Chinese ‘super-embassy’ decision delayed until January
Planning ministers have postponed a decision on the establishment of a new Chinese “super embassy” in London until January. The Planning Inspectorate confirmed the new deadline of January 20 in a letter sent by the Inter-Parliamentary Alliance of China (IPAC) to interested parties.
The extension followed a correspondence between the Minister of Internal Affairs and the Minister of Foreign Affairs stating that they had reached an “agreement” with the Chinese government to “consolidate” Beijing’s diplomatic presence in one place.
It follows Sir Keir Starmer’s speech on Monday night, which appeared to lay the groundwork for approval of the 20,000 square meter embassy by saying the UK should work with Xi Jinping’s Communist government despite concerns about China’s national security threat to the UK.
The proposed embassy, planned for the site of the former Royal Mint, has faced significant cross-party opposition from MPs who have called on the government to reject the application, citing security concerns.
They expressed concern about the embassy’s proximity to communications cables buried near the site, vital to the City of London, and the possibility that the embassy could be used to imprison political opponents.
The Prime Minister’s official spokesman told reporters that the Home Office and the Foreign Office “have submitted views on specific security implications and are clear that a decision should not be taken until we confirm that these issues have been completed or resolved.”
He added: “MHCLG (Department for Housing, Communities and Local Government) considers that more time is needed for applications to be fully assessed.”
The spokesman did not say whether the new deadline coincided with Sir Keir Starmer’s plans to visit China in the new year.
He said the Prime Minister’s travel arrangements would be arranged “in the usual way”.
The Chinese government has agreed to consolidate all its diplomatic buildings in London into one location if permission is granted for a new embassy.
In a letter to the Planning Inspectorate, the Home Secretary and Foreign Secretary said they had “reached an agreement” with the Chinese government and had resolved their remaining concerns about the embassy.
They said: “The Chinese government has undertaken to consolidate all existing accredited diplomatic buildings in London (except the ambassador’s residence) into a single location at the Court of the Royal Mint (subject to planning approval).
“Accordingly, this unresolved issue is considered resolved.”
They said their department had “carefully considered the breadth of considerations” surrounding the embassy application and was working with police “and other relevant partners” to ensure national security issues were addressed.
They said: “We recognize the importance of countries having diplomatic facilities in each other’s capitals as we pursue the critical need to maintain and defend our national security.”
Sir James Cleverly MP, shadow minister for housing, communities and local government, said: “Labour tried to rush through approval of China’s mega embassy without proper scrutiny, despite serious concerns being expressed about the danger it poses to the UK’s national security. “They have now been forced to delay the decision once again.
“Throughout this process, ministers have sought to suppress criticism of the embassy plans. Even our security services have been prevented from providing specific evidence to the investigation. The government must now ensure they can raise their concerns through a private hearing, away from the eyes of the regime in Beijing.”
