A HONG KONGER has spoken out on what it was like to vote in the General Election for the first time in Warrington.

Taki Chan, 41, from Great Sankey, was formerly a social worker in his home country of Hong Kong before he moved to Warrington in April 2022.

He spoke to the Warrington Guardian of the ‘liberating’ feeling of being able to vote for the political party he wanted to see lead the country and how important it is for the younger generations in his family to have that opportunity too.

First discussing why he chose to move to the UK on the British National Overseas(BNO) visa, brought in by the Conservative government back in 2021, Taki pinpointed the introduction of China’s policies to the country.

“It is for my children’s quality of education as well as the policy system that is turning to be China and we can see Hong Kong is not like it was before,” Taki said. “Everything is changing.”

Following a rise in pro-democracy protests in Hong Kong, in 2020 China introduced the National Security Law which criminalises anything seen as breaking away from China or undermining the power of the central government.

And Beijing has power over how this law is interpreted. Since it came into place, the UK government introduced the BNO visa as an immigration route for Hong Kongers.

Addressing the changes seen in his home country, Taki added: “The government want to change the history and we can see this is not good for our children.”

The dad-of-two revealed that in the lead up to the General Election, he had read all the manifestos for the main parties and voted based on which party he thought would improve the lives of Hong Kongers living in the UK.

“I voted for the Liberal Democrats party. I think the funding element is really important as well as what the party can give us and how they can improve our lives.

“It felt liberating to vote and choose the local leader and government. I think it is a very fair system.”

Taki explained how back in Hong Kong he worked as a social worker helping young people at risk.

He now works at a mail centre in Runcorn, but also has recently set up an organisation WHKERS CIC. Through the organisation he arranges events and community activities to bring the Warrington and Hong Kong communities together.

Going into more detail, he said: “The purpose of these activities is to foster interactions among residents and create an environment of shared interests and support.

“These community activities go beyond mere entertainment; they serve as a platform for residents to discover common interests and build genuine friendships.

“Such interactions help break down feelings of isolation, establishing a community network characterized by mutual care and collaboration.”

The purpose of the organisation is to strengthen Hong Kong family’s connections and networks with the residents of the town.

Taki added that he promoted the fact BNO visa holders could exercise their right to vote in the General Election on the organisation’s website.

Encouraging members of the community to vote, he said on a post on the site: “We have the opportunity to fulfil our civic duty and make our voices heard for the future of the society and country we reside in.

“It is a rare chance for us to participate together in building a better society.

“Let’s take action and cast our valuable vote to voice our values and beliefs.

"Every vote carries power and can influence the future direction of our society, creating a better tomorrow for our future generations.”

He confirmed that many Hong Kongers in Warrington had gone and placed their vote on July 7.

“I think it is important that my children grow up here and have the freedom to vote.

“Their freedom of mind is very important. In Hong Kong there is no freedom.”