Joint Checkpoint Supporters Rally Outside Legco

Around 50 people rallied outside the Legislative Complex on Friday, calling on lawmakers to approve as soon as possible the bill to implement a joint checkpoint at West Kowloon for the future high-speed rail line.

A Legco bills committee was meeting to discuss the bill which has been caught in a controversy over the legal basis of an arrangement that will see mainland officers enforcing national laws in a designated area of the station. Critics say this will violate the Basic law.

The demonstrators from two pro-Beijing groups – "Defend Hong Kong Campaign" and "Real Hong Kongers' View" – rejected that claim, saying the government and other top officials have already explained the legal basis of the arrangement.

They also said it's not an uncommon practice, claiming there are similar arrangements for the Eurostar running between the UK and France and Belgium.

A spokesman of Real Hong Konger's View, Jason Lam, told RTHK's Jimmy Choi that lawmakers should pass the bill quickly as it will make travelling to the mainland much more convenient, especially during periods such as Lunar New Year.