All performances in the annual July 1 reception will be cancelled out of respect for the two firemen who died in the Ngau Tau Kok fire.

Chief Executive CY Leung made the statement to the media before today's Executive Council meeting, saying he will not attend other reunification celebration activities held by community organisations that day, to mourn the firemen.

The officers deserve awards in the Honours List, he said, noting their sacrifices are highly appreciated by the Government and society.