the treaty and expect our co-signatory to behave in a like manner. Rights and freedoms and the rule of law are vital for Hong Kong's future success. For them we will continue to stand up and speak out."
W/S Murrison taking seat
SCRIPT
Following violent clashes during anti-extradition bill protests in Hong Kong, the UK government condemned the incidents calling them "unacceptable scenes of violence." The condemnation came as UK's Minister of State for Middle East and Minister of State for International Development Andrew Murrison addressed the House of Commons in London on Monday.
"We were all shocked to see such unacceptable scenes of violence," said Murrison after 45 protesters were injured when they were attacked by masked men with canes and poles.
"We will be keeping a close eye on this," added the Minister, who welcomed an initiative by Hong Kong's Chief Executive Carrie Lam to investigate the incidents.
Triad gangs have been suspected to be behind the violence, according to reports.
The incident comes after thousands hit the streets of Hong Kong on Sunday to protest against the now-suspended extradition bill and demanded the resignation of Chief Executive Carrie Lam.