Wera Hobhouse calls on China to release tapes of her interrogation after authorities attempt to undermine account

EMBARGO: Immediate Release

Yesterday, the Hong Kong authorities tried to cast doubt on Lib Dem MP Wera Hobhouse’s account of what happened when she was refused entry to Hong Kong on a private trip to see her son and three-month old grandson.

The authorities have implied that the Bath MP had not answered questions during her three-hour interrogation upon being detained at the airport.

In a statement relating to the MP's deportation, the Hong Kong SAR said: “It is the duty of immigration officer to ask questions to ascertain that there is no doubt about the purpose of any visit. The person concerned knows best what he or she has done. It will be unhelpful to the person's case if the person refuses to answer questions put to him or her for that purpose.”

Wera Hobhouse has now called on those authorities to release the recordings of her questioning which she says will prove that she answered those questions thoroughly.

Liberal Democrat MP for Bath, Wera Hobhouse said:

“This attempt by the authorities to smear me and cast doubt on my account is hugely upsetting but sadly not surprising. I was polite and cooperative throughout the interview, answering every question asked of me. I even volunteered personal information I wasn’t asked for, such as showing officials a picture of my baby grandson who was waiting for me on the other side.

“If the Chinese or Hong Kong SAR authorities want to assert that I did not answer questions from immigration officials, they have to provide some evidence. Surely they have a tape, or a transcript of the interview. Release the tapes and let me know what I did not answer.

“I just want answers. Following these damaging attempts to smear me, I hope the Foreign Secretary will now summon the Chinese Ambassador in person to give a full and clear account of why I was refused entry to Hong Kong last week. Until that request is answered, it will have a chilling effect on all Parliamentarians who stand up for freedom and democracy.”

ENDS

Notes to Editors:

The statement released by the Government of Hong Kong SAR yesterday evening (UK time) is here. https://www.info.gov.hk/gia/general/202504/14/P2025041400829.htm?fontSize=1