Chief Executive John Lee briefed President Xi Jinping in Beijing this afternoon on the latest economic, social and political situation in Hong Kong, including the follow-up work on the fire at Wang Fuk Court, Tai Po.

At a media session in Beijing tonight, Mr Lee said he told President Xi about the Hong Kong SAR Government’s efforts to help the families affected in the fire and the ways to support them, help them and society to recover, adding that the President encouraged the Government to continue work hard on this.

“He has mentioned that it has to be a consistent and continuous effort. This is exactly what I am doing together with my government team.”

Mr Lee also reported to President Xi the establishment of an independent committee to fairly and justly look into two critical topics - the cause and the wide spread of the fire, as well as the long-standing problem regarding large-scale building renovation work.

“I have said that I have given nine months for the independent committee to complete its work, which is a pressing timetable because unlike other period setups, we are dealing with two main topics instead of one, so this is actually asking the independent committee to do two major tasks almost in parallel that will be very demanding.”

“That is also why I have reported that I have given this reserve power for the independent committee to, on the one hand, streamline procedures to increase efficiency so that they can finish the work as soon as possible, and at the same time ensure that they will have the power necessary if it is required at the time to address certain issues and areas. And I have made it very clear to President Xi that the committee's purpose is to find out the truth and also to look for accountability.”

Mr Lee also reported to the President that the Government and Hong Kong as a whole will continue to steadfastly uphold the duty of safeguarding national security, noting that President Xi affirmed his strong recognition of the Government’s efforts in this regard.