Security Tight As Lawmakers Head Back To Legco

Authorities have boosted security outside the Legislative Council complex in Tamar, with the finance and house committees due to hold their first meetings since the summer break on Friday.

Water barriers now surround the complex, and workers have been seen welding tight manhole covers in the area.

Finance committee chairman Chan Kin-por said on Thursday that he is concerned there might be protests outside Legco and lawmakers might not be able to return to work safely.

But he said the police and Legco officials were looking at what security measures were possible.

Chan noted that there is a backlog of funding requests worth some HK$70 billion to be scrutinised and he urged the public to put livelihood matters before politics.

"There are a lot of political issues in Hong Kong and I don't think that they can be resolved in a short period of time. But on the other hand, the people of Hong Kong still need money for projects, for the development of Hong Kong. So I hope they would put aside the political conflict and let us focus on how to complete the projects that have been submitted to us for approval," Chan said.

Lawmakers have had an extended summer break this year, with council business suspended early after the complex was stormed and vandalised by protesters on July 1.

Chief Executive Carrie Lam is due to deliver a policy address before the council on October 16, and if she can't do this in person due to protests, reports say she may release a video recording of the address instead.