    The United Kingdom has been proud and privileged to have had responsibility for the people of Hong Kong, to have provided a framework of opportunity in which Hong Kong has so conspicuously succeeded, and to have been parts of the success, which the people of Hong Kong have made of their own opportunities.
    In a few moments, the United Kingdom's responsibilities will pass to the People's Republic of China. Hong Kong will thereby be restored to China and, within the framework of "one country, two systems", it will continue to have a strong identity of its own and be an important international partner for many countries in the world. 
    Ladies and Gentlemen, China will tonight take responsibility for a place and a people which matter greatly to us all. The solemn pledges made before the world in the 1984 Joint Declaration guarantee the continuity of Hong Kong's way of life. For its part the United Kingdom will maintain its unwavering supports for the Joint Declaration. Our commitment and our strong links to Hong Kong will continue, and will, I am confident, flourish as Hong Kong and its people themselves continue to flourish. 
