The Deputy Prime Minister and Leader of the Liberal Democrats Nick Clegg has requested an urgent meeting with the Chinese Ambassador to the UK to discuss the pro-democracy demonstrations in Hong Kong.

Tens of thousands joined the pro-democracy protest in Hong Kong on Sunday as they want Beijing to give Hong Kong a free vote for its next leader, something Beijing has rejected.

Nick Clegg said:

“I am extremely concerned about the recent events in Hong Kong. Britain and China have solemn obligations to the people of Hong Kong to preserve their rights and freedoms, under the terms of the Joint Declaration signed in 1984 by Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher.

“We will not waver from that commitment, and I will do everything I can to defend the principle of One Country, Two Systems. It is essential that the people of Hong Kong have a genuine choice of Chief Executive in 2017, through universal suffrage.

“To that end I have asked for an urgent meeting with the Chinese Ambassador to reiterate our position and seek reassurances from the Chinese Government.”