MPs: Britain should have done more over Hong Kong

The British government should have done more to support Hong Kong's efforts for democracy, MPs have said in a highly critical report.

The Commons Foreign Affairs Select Committe rebuked ministers for their "mild" response to China's decision to block a fact-finding mission to the former British colony.

The committee added it was "profoundly disappointed that the Foreign Office did not summon the Chinese ambassador after the move.

China said the planned visit - due to take place amid mass pro-democracy protests - would have been an unwanted intrusion on internal affairs.

Sir Richard Ottaway, chair of the committee, said the move was part of a "troubling pattern" during which Hong Kong's moves toward free elections - promised in the Sino-British declaration of 1984 - appeared to be undermined by Beijing.

"We are concerned that the FCO's lack of clarity in expressing its views on political and constitutional developments in Hong Kong may be damaging the UK's reputation there," he said.