Xinjiang fire and zero covid protests

That this House acknowledges with concern the fire that took place in the Xinjiang region of China, on Friday 25 November, killing 10 people, and leading to protests across the country about China’s zero-covid policy; notes with alarm reports that Chinese authorities have used disproportionate force in response to these peaceful protests; reaffirms its solidarity with pro-democracy and human rights activists across China; further condemns the attack and detention of a BBC Journalist, Ed Lawrence by Chinese authorities; recognises that China is in breach of international obligations, in particular UN Resolution 70/162 requiring states to create and maintain a safe and enabling environment for journalists to perform their work independently and without undue interference; and calls on the UK government to raise the issue of the right to peaceful protest across China.