Leading British lawyers considering Hong Kong's proposed anti-subversion laws have called for a white bill on the issue.
They have warned that parts of the government's consultation document could threaten press freedom and 'fatally breach' the division between the SAR's legal system and that on the mainland.
A statement issued this week by David Bean QC, chairman of the General Council of the Bar of England and Wales, says the importance of the laws and the need to ensure they do not breach human rights makes it essential that the public is fully consulted.
'It is not a process that can be rushed or short-circuited. In this context, we consider that it would be appropriate for the Hong Kong SAR government to publish a white bill containing the draft text of the proposed legislation to enable full and detailed public consultation to take place,' said the statement obtained by the South China Morning Post.
The Bar Council, which represents barristers in England and Wales, has set up a working party comprising four lawyers to consider the government's proposals.
Its views will come as a blow to the government as it seeks to persuade the public that a white bill - which would make the precise wording of the proposed laws against treason, subversion, sedition and secession, available for a new period of consultation - is not necessary. Instead, officials intend to publish a blue bill in February that will be presented directly to the Legislative Council.