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Hong Kong activists say Britain has betrayed them by refusing visas promised as escape route

From the Newshound archive · first published 21 September 2026.

Foreign criminals living freely in Britain up to five years past their deportation deadlines are among those benefiting from a system critics say is shielding the wrong people at the public's expense.
Foreign criminals living freely in Britain up to five years past their deportation deadlines are among those benefiting from a system critics say is shielding the wrong people at the public's expense.

At least 12 Hong Kong pro-democracy activists have had their BNO visa applications rejected by the Home Office because they were convicted by what their lawyers call Chinese "kangaroo courts" after protesting against Beijing's crackdown. Priti Patel, who created the BNO route in 2020, accused Andy Burnham's government of political betrayal. One activist, arrested after shielding himself with an umbrella at a 2019 rally, is now 28 and stranded in Hong Kong while his elderly parents and brother are already living in Britain. Lawyers say all rejections have occurred since Burnham became Prime Minister.

John and Edward — not their real names — say the UK is aiding political persecution by treating their convictions as legitimate.

MoreMetro'We were promised escape to UK - but they've betrayed us by denying our visas'iNewsI want my daughters to be happy. So I told them to leave BritainDaily MailFears legal blunder has helped thousands of migrants stay in Britain
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