The UK Home Office says the move will prevent criminals from ‘evading justice’; critics say it legitimizes oppression.

Critics fear a legal change quietly announced by the Government will end the five-year ban on people being sent from the UK to face justice in the former colony.

Proposed changes to Extradition Act 2003 trigger opposition and fear that Hong Kong activists seeking refuge in Britain could be sent back to city.

The UK Home Office says the move will prevent criminals from ‘evading justice’; critics say it legitimizes oppression.

UK officials also say Britain has taken steps to ‘complete the severing of ties’ between the extradition systems of the country and Hong Kong.