"In addition, the Union has on several occasions undertaken formal demarches to express concern about report of torture and ill treatment of followers of the Falun Gong movement who have been arrested, and has urged China to review harsh sentences imposed on them."

"I paid close attention and fully understand the document, which is about the Falun Gong practitioners who are victims and are being persecuted in the People’s Republic of China...Thank you for bringing this matter to my attention. I salute you for your efforts to respect human rights and safeguard democratic values."

"The European Union has, because of the insistence of The Netherlands and others, insisted, in dialogues with the authorities of Hong Kong SAR and in a public statement, on a secure safeguarding of the civil and political freedoms."

"What is the opinion of the Commission on the introduction of the controversial Article 23 legislation of anti-subversion law, and is the Commission concerned about the threat to the ability of those who wish to peacefully practise Falun Gong activites either in Hong Kong or in the rest of China to practise their beliefs unimpeded or without threat of arbitrary arrest?"

“In view of the restrictions on the freedom of expression, freedom of assembly and freedom of association, which the Chinese government plans to impose on the former British crown colony, what initiatives does the minister propose to take in order to ensure that the citizens of Hong Kong, which was handed over to the Chinese rulers in 1997, can continue to preserve their civil rights?”

The Foreign & Commonwealth Office Minister, Mr. Bill Rammell strongly expressed ..that the British government hopes the special district government will conduct a thorough and wide consultation and proceed with caution on the enactment process; otherwise the international community will have less confidence in Hong Kong, which would have negative impact on Hong Kong.

Ex-Chancellor Mr Kenneth Clark expressed his doubts about the Hong Kong authority’s claims regarding the proposed proscription mechanism. He said, "The Hong Kong Secretary of State claims that the proposals are not aimed at particular groups, but we must all await the actual draft of the Bill's wording before we can rest assured on this immensely important part of it."

"We hear not only what Hong Kong’s religious groups, but also Hong Kong’s economists, press and journalists are telling us, and we must take these concerns very seriously. These concerns clearly tell us that the opposition will be silenced, that freedom of speech, freedom of the press, the right to publish and the right of assembly, as well as the right and the freedom to form labour unions are no longer guaranteed."

"Last weekend, a large demonstration in Hong Kong illustrated the genuine concerns that Article 23 laws could undermine existing human rights and civil and religious liberties. I share these concerns and I urge the Hong Kong SAR Government to address them in the final proposals that they bring forward."

"In September the government of Hong Kong put forward a suggestion for a new law that threatens freedom of speech, freedom of the press and freedom of belief in the region. The Falun Gong movement, as well as Christian Churches that are not approved of by the Chinese government, would have the same legal status in Hong Kong as it has had in China since 1999."

“At this moment, civil rights is not just a concern in Hong Kong, it is a global concern...What we need to do is to express those concerns to the Hong Kong government to ensure that this unique law is not used to suppress people’s rights.

"The strength of Hong Kong lies in the fact that the ‘one country, two systems’ principle has been able to be maintained. I fear, and many with me, that this change will undermine that principle severely. This would, of course, be completely unacceptable. The fact that Mainland China is exerting pressure to make this change happen is not comforting...If a group such as Falun Gong, which is forbidden in China, were also to be forbidden in Hong Kong, it would be a serious violation of the principle: one country, two systems."

"Note, as an article that only gained its form after the Tiananmen massacre in Beijing, Article 23 therefore reflects the Chinese communist paranoia of then and now. The negative reaction of even the business class in Hong Kong speaks for itself. It reflects a broad civil discontent about a diffuse consultation process about the legal execution of article 23."

"We hope that Hong Kong will not follow the Chinese system of general regulations that allow completely random persecution of political dissidents. In particular we fear, just like Mrs. Malmström, for the adherents of Falun Gong whose peaceful protest cannot justify any persecution."

'One Hong Kong citizen told a reporter that she was brought up in Mainland China where she and her family were persecuted. She had been sentenced to eight months of labour “re-education” [Jiang regime's term for brainwashing] without trial. She said that she did not want to see Beijing’s terror tactics exported to Hong Kong.'

"I appreciate you taking the time write to me and am very sympathetic with the points that you raise. I would like to assure you that my colleagues and I in the Liberal Democrats take your concerns very seriously..."

'This government, together with our EU partners, takes very seriously the human rights concerns of Falun Gong members. Both the Taoiseach [Irish equivalent to the Prime Minister] and Minister Cowen have raised the issue on a number of occasions with the Chinese authorities...The rights of Falun Gong members have also been raised through European Union channels..Ireland has also pursued this issue through the United Nations.'

'I am very concerned about the persecution of Falun Gong practitioners that is taking place in the PRC and obviously therefore I share the concern expressed in this demonstration today at the risk that the proposed article 23 legislation in Hong Kong may leads to repression in Hong Kong itself.'

Oona King MP wrote on 19 November: "I agree with the [UK] Government in opposing the Chinese suppression of religions and practices such as Falun Gong."

MEPs expressed concern over the Article 23 legislation in Hong Kong by adopting a resolution emphasising that the future development of relations with China hinges on respect for the full autonomy of Hong Kong and the freedom of the Hong Kong citizens.

"This is a very important issue and one that I have been following closely...If this particular change [toward more draconian laws] does occur as a result of pressure from the Chinese Government, I will make representation to the British Government. Certain moves have already been made regarding this subject."

"I was interested to read your comments about Hong Kong and the introduction of Article 23 and sympathise with your concerns. I appreciate your letting me know and I will follow further developments carefully."

"I have received a number of representations expressing concern about the proposed Article that would appear to take your government one step closer to proscribing Falun Gong as an illegal organisation. You will be well aware of the hostility to any such a move that is shared across the international community."

“My Lords, do we not have a continuing obligation under the Sino-British Joint Declaration to ensure that legislation passed in the Hong Kong SAR is compatible with the international covenants and thus with the Basic Law? Will the Government therefore suggest to the Hong Kong SAR that the draft legislation be submitted for an opinion to the High Commissioner for Human Rights in Geneva before it is laid before the legislature?”

A senior Conservative Party MP was contacted by UK Falun Gong practitioners regarding their concerns about the Article 23 legislation. He replied that he and his colleagues and his colleagues "saw the problems at first hand during a recent visit to Hong Kong. They are pressing the Hong Kong authorities very strongly to take seriously all views expressed."

The Social Democrats does view the Chinese regime’s attempt to implement the controversial “article 23” into the Hong Kong legislation with great concern. We’ll raise the issue with our EU collaborators as soon as the occasion arises.

'Thanks you for your letter on the Hong Kong authority’s introduction of Article 23 legislation and the implications for the Falun Gong...I have raised this issue in a letter to Chris Pattern, now the EU’s Commissioner for External Relations, and whom I know takes these issues very seriously.'

'My name is David Norris. I’m a member of the upper house of the Irish Parliament and I’m standing here today outside the Irish Parliament and protesting about the treatment of Falun Dafa practitioners within China and the infringement of their human rights.'

Parliament HK Committee Chairman: HK government “must demonstrate” that “they would not be forced to ban organisations that were banned in the mainland.” Chairman of the Parliament all-party group on China “The House has continuing responsibilities in relation to Hong Kong under the terms of the joint declaration.”

'What approaches will be adopted by the European Commission to prevent the Hong Kong government from legislating on the Article 23 of the Basic Law?'

"As Foreign Office Minister Bill Rammell said yesterday, the UK has a responsibility to ensure that rights and freedoms enshrined in the Joint Declaration are maintained - and that any new legislation must be compatible with these rights and freedoms and with maintaining Hong Kong's autonomy."

"We are closely following the debate on the SAR Government’s proposals for legislation to fulfil their obligations under Article 23 of the Basic Law. As a co-signatory to the Sino-British Joint Declaration on Hong Kong we have a responsibility to ensure that the rights and freedoms enshrined in the Joint Declaration are maintained."

Mr. Alistair Carmichael, MP for Orkney and Shetland, stated, “If we allow ourselves to be seen as tolerating such abuses, the danger is that the view from inside China will be that we are more than tolerating them—that we accept and agree with them. That would be entirely regrettable.”

"But what the world today does not need less of is quietening down, meditation and knowing oneself. Only in this way shall we all be able to feel free and safe. Falun Gong connects both of these needs. That is the reason why I am personally sympathetic to the Falun Gong movement."

"The EU has repeatedly expressed to China’s authorities its concern of the actions against spiritual groups. The EU has also in the same way brought up with China’s authorities some single cases concerning members of Falun Gong. This will be done in the future too."

Dr Stephen Ladyman MP said “this is an issue about which I am deeply concerned”. Dr Ladyman has raised the issue with both the HK authorities and the UK Foreign Ministry.

"You may be pleased to learn that the human rights situation in Hong Kong has received serious attention within the European Parliament on many occasions. The persecution of the Falun Gong practitioners and general respect for human rights has been debated and MEPs have used their position to highlight the situation and apply pressure on the Commission and Council for action."

The Foreign Minister pointed out: “the Sino-British joint declaration on Hong Kong…provides that Hong Kong should have a high degree of autonomy from mainland China,” In addition, “we have noted strong concerns among many sectors of Hong Kong society about the SAR Government's proposals”

Mr Helmer MEP asked: “How will the Commission oppose China's introduction of Article 23 which will tend to limit the right to free speech and freedom of the press in Hong Kong?”

We have been informed about ongoing repressions and violence against Falun Gong supporters...Arbitrary detentions, imprisonment without fair trial, abuse, torture and death in police custody should come to an end. We urge China to respect freedom of worship, freedom of opinion and the individual rights of Chinese citizens.

On November 7, 2002, a representative of the Ukraine government issued a certificate of merit to Falun Dafa practitioners who participated in the community expo. He said he understood Falun Dafa and that Dafa deserves the attention of the world's people.

“When the Minister is next able to raise the question of Falun Gong with the Chinese authorities, will he make particular mention of their refusal to renew the passports of Chinese citizens temporarily resident in this country?"

"..Religious beliefs, freedom of association and of expression and the media are routinely restricted. The crackdown on activists in the China Democracy party and the Falun Gong continues, and Falun Gong [practitioners] have been handed harsh sentences..."

"In reply to your letter I have sponsored a motion in the European Parliament condemning the Hong Kong government’s proposals. I wish you all the best in your campaign against the introduction of Article 23."

It was said in the letters that France and the European Union have made efforts to improve human rights in China. Every six months they bring up with the Chinese Government issues such as violations of human rights, the freedom of speech for individuals and for groups, and the freedom to express ones’ opinion.

France is paying attention to the human rights violations in which Falun Gong [practitioners] are victims...[and] has anxiously taken note of the numerous allegations of torture surrounding this 3-year campaign.

"I have raised the issue of persecution of the Falun Gong in the Great Hall of the People in Beijing when a European Parliament delegation met Chinese ministers and I objected to the serious oppression they endure. Recently I have had a meeting with members of the Legislative Council of Hong Kong and raised my deep concerns about the increasing pressure being exerted by Beijing on Hong Kong’s liberal legislative traditions."

Two members of the UK House of Lords, Lord Hylton and Lord Avebury, have tabled written questions to question the UK government regarding Article 23 in Hong Kong, which poses an enormous threat to the fundamental freedoms as well as the autonomy of the territory.

Speaking on behalf of the European Union at the 58th session of the Commission on Human Rights in Geneva, the Ambassador stated; "The persecution of...Falun Gong practitioners is particularly harsh and has led to a great number of cases of torture and deaths in custody."