Attack on Hong Kong pro-democracy protester is ‘unacceptable’, says Cleverly
Greater Manchester Police have launched an investigation into the incident.
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.The Foreign Secretary has said an attack on a Hong Kong pro-democracy protester in the grounds of the Chinese consulate in Manchester was “unacceptable”.
James Cleverly said he summoned the Chinese charge d’affaires, but it was one of his officials who spoke to him, after the incident on Sunday afternoon.
Scuffles broke out outside the building after 30 to 40 pro-democracy protesters gathered and put up posters.
Greater Manchester Police (GMP) have launched an investigation after one protester was assaulted and had to be rescued by officers.
The injured campaigner told BBC Chinese that unidentified men had ripped down the posters before he was attacked.
UK police are not normally allowed to enter consulate grounds without permission. The properties fall under UK law, but staff who work there may have diplomatic immunity.
Discussing his thoughts on the incident, Mr Cleverly told Sky News: “We said this is absolutely unacceptable, that the protests were peaceful and legal. They were on British soil and it is absolutely unacceptable for this kind of behaviour.
“Now, my understanding is the Greater Manchester Police will be conducting an investigation into this and when I see the details of that investigation, I’ll then decide what more we might need to do on that.”
During an interview with BBC Radio 4’s Today programme later, Mr Cleverly did not rule out prosecuting those involved in the attack, regardless of diplomatic immunity.
He said: “I don’t want to speculate about what we might do in response to the information we get from the Greater Manchester Police.”
The UK yesterday summoned the Chinese ambassador’s deputy to demand an explanation for the incident as the Chinese ambassador is believed to be out of the country.
China’s foreign ministry has rejected the protester’s account, stating its diplomatic missions abroad have the right to “take necessary measures” to maintain security.
Wang Wenbin, Chinese foreign ministry spokesman, told reporters on Tuesday: “What I want to stress is that the peace and dignity of Chinese embassies and consulates abroad must not be violated.”