Representing three generations of Hong Kong democracy activists, Martin Lee, Benny Tai and Nathan Law will speak at a fringe meeting chaired by Fiona Bruce MP and organized by the Conservative Party Human Rights Commission and Hong Kong Watch, an advocacy NGO established to speak up for Hong Kong’s freedoms, autonomy and the rule of law. Martin Lee, known as the “grandfather of the democracy movement”, is a senior barrister, Benny Tai is an academic, and Nathan Law is a student. Nathan Law, former Secretary-General of the Hong Kong Federation of Students and former chairman of Demosisto, a political party in Hong Kong, was disqualified from the Legislative Council for quoting Mahatma Gandhi after taking his oath of office. He was then sentenced in August 2017 to eight months in prison for his role in leading the Umbrella Movement, along with student activists Joshua Wong and Alex Chow. In 2018 Nathan Law and his colleagues, together with the entire Umbrella Movement, were nominated by members of the United States Congress and Members of the British Parliament for the Nobel Peace Prize this year.

Fiona Bruce MP, Chair of the Conservative Party Human Rights Commission, said: “We are privileged to host these three courageous activists who have dedicated their lives to the cause of democracy, freedom, human rights and the rule of law for Hong Kong – values which, at the time of the handover of Hong Kong to China, were promised to the people of Hong Kong but which are now under increasing threat. We look forward to hearing their views on how Britain and the international community can stand up for Hong Kong and ensure that ‘one country, two systems’ and Hong Kong’s basic freedoms and autonomy are protected. We hope many people will come to this event, to engage in this discussion regarding our responsibilities to the people of Hong Kong.”

Benedict Rogers, co-founder and chair of Hong Kong Watch, who was refused entry to Hong Kong in October 2017, will also be speaking at the event. He said: “I am delighted that three generations of Hong Kong’s democracy movement will be represented by three brave and inspiring people, and it is a privilege for me to speak alongside them. I hope this event will contribute towards awakening Britain to our responsibilities and ensuring that our government, and our society, send a clear message of solidarity to the people of Hong Kong. Given our historical relationship and our moral and legal obligations, as well as our own self-interest, we must help the people of Hong Kong defend their freedoms, the rule of law and autonomy.”