Hong Kong government may soften stance on controversial extradition amendment but city leader Carrie Lam says it needs to be passed by summer

There were signs on Tuesday the Hong Kong government might soften its stance on a much-criticised proposal to allow fugitives to be handed over to mainland China and other jurisdictions, with reports changes may be considered.

But Chief Executive Carrie Lam Cheng Yuet-ngor also stressed the Legislative Council must approve the proposed law change before its summer recess in July or “justice would not be served”.

The proposed change in the law followed a recent homicide case in which Hong Kong authorities were unable to extradite a suspect to Taiwan. The Security Bureau proposed an amendment to allow for the transfer of fugitives, on a case-by-case basis, to the self-ruled island, Macau and mainland China or any jurisdiction Hong Kong did not have an existing agreement with.

The plan, floated last month, was met with scepticism from the city’s pro-democracy bloc, commercial sector and international community with fears it would damage Hong Kong’s judicial system and its reputation as a place to do business.

Speaking ahead of her weekly cabinet meeting on Tuesday, Lam noted the concerns raised by different parties and said Secretary for Security John Lee Ka-chiu had already been meeting business representatives to ease their worries.