Hong Kong activists urge EU not to ratify new deal with China

Activists say EU should refuse to sign treaty until national security laws and election restrictions are lifted

Hong Kong democracy activists have warned the EU it must not ratify its planned new investment deal with China at a time when Beijing is tearing up international obligations to the people of Hong Kong.

The 24 activists - including 13 in exile - have written to the EU commission president, Ursula von der Leyen, to call for the EU to refuse to sign the treaty until China's national security laws are repealed and restrictions on who can stand for election are lifted.