Hong Kongers in the UK and worldwide face an increasingly alarming campaign of transnational repression by the Chinese government. From bounties placed on activists in Britain to the Chinese Communist Party’s plan for a vast “super embassy” in London, the threats are real and growing.
Over the summer, I met members of Wokingham’s Hong Kong community at a packed meeting in the Wokingham Baptist Church. They spoke proudly of making the UK their home but shared deep concern about Beijing’s reach. Their determination to defend democracy and freedom was inspiring, they uphold values we all cherish.
Locally, Liberal Democrat councillor Andy Ng, himself from Hong Kong, has worked tirelessly to support new arrivals and strengthen community ties in Wokingham. His efforts remind us how Hong Kongers enrich our communities and deserve our protection.
At our recent Liberal Democrat conference, we passed new policy calling for stronger action: targeted sanctions on Chinese officials, blocking the proposed “mega embassy” in London, and greater protection for pro-democracy activists. The threat is serious, and Britain must act decisively to defend democratic values and stand shoulder to shoulder with Hong Kongers.
Labour Must Act to Tackle NHS Workforce Shortages Impacting Cancer Care
On Thursday 22nd October, I led a Westminster Hall debate on the impact of NHS workforce shortages on cancer patients. This was an opportunity to call for urgent updates to both the National Cancer Plan, which I first proposed a year ago, and the government’s 10-Year Workforce Plan. Without fixing the staffing crisis, we cannot hope to improve cancer outcomes.
Currently, 73% of UK hospitals fail to meet the NHS’s 62-day cancer treatment target, a shocking sign of systemic failure, not lack of dedication from staff. NHS professionals battle daily against shortages, outdated equipment, and crumbling infrastructure. All this, the legacy of 14 years of Conservative mismanagement.
The figures are stark: a 29% shortfall in radiologists, 15% in clinical oncology (set to rise to 19% by 2029), and 60% of pathology departments lacking adequate resources. Only one-third of NHS employees believe there are enough staff to do their jobs properly.
Clinical Nurse Specialists (CNS) are vital to patient support, yet overstretched; only 65% of patients say their CNS had enough time for them. Patients deserve guaranteed access to specialist care whenever and wherever needed.
The UK also lags behind comparable nations in diagnostic equipment, with some hospitals unable to operate CT scanners due to staffing gaps. Investment in diagnostic infrastructure and training must be ringfenced to ensure early diagnosis and timely treatment. For those with less survivable cancers, delays can be fatal.
The new Labour government must act decisively to boost recruitment, training, and retention while ensuring retiring staff are swiftly replaced. Effective workforce planning is not optional, it is essential. As I said in closing the debate: lives depend on the outcome.
Shoplifting and Protection for Retail Workers
Recently, at a supermarket in the constituency, I witnessed police concluding a shoplifting investigation and taking a suspect into custody. Like many, I share growing concern about shoplifting and its impact on local retail workers, who face increasing abuse and violence while simply doing their jobs.
A local convenience store owner in Wokingham also raised concerns about organised shoplifting damaging his business. Retail crime is not victimless. It harms livelihoods and undermines community safety.
The Liberal Democrats support stronger legal protection for retail employees, including a new statutory offence for assaulting or threatening shop workers. We also want fairer working conditions across the sector, recognising the essential contribution retail staff make to our economy and communities every day.
Local Government Funding and Community Support
Over the past month, I’ve been knocking on doors and speaking with residents across the constituency. I’ve listened to their concerns and aspirations, and many recognise the strong leadership shown by our Liberal Democrat-led council. Despite severe underfunding from central government, the council continues to deliver for local people.
Council services are under strain, but our local teams remain committed to maintaining high standards and supporting those in need. Fairer funding from Westminster is essential if councils like ours are to meet growing demand and invest in the infrastructure our communities deserve.
Contact Me
As ever, my team and I are here to help residents in the Wokingham Parliamentary Constituency. If you need assistance or wish to raise a concern, please get in touch. Together, we can build safer communities, protect our public services, and stand up for democracy both at home and abroad. [email protected]
Clive Jones MP
Member of Parliament for Wokingham
