The author argues that Britain has neglected its moral responsibility towards Hong Kong at a time when a constructive policy is badly needed. He argues that the government should undertake to grant Hong Kong's 3 million UK passport holders right of abode in Britain or that it should establish a real democracy in Hong Kong (with a Bill of Rights and a proper constitution) that will last beyond 1997, the year when the UK hands over Hong Kong to the Chinese. William Shawcross is the author of Sideshow and The Shah's Last Ride.