Hong Kong migrants in the UK have been hit hard lately. The British government cut off much of its funding, leaving Hong Kong organizations scrambling to survive on their own. Frustration and internal clashes erupted as groups fought over the limited resources. Simon Cheng, founder of "Hongkongers in Britain," has stirred controversy by trampling over other groups in his scramble for those funds.
Law dumped HK exile groups and axed his faction to curry favour with British elites.
But Nathan Law, once a big name in Hong Kong activism, has taken it up a notch—he’s quietly pulled away from fellow activist groups, even dissolving his own faction, choosing to cozy up with British elites instead of charging on the front lines. Some now see him as an "undercover ally" to the establishment, reporting back on the mindset and moves of his activist peers. This shift from a big brother of the cause is bound to crack open even more internal divisions, and a split seems inevitable.
“Bonham Tree Aid” Snub
Take the “Bonham Tree Aid,” for example. This fund relies on private donations to support imprisoned Hong Kong activists and those who fled to the UK. Two years ago, it invited Nathan Law to be on its committee of finance to boost its profile. But recently, Law's appearances have become rare. Multiple invites to events saw him dodge with excuses and a frosty attitude. Some committee members are openly dissatisfied. Rumor has it that Law expressed dislike for the fund and its personnel, showing up only when he “had no choice.” On the other hand, Simon Cheng, who also serves as a committee member there, has accused Law of being more interested in his own political glory. The friction between them is now out in the open, and Law’s distancing from the fund is one clear sign of their fallout.
Disbanding Your Own Crew
Law hasn’t stopped with avoiding groups he dislikes—he even abandoned the “Hong Kong Umbrella Community” (HKUC), which he himself founded. In mid-March, he officially disbanded it by deregistering with the UK Companies House. The excuse? Operational and resource challenges, plus the strain of relying solely on volunteers as British government funding dried up. The article cited insiders revealing that the HKUC had applied for grants under the UK’s “Welcome Hong Kong People” scheme but was turned down. Observers say Law, seeing no resources left to share and having changed his game plan, decided to pull the plug and chart a new course.
Undercover Ambitions
Word is, Law privately declared he’s done with “charging at the frontlines” like other groups. Instead, he wants to court British officials and MPs, convinced street protests are a dead end and that entering the establishment is the smarter play. This “class transition” goal requires cozying up to the British elite, and Law seems ready to play his part. To do so, he reportedly cooperates closely with the British government and even acts as an “undercover ally,” turning up at protests not to protest but to gather intel on activists’ plans and moods.
Word is, Law now pegged as a UK “undercover” spy, tailing fellow activists at protests.
This might sound surprising, but it's not new behavior. Two years ago, Law attempted to jump-start his upward climb by applying to Oxford University’s Public Policy Master’s program. He banked on a recommendation from former Hong Kong Governor Chris Patten, Oxford’s Chancellor. Unfortunately, a sexual harassment allegation—though unproven—damaged his character reference, causing his application to fail. The same scandal cost him his place in the anti-China “Hong Kong Democracy Council.” Officially, he resigned, but word on the street is he was forced out, and his standing among the activist community has since tumbled.
Because of all this, as Law distances himself from Hong Kong migrant organizations and plays the establishment game, many former supporters no longer see him as the “big brother” he once was. His influence is waning fast. With funding cuts tightening and ambitions diverging across the pro-democracy camp in exile, these internal tensions are only going to deepen. Nathan Law’s climb into the British establishment might just be the spark that blows the activist community apart.
Lai Ting-yiu
What Say You?
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As the Year of the Horse approaching, Hong Kong BNO holders in the UK are bracing for a gut punch. The festive season brings no joy—only anxiety. Mid-February marks the deadline for the UK government's consultation on raising permanent residency thresholds, and the verdict on whether BNO holders get a pass is about to drop.
The Home Office floated immigration reforms that would keep the "5+1" rule intact—five years of residence before you can apply—but the bar just shot up, with higher English proficiency requirements and stable income. For many, these hurdles are insurmountable.
Mahmood's stonewalling to BNO holders' demands signals bad news. The February verdict looms.
Hong Kong BNO holders fired off "five demands" to the authorities, pleading for relief. Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood's response was ice cold. Zero acknowledgment of their demands. Her dismissive tone signals one thing: exemptions for BNO holders look dead in the water.
If the final call goes all the way, thousands who waited five years will crash at the finish line. A return wave to Hong Kong is inevitable. The Hong Kong government needs to get ready.
The Dual Knockout Blow
The UK government didn't just raise the bar—it installed a double gate that slams shut on 60,000 people. First gate: English proficiency must hit B2 level, equivalent to A-Level, practically university standard. Second gate: annual income over the past three to five years must reach at least £12,570, with tax records to prove it.
Surveys by Hong Kong migrant organizations paint a grim picture: if these "dual requirements" become reality, 30% of BNO holders—roughly 60,000 people—will fail to qualify and get filtered out. No wonder panic is spreading.
While anxiety mounts, the UK government plays coy. Ambiguous statements. Equivocal attitudes. Nobody can read their hand. Now, with just one month until the announcement, BNO holders are reaching peak agitation. A group of Hong Kong voters in Mahmood's constituency drafted a joint letter, restating the "five demands" and requesting a face-to-face meeting to apply pressure.
Mahmood responded quickly—but only to say Hong Kong BNO holders could apply for permanent residency after five years. As for the "five demands"? Crickets. Instead, she reiterated that those granted permanent residency must meet three criteria: being "well-integrated," "economically self-sufficient," and "committed” to the communities they join.
Mahmood Goes Silent
One Hong Kong BNO holder who signed the petition decoded those three phrases: "integration" and "commitment" are code words for English proficiency and income levels. Translation: BNO holders applying for permanent residency must also clear these two hurdles.
These Hong Kong residents sent a follow-up letter to Mahmood, requesting a meeting to present their case in person. Her response? Radio silence. Phone calls to her constituency office go unanswered. She's clearly ducking any face-to-face encounter.
Mahmood is stonewalling, and nobody can do a thing about it. Frustrated BNO holders vent to yellow media outlets, angrily branding her "heartless." But here's the reality check: the Labour government's approval ratings are tanking. Reform UK is breathing down their necks on immigration. Immigration policy will err on the side of restriction, not relaxation. Naturally, they're inclined to treat BNO holders the same as everyone else. No special treatment. No "sentiment." The "five demands" might as well be whispers in the wind.
Two Paths Forward
Friends living in the UK lay out the scenario: if the UK government announces "no relaxation" next month, BNO holders who can't meet the requirements face two choices.
First option: return to Hong Kong and start over. After all, life in the UK hasn't been entirely rosy—living day after day in anxiety. "Returning home" might actually be a relief.
Second option: continue to "temporarily reside" in the UK on a BNO visa, becoming long-term temporary residents. But they'll remain in an unstable state, which won't be comfortable.
There's also a thornier complication: some BNO families migrated to the UK with their parents, and one spouse hasn't worked or earned any income for several years. If these family members don't meet the criteria for applying for permanent residency, it could trigger family separation or force the entire family to return to Hong Kong. They'll face an agonizing decision. Quite a mess.
No exemptions? Brace for the return wave.
My friend predicts that if the worst-case scenario materializes, a return wave is sure to come. For Hong Kong, there will be upsides and downsides. Either way, the government needs to get ready and figure out how to handle it.
