"The UK has failed to fulfil its obligations under relevant international law" says Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson, Wang Wenbin, placing the blame for the violent outbursts at an October demonstration outside the Chinese Consulate in Manchester squarely at Westminster's door. According to Wenbin, a member of Consulate staff "temporarily lost consciousness" after being attacked during the protest. Greater Manchester police launched an investigation into reports that pro-Hong Kong demonstrators were beaten by staff.