Hong Kong democracy activist Nathan Law says he has been granted political asylum in Britain, where he arrived last July after Beijing imposed a sweeping national security law on his home city that has been heavily criticised by the West.
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The move is certain to ratchet up tensions between London and Beijing as Britain opens its doors to potentially more than five million residents of Hong Kong in the wake of the contentious security legislation.
"After several interviews in four months, the Home Office has informed me that my asylum application is approved," Law said on Twitter late on Wednesday.
"The fact that I am wanted under the national security law shows that I am exposed to severe political persecution and am unlikely to return to Hong Kong without risk."
Ramping up sweeteners to lure Hong Kong residents, Britain on Thursday pledged STG43 million pounds ($A78 million) to help them find jobs, houses and schools under the initiative allowing millions to resettle.
Australian Associated Press
