John Lee and Andrew Cheung express regret over top court judges’ resignations

Chief Executive John Lee Ka-chiu and Chief Justice Andrew Cheung Kui-nung of the Hong Kong Court of Final Appeal expressed regret over the resignations of two top court judges.

Their remarks came after two non-permanent judges of the Court of Final Appeal – Lord Collins of Mapesbury and Lord Sumption, both from the UK – tendered their resignations.

Commenting on the statement made by Collins that he had resigned from the court due to the political situation in Hong Kong, Lee stressed that the city’s national security laws have plugged the loophole of Hong Kong's near-vacuum of national security during the large-scale riots and the “color revolution” in 2019, while human rights and freedoms that Hong Kong residents enjoy remain protected in accordance with the law.

"Hong Kong has transitioned from chaos to order. This has not changed the human rights and freedoms enjoyed by citizens in accordance with the law. Nor has it changed the courts' exercise of independent judicial power, free from any interference. The only difference is that national security is now better safeguarded, the safety and stability of Hong Kong is now better upheld, and citizens' quality of life and working environment is now better ensured." Lee said.

Lee also noted that Collins had stated that he continued to "have the fullest confidence in the Court and the total independence of its members."

Meanwhile, Cheung, in a statement, “notes with regret” the resignations. He said overseas non-permanent judges, including Lords Collins and Sumption, have made valuable contributions to the top court over the years, and that the Judiciary is committed to upholding the rule of law and judicial independence in Hong Kong.