Permission granted for Chinese 'mega embassy' in London

The UK Government has cleared the way for China to build a large new embassy at Royal Mint Court, close to the Tower of London, raising concerns over national security.

Local Government Secretary Steve Reed approved the plans despite opposition from MPs, campaigners, and local residents. Critics have claimed the embassy, which is set to be the biggest in Europe, could serve as a hub for intelligence gathering and intimidation operations.

Groups like the Inter-Parliamentary Alliance on China have voiced strong opposition. Luke de Pulford, head of the alliance, said: “Years of campaigning about the obvious and manifold risks posed by this embassy development have not been enough to outweigh the UK Government's desire for Beijing's money."

Planning approval was granted following recommendations from the Inspector overseeing the application. A letter from the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government published on Tuesday confirmed the decision and highlighted the conditions attached to the approval.

Criticism

Critics, including MPs from the Labour-led Joint Committee on the National Security Strategy, had called for the rejection of the plans, warning of potential risks.

Luke de Pulford, referring to the UK government’s approach to China, said: “This is the wrong decision for the UK, sending all the wrong signals. Wrong for dissidents, wrong for UK national security."

Senior political figures have expressed strong criticism of the approval. Sir James Cleverly MP, Shadow Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government, described the decision as "a disgraceful act of cowardice" and accused Keir Starmer’s government of prioritising Beijing’s approval over national safety.

Dame Priti Patel MP, Shadow Foreign Secretary, labelled the decision as “shameful” and accused Starmer of giving into Beijing’s demands. She said: “Keir Starmer has sold off our national security to the Chinese Communist Party with his shameful Super Embassy Surrender.”

Local residents opposed to the plan have reportedly raised funds for a judicial review to challenge the decision in court.

The development is seen as part of ongoing diplomatic efforts between the UK and China, with speculation that Sir Keir Starmer may visit Beijing in the coming weeks.

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