Lord Leonard Hoffmann, a 90-year-old former law lord, has renewed his contract as a judge on Hong Kong's Court of Final Appeal, sparking widespread criticism. Hoffmann, the longest-serving of the six foreign judges on the court, agreed to extend his tenure by another three years, a move that has been described as "deplorable" by critics.
According to The Times, the presence of foreign judges on Hong Kong’s highest court has become increasingly contentious, with critics—including former UK ministers—highlighting the deteriorating rule of law in the region.
Hoffmann’s decision comes at a delicate time for the UK government, coinciding with Chancellor Rachel Reeves’ official visit to Beijing to bolster trade relations with China. The renewal of his contract also follows the resumption of the criminal trial of Jimmy Lai, the millionaire British tycoon who has been charged under Hong Kong’s controversial national security law.
The Hong Kong government, which is seen by many as being controlled by the Chinese communist party, announced Hoffmann’s contract renewal on Friday. The government said that the judge has a “continued commitment” to the court that “reflects his strong support for the rule of law and judicial independence." The Committee for Freedom in Hong Kong (CFHK) Foundation, however, has called for Hoffman and several other foreign judges to resign.
“Lord Hoffmann’s decision to stay on, along with fellow British judge Lord Neuberger and four Australian counterparts, is deplorable,” the group said, adding that “their presence undermines their own judicial integrity and lends credibility to Hong Kong’s unjust crackdown on the pro-democracy movement.”
Hoffman has been on the Hong Kong bench since 1998. The bench was created as part of the 1997 agreement that handed the territory back to China.
