Hong Kong leader Carrie Lam to follow 'Tottenham riots' example

Despite the massive victory recorded by pro-democracy candidates, Mrs Lam says voters' views are "quite diverse".

Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player

Tottenham riots are being used as 'a model' for inquiry into Hong Kong protests, says the region's chief executive.
Why you can trust Sky News

Hong Kong leader Carrie Lam has said she will follow the example of the 2011 London riots by setting up a committee to look at the causes of the violence that has plagued the city.

Pro-democracy candidates made huge gains in local council elections this week and Sky's Stuart Ramsay asked Mrs Lam if it was now time to properly engage with the protesters.

She did not offer any concessions, instead saying she would examine ways to look at their underlying grievances.

Mrs Lam said officials must now 'engage the people'
Image: Mrs Lam said officials must now 'engage the people'

She said: "Like in the other places' experience, particularly in the United Kingdom after the 2011 Tottenham riots, we are now modelling on that arrangement to set up an independent review committee to look at the causes of the social unrest, which has lasted for so long in Hong Kong, to identify the underlying problems, socio-economic or even political, and to recommend measures the government should take.

"I sincerely hope this will provide us with a way forward."

Months of battles between protesters and police have seen petrol bombs, water cannon and tear gas become a regular sight on Hong Kong's streets.

The unrest started over a now-withdrawn extradition bill but widened to cover a general call for more democracy and a urge to push back against the influence of China's communist government.

More on Hong Kong

People came out to vote in record numbers in recent days in what was seen as a referendum on the public's support for the protesters and their demands.

Pro-democracy candidates won 90% of the seats and took control of 17 out of 18 councils.

People celebrate after hearing pro-Beijing candidate Junius Ho had lost this seat
Image: The voter turnout was a record 71%

Mrs Lam said the election had "clearly reflected that many voters wanted to express their opinions and views to the government, to myself" but that the views expressed were "quite diverse".

"There are people who want to express the view that they can no longer tolerate the violence on the streets," she said.

"There are, of course, people who felt that our government has not handled competently the legislative exercise and its aftermath... We have officially and formally withdrawn the bill, which was the cause of all this social unrest.

"The next step, to go forward, is really as you have put it, is to engage the people, and we have started public dialogue with the community."

Pro-Beijing figures defeated in the election have blamed Mrs Lam for their loss, while the protesters have reiterated calls for her to step down.

Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player

17 Nov: HK police vehicle hit by petrol bombs

The UK handed Hong Kong back to China in 1997 under the principle of "one country, two systems". However, many say the Beijing government is eroding the territory's freedoms.

The "Tottenham riots" cited by Carrie Lam took place in August 2011.

Listen to "Hong Kong in recession as protests grow increasingly violent" on Spreaker.

:: Listen to the Daily podcast on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Spotify, Spreaker

The unrest - which included looting, vandalism and arson - started in north London with protests over the shooting dead of Mark Duggan by police, and spread to other areas of the capital, as well as other English cities.