• The UK condemns cash rewards offered by Hong Kong for the arrest of pro-democracy activists abroad.
• Hong Kong targets 19 activists under its national security law, prompting international backlash.
• British officials warn of transnational repression, asserting commitment to the rights of Hong Kong nationals in the UK.
• Concerns arise over potential extradition dealings despite the ongoing tensions.
• Hong Kong's actions have drawn criticism from multiple Western nations, including the US and Canada.

The UK has openly condemned the Hong Kong authorities for offering cash rewards for information leading to the arrest of pro-democracy activists living in Britain. Foreign Secretary David Lammy and Home Secretary Yvette Cooper defined this move as "another example of transnational repression" and asserted the need for China to cease its targeting of dissenting voices in the UK, which they regard as an infringement on human rights according to Le Monde, BBC, Al Jazeera, and South China Morning Post.

The cash rewards, which total between HK$200,000 to HK$1 million (approximately $25,500 to $125,000), target 19 activists accused of violating the national security law imposed by Beijing in 2020 following significant protests. This marks the fourth occasion Hong Kong has issued such offers, which have faced widespread criticism from Western nations, deemed by Beijing as "interference," according to India Times and South China Morning Post.

The UK government continues to emphasize its commitment to safeguarding the rights and freedoms of Hong Kong nationals residing in the UK, declaring, “this Government will continue to stand with the people of Hong Kong,” according to Le Monde and Al Jazeera. However, proposals to reform extradition rules raise concerns about the potential for re-engagement in extradition processes with Hong Kong, which have been on hold since the enforcement of the national security law.

In their statements, both Lammy and Cooper expressed strong opposition to Hong Kong's actions, underscoring that they viewed these bounties as detrimental to Hong Kong's international standing. They noted that such measures were further examples of "transnational repression" that could foster reckless behavior on British soil, according to South China Morning Post and Le Monde.