Three million Hong Kong residents 'eligible' for UK citizenship

Home Office decision infuriates Chinese government and could risk backlash among traditional Tory voters

The Home Office appears to have dramatically widened the pool of Hong Kong citizens that will be eligible to apply for UK citizenship, implying millions may be able to apply if China presses ahead with plans for draconian new security legislation in the territory.

The UK government's decision has infuriated the Chinese government, and could risk a backlash among traditional Conservative voters opposed to immigration.