Extradition Bill Will Go To Legco As Planned: Govt

The government on Sunday responded to Hong Kong's biggest protest march since the handover by saying it had already listened attentively to people's views on the extradition laws bill and had allayed most of the concerns raised.

A statement, issued shortly after the million-strong march came to an end, said the bill would still go to Legco's full council as planned on Wednesday for its second reading.

The statement described the protest as being a good example of Hong Kong people exercising their freedom of expression, noting that by and large, the march passed off peacefully.

"As usual, the police have provided the needed facilitation before and during this public order event and taken resolute actions against breaches of the law," the statement said.

It added that the government in recent weeks has been explaining the bill and the efforts of officials "have helped to dispel misunderstandings".

"Two sets of amendments were made, respectively before and after the presentation of the bill. These have provided additional safeguards which have been welcomed by stakeholders and have effectively allayed most of those earlier concerns."

Chief Executive Carrie Lam had refused to give a response to Sunday's march when questioned by reporters at three separate public events she attended during the day.