Hong Kong politician reacts to Thatcher death Leading Hong Kong lawyer, pro-democracy activist and former legislator Martin Lee reacts to former British prime minister Margaret Thatcher's death. During her time in power the key issue between London and Beijing was the future of the then-British colony and its return to Chinese sovereignty in 1997. Images and soundbites from an interview with Martin Lee and images of the Hong Kong British Consulate's book of condolence.