A British judge has resigned from the Hong Kong Court of Final Appeal.
Lord Collins of Mapesbury, a former justice of the UK Supreme Court and a member of the Hong Kong court since 2011, said today:
I have resigned from the Court of Final Appeal because of the political situation in Hong Kong, but I continue to have the fullest confidence in the court and the total independence of its members.
The remaining non-permanent judges from the United Kingdom are:
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Lord Hoffmann
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Lord Neuberger
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Lord Phillips of Worth Matravers
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Lord Sumption
None is still serving as a judge in the United Kingdom.
Lord Reed, who is president of the UK Supreme Court, and Lord Hodge, his deputy, resigned from the Hong Kong court in March 2022. Reed said a week later:
As everybody knows, there has been a gradual erosion in political freedom and consequently in freedom of speech in Hong Kong, which became progressively and noticeably worse in the latter part of last year and the early part of this year…
I felt the time had come when we had to call it a day in the interests of the values that we represent.
Asked about the remaining UK part-time members of the Hong Kong court, all of whom were former members of the UK Supreme Court or its predecessor, Reed said:
They’re not in the same position, I think, as a serving judge exercising public power in the UK.
Hoffmann, Neuberger and Phillips hold the Gold Bahinia Star, a senior award in the honours system of Hong Kong. It’s understood that Collins declined the honour when it was offered to him by the then chief executive, Carrie Lam.
He will continue to practise from London as an international arbitrator.
Update 1500: My story has been confirmed by the Financial Times, which adds that Lord Sumption has also resigned from the court.
The former Supreme Court justice promised to make a statement “in due course”.
I understand that the two resignations were co-ordinated in advance. I have updated the headline to this piece.
Update 7 June 0600: for reaction to my report, see the Hong Kong Free Press.