On the anniversary of the implementation of the National Security Law in Hong Kong, Hong Kong Watch and Trafford Hongkongers CIC will host an event on the safety of Hongkongers moving and integrating into Manchester.
The event will discuss the role of the Police and Crime Commissioner, how police forces are structured in the UK, how Hongkongers can get assistance if they are victims of crime, how the legal process works, and how Hongkongers can access their local elected representatives to seek support and flag issues.
There will be an opportunity for an interactive Q&A with the audience during the event for people to ask questions to Afzal Khan MP, Kate Green, the Deputy Mayor for Safer and Stronger Communities at the Greater Manchester Combined Authority and former MP for Stretford and Urmston, and Alex Mak, the Director of Trafford Hongkongers CIC.
Following the discussion and Q&A, there will be an opportunity to buy a copy of Benedict Rogers' latest book, the China Nexus, and have this signed.
So far, an estimated 20,000 BNOs and their dependents have chosen to settle in the Greater Manchester area. Over 300,000 Hong Kongers are expected to arrive in the UK by the end of 2024 on the BNO visa. After five years, they will be able to apply for settled status, and British citizenship a year after that. Hong Kong Watch has prioritised providing civic and political engagement for Hong Kongers arriving to the UK.
Moderator:
Benedict Rogers, Chief Executive, Hong Kong Watch.
Panellists:
Kate Green, Deputy Mayor of Greater Manchester, Police, Crime, Criminal Justice and Fire – lead for Safer and Stronger Communities at the Greater Manchester Combined Authority.
Afzal Khan MP, Member of Parliament for Manchester, Gorton, and Shadow Justice Minister.
Alex Mak, Director of Trafford Hongkongers, and Employment Coordinator & Regional Outreach Coordinator (NW England) for Hongkongers in Britain.