Observations

Declares that altering the 5+1 settlement route for British national overseas (BNO) passport holders, which currently allows them to apply for indefinite leave to remain after five years and citizenship a year after that, but would likely be changed to 10 years under current plans, would be an unfair change on a community of nearly 150,000 people who have made the UK their home following China's imposition of a national security law on Hong Kong in 2020, and are largely expecting to become eligible for indefinite leave within the next year; and further declares that the changes will severely disrupt the dignity and stability of this group of people who are subject to transnational repression from China.

The petitioners therefore request that the House of Commons urge the Government to change course and keep the current 5+1 settlement route in place for those British national (overseas) visa holders already residing in the UK, to ensure that they can continue to settle into their new lives in the UK.

And the petitioners remain, etc.—[Presented by Tom Gordon, Official Report, 4 November 2025; Vol. 774, c. 881.]

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The Government remain steadfast in its support for members of the Hong Kong community in the UK, and we fully recognise the significant contribution that Hong Kongers have already made to the UK, and the role they will continue to play in the years ahead.

BNO visa holders will attract a five-year reduction in the qualifying period for settlement, meaning they will continue to be able to settle in the UK after five years’ residence, subject to the mandatory requirements. To achieve this, the BNO route will be included in the new earned settlement framework, with those holding a BNO visa given a five-year reduction from the 10-year qualifying period.

We are seeking views on earned settlement through the public “A Fairer Pathway to Settlement” consultation and will continue to listen to the views of Hong Kongers. Details of the earned settlement model will be finalised following that consultation.

Until the earned settlement framework is introduced, the current rules and process for settlement under the BNO route will continue to apply.

The BNO route is a unique immigration route that was established following China’s passing of the national security law and reflects the UK’s historic and moral commitment to the people of Hong Kong. Retaining a five-year settlement period for BNO visa holders provides certainty to Hong Kongers and ensures the UK continues to honour its historical commitments.

The petition of residents of the constituency of Rushcliffe in Nottinghamshire

Declares that the greenway between Radcliffe-on-Trent and Cotgrave—used by walkers, cyclists and horse riders—is a cherished local asset which, since January 2024, has been out of action due to unauthorised work on one of its embankments; and further declares that almost two years on, despite frequent chasing by residents and resident groups, Parish, Borough and County Councillors, and the Member of Parliament for the impacted area, there has been no clarity provided about the likely costs and timelines for reinstatement, leaving residents in the dark.

The petitioners, therefore, request that the House of Commons urges the Government to work with Nottinghamshire County Council to provide much-needed public clarity about the status of the Radcliffe-on-Trent to Cotgrave greenway; to provide a clear timeline for a decision to be taken about the greenway’s future; to seek to hold the perpetrators who caused the damage to account; and to prioritise the reinstatement of this much-loved active travel asset as part of its budget setting process for financial year 2026-27.

And the petitioners remain, etc.—[Presented by James Naish, Official Report, 15 December 2025; Vol. 777, c. 725.]

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