Several key ‘battleground’ seats around Greater Manchester may be swung by Hong Kongers who are now eligible to vote in the UK.
New data compiled by advocacy group Hong Kong Watch shows the number of Hong Kongers now able to vote in the UK due to the British National Overseas(BNO) visa rivals the 2019 majority of the incumbent parties in some constituencies.
In and around Greater Manchester, the seats of Cheadle, Heywood and Middleton and Warrington South in Cheshire could all be rocked if Hong Kongers vote together in a block.
In Warrington South, Conservative MP Andy Carter’s 2019 majority of 2,010 has already been outnumbered by the influx of 2,200 Hong Kongers moving to the area- with more projected to move in the next year.
In Cheadle and Heywood and Middleton, where the Conservative’s have slim majorities of 663 and 2,336, the party risks losses to both Labour and the Liberal Democrats.
More than 150,000 Hong Kongers have applied to the British National Overseas (BNO) visa scheme offered by the British Government.
The scheme was launched after China breached the Sino-British Joint Declaration, a declaration stating that China had to respect Hong Kong’s rule of law for fifty years.
The National Security Law in 2020 triggered widespread protests and concern for human rights in the region, with the legislation tightening free speech and protest laws, as well as enabling extradition to mainland China where suspects could face unfair trials.
Research from the University of Liverpool showed that the North West and South East were the most popular destinations for Hong Kongers, with 16.95% of new migrants based in the North West, 22.22% in London and 23.36% in South East London.
Hong Kong Watch say that a strong commitment to strengthen and expand the BNO visa as well as a firm stance against China may sway Hong Kongers’ votes now they are in the UK.
Data also outlines the political beliefs of Hong Kongers, with most identifying as moderate democrats at 36.4% or undecided at 27.3%, making this new voting bloc not only an achievable target for all moderate British parties but a strong asset and influential gain in marginal seats.
Sam Goodman, Hong Kong Watch’s Director of Policy and Advocacy said: “All political parties in the UK should take note of this significant new cohort of voters from Hong Kong who have never before voted in a General Election.
“Voter registration is high among this cohort and we urge all parties to listen to the needs of Hong Kongers in the UK and back these with clear policies.
“If parties at the next General Election offer a solid policy platform for new arrivals from Hong Kong our research shows that their support could help the parties pick up key target seats across the UK.”
Featured Image via WikimediaCommons
