Pippa speaks up for Hong Kong BN(O) visa holders in South Cambs

Speaking in a Westminster Hall debate this week, Liberal Democrat MP for South Cambridgeshire, Pippa Heylings, called on the Government to protect the five-year route to settlement for Hong Kong BN(O) visa holders, warning that any retrospective change would be a “betrayal” of Britain’s values.

You can watch the video of her speaking below or here

Many Hongkongers came to Britain fleeing oppression, seeking safety and freedom. Within South Cambridgeshire, they have become pillars of the Cherry Hinton community - enriching neighbourhood life through their kindness, hard work, and commitment. Pippa Heylings highlighted the work of Hong Kong Cherry Hinton residents who have become “invaluable” to their community – running toddler groups, organising holiday clubs for over 180 children, and supporting families with minimal English.

Under current rules, BN(O) visa holders can apply for settlement after five years of continuous residence. Proposals to extend this to ten years for some applicants would mean nearly £20,000 in extra costs, international tuition fees for young people, and bright futures thrown into doubt. 

Pippa stressed that Britain must demonstrate it honours its commitments and stands with those who stand for freedom. She called on the Government to safeguard the five-year settlement route for BN(O) visa holders, ensuring that those who have already invested in their communities can continue to build their lives here without fear or uncertainty.

Pippa said in this week’s Westminster Hall debate that:

“These visas are a lifeline – a moral commitment created in response to Beijing’s crackdown on human rights and democracy.

“Families made life-changing decisions, leaving their homes, relatives and friends on the understanding that if they worked hard, paid their way, built their lives here and contributed, they could settle permanently after five years. To move the goalposts retrospectively would not only cause distress, it would be a betrayal of the values of everything they think we stand for – and we hope we stand for – which is that we keep our word.

“They are law-abiding, hard-working, and deeply committed to their community.  And yet they now live in fear that the rules will change midway, leaving their futures here uncertain. I see no reason why those already here and contributing should be thrown into this level of anxiety.”