What is the UK National Security Act used against 3 men, including 2 Hongkongers, in London and how does it compare with domestic legislation?
- London spying case is the first time Hongkongers have been charged under the UK’s new national security law
- UK says legislation designed to cover areas such as espionage, sabotage, working for foreign powers, as well as terrorism, and introduces new offences
The arrest of three men, including two Hongkongers, in the UK on spying charges marks the first time people from the city have been held under Britain’s National Security Act.
The central and Hong Kong governments have spoken out over the arrests, accusing the British authorities of “political manipulation” and have also demanded full details of the allegations. The three men are next expected to appear in court on May 24.
The Post, in the run-up to the high-profile trial, takes a closer look at the UK legislation and compares it with Hong Kong laws.
What is the UK’s National Security Act?
The National Security Act passed both houses of the UK parliament in July 2023 and came into force in December that year. It was designed to cover a wide range of areas such as espionage, sabotage, people working for foreign powers and terrorism, with new offences introduced.
Among the new offences were three espionage charges drawn up to replace a series of Official Secrets Acts.