[Source: BBC]

Businesses are set to strike as Hong Kong lawmakers’ debate allowing extradition to China.

Protesters are gathering in Hong Kong ahead of the second reading of a controversial extradition bill.

Thousands of people held an overnight vigil at the pro-Beijing Legislative Council, which is likely to pass the bill allowing extradition to China.

A number of businesses and workers are also going on strike on today as anger grows over the plans.

The city already saw huge protests but the government has said it will continue to push for extradition.

Critics of the extradition bill have cited the alleged use of torture, arbitrary detentions and forced confessions in the Chinese judicial system.

The government has promised legally binding human rights safeguards and other measures it says should alleviate concerns.

The widespread opposition has led to the largest rallies the territory has seen since it was handed back to China by the British in 1997.