Update | Government looks set to defeat motion calling for TV licence probe
Bid for special probe into HKTV decision faces defeat as wavering lawmakers set to oppose motion while thousands protest outside Legco
A bid to launch a special Legislative Council investigation into television licence row faces defeat today after a group of wavering lawmakers last night decided to vote with the government against a pan-democrat motion.
As thousands opposed to the controversial government decision to refuse Ricky Wong Wai-kay's Hong Kong Television a free-to-air television licence protested outside government headquarters, the momentum inside the Legco chamber swung towards the government.
Video: Thousands of HKTV supporters gather government HQ for more protests against the decision to deny the channel a licence
They should listen to the people ... the public deserve a choice and there's a wide consensus that the current TV programmes are awful
Hours of debate ended without a vote, but barring a remarkable numerical turnaround, the motion to invoke Legco's special investigative powers and spark an investigation into the decision will fail today - and the battle will move to the courts.