Chaos at the Conservative Party Conference
A China Central Television reporter found herself in the middle of a drama at the Conservative Party Conference in Birmingham on Sunday night. The incident sparked a fury in London, with the Chinese embassy demanding an apology.
What went down
- While the conference was in full swing, a CCTV journalist heckled a speaker during a fringe session on Hong Kong politics.
- Things escalated when the journalist allegedly slapped a party event organiser, sparking a confrontation that drew police.
- Police arrested a 48‑year‑old woman on suspicion of common assault and held her overnight. She was later released as investigations are still underway.
Eyewitness accounts
Enoch Lieu, a party activist who was helping at the event, told AFP:
“I was standing in front of her, asking her to leave, and she slapped me twice. I was just trying to escort her out and didn’t even touch her. I kept telling her to leave, and she slapped me again. Last thing I know, the police arrived and the whole thing sort of calmed down.”
— 24‑year‑old, Hong Kong‑born Brit
Lieu added that the whole episode was “an absolute assault on British democracy” and left him stunned.
Chinese response
The Chinese embassy in London posted a statement saying the journalist’s removal was completely unacceptable. It cautioned that a reporter who simply raised a question and voiced opinions should not be met with “obstruction” and “assault” in a country that prides itself on freedom of speech.
China’s state broadcaster, CGTN, echoed the sentiment, calling the incident “unacceptable” and demanding an apology from the organisers. It urged British police to “protect her legitimate rights.”
Party side of things
A Conservative Party spokesperson said the journalist’s venue pass had been revoked after her removal. “The individual concerned was taken out of the conference centre,” they explained.
Notable figures at the event
- Pro‑democracy leaders Martin Lee, Nathan Law, and Benny Tai
- British MP Fiona Bruce
- Campaigner Benedict Rogers
This clashes between media freedom, political conflict, and a high‑profile gathering have left everyone wondering: what will it take for the Chinese embassy to get an apology? And can a conference in the middle of England truly remain “peaceful” after these dramatic twists?
