Labour MPs call for planned Chinese ‘mega-embassy’ in London to be axed
Labor MPs have called on the government to reject China’s controversial plan to establish a mega embassy in London ahead of the upcoming decision.
The move comes amid reports that Sir Keir Starmer is ready to approve the proposal, which was previously postponed to January 20.
Nine MPs raised “security concerns” in a letter to Communities Minister Steve Reed seen by the BBC.
They warned that the new embassy could be used to “increase intimidation” against dissidents.
MPs, including Sarah Champion, a member of Parliament’s Joint Committee on National Security Strategy, said concerns about the proposal were “significant and unresolved”.
They cite “recent records of Chinese espionage cases, interference activities and bounties against UK-based Hong Kongers”, as well as “the fact that this embassy will be located above sensitive infrastructure that is critical to the economic and national security of the UK”.
The Times reported that the announcement regarding the approval of the embassy would be made ahead of the Prime Minister’s widely anticipated trip to China.
This will be the first visit by a prime minister since Theresa May’s visit in 2018.
MPs from across the political spectrum have called on the Government to reject China’s application to open a new embassy on the site of the former Royal Mint, citing security concerns.
