Hong Kong pro- democracy group admits likely defeat

The police arrested 22 pro- democracy protesters China accuses UK of ‘ interference’ over HK inquiry

Organisers of a pro- democracy group who vowed to take over Hong Kong’s streets admitted on Tuesday they were powerless to change China’s plan to vet candidates for the city’s next leader, but said their protest would go ahead.

The admission came after activist leaders promised a new “era of civil disobedience” in front of thousands of supporters at a Sunday rally after Beijing crushed hopes for full democracy.

“We have to admit the fact that up to this point it is quite unrealistic to think that our action will change the decision made by Beijing,” Occupy Central co- founder Chan Kin- Man said.

Mr Chan said the movement could end if the city’s legislature vetoes the proposed electoral changes.

China on Tuesday accused London of interfering in its domestic affairs, over a British parliamentary inquiry into democratic reforms in its former colony Hong Kong. The public rebuke followed reports Monday that Chinese authorities had written to the parliamentary foreign affairs select committee to demand the probe be dropped.

The Hong Kong police has arrested at least 22 people during a series of protests targeting a senior Chinese official visiting the city, authorities said on Tuesday.