Although he said it was "a shame" those changes were rolled back after the handover, he steadfastly refuses to give an opinion on the present row.
"I hope that both sides of the argument will find agreement because Hong Kong is stronger when it is united," is all he will say. "Everybody knows my feelings that Hong Kong will eventually be democratic."
A major theme of his speeches during this tour has been his belief that democracy would be beneficial to Hong Kong. China opposes a swift transition because it fears the change could destabilize the city and choke the conduit of foreign investments that fuels China's economic growth.
Patten, however, says China is barking up the wrong tree.
"Not having democracy is destabilizing," he said.
"I believe that economic and social growth inevitably lead to political consequences," he said.
"Of course, Hong Kong will and must become fully democratic," he added.
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