E15: Sir Iain Duncan Smith MP- In Conversation with Benedict Rogers

Sir Iain Duncan Smith MP is a former leader of the Conservative Party and former Leader of the Opposition, who served as Secretary of State for Work and Pensions in Prime Minister David Cameron’s Cabinet, founded the Centre for Social Justice and established the Inter-Parliamentary Alliance on China (IPAC).

Just days after the United Kingdom opened the British National Overseas (BNO) scheme, but also just before a major House of Commons debate on a genocide amendment which Sir Iain is leading on the Trade Bill, following an historic win in the House of Lords, Hong Kong Watch’s Chief Executive Benedict Rogers spoke to Sir Iain about the future of UK-China policy.

We discussed details of China policy, the situation in Hong Kong, the work of IPAC, the call for Magnitsky sanctions, the threat of the One Belt, One Road initiative, China’s influence in multinational institutions, the role of technology, and the response of the United Kingdom and the free world.

“China can’t go on behaving like this and expect the world to turn a blind eye … all we’re asking is stop turning away,” Sir Iain concluded.  “Confront the problem, deal with it, make sure China changes its ways, or they don’t get their investment and business … At the moment they are getting a free ride and that has to stop.”

As we approach Chinese New Year – the Year of the Ox – the characteristics of this year might stand us in good stead: “diligent, dependable, strong, determined, hardworking and stubborn”. Sir Iain agreed, concluding by referring to the example of the British hero Captain Sir Tom Moore – whose story and example is now legendary. Captain Sir Tom, who fought in Myanmar in the Second World War, used to constantly say, even in the midst of dark times, that “Tomorrow will be a good day”. 

“I hope the free world will come together more this year to put a straight face with a united front to China’s behaviour,” said Sir Iain. With Hong Kong’s vibrancy, “people have tasted freedom – and I don’t think they are going to let it go. I wonder whether at the end of the day Hong Kong won’t change China, which is my powerful hope.”

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