Ministers are facing backlash over proposals for a massive Chinese embassy with more than 200 underground rooms located near vital cables. Members from different political parties are urging the Government to intervene and block the construction near the Tower of London. Leaked plans revealed the presence of 208 basement rooms, raising concerns of potential espionage during a time of heightened tensions.
Sarah Champion, the chair of the International Development Agency, emphasized that security briefings consistently label China as a hostile state towards the UK. She strongly opposed the establishment of this large-scale embassy, stating that the UK should not permit it to proceed given the current circumstances.
A group of nine Labour MPs has written to Communities Secretary Steve Reed expressing fears that the embassy could be utilized to intimidate dissidents. A decision on the approval of the project is anticipated by January 20, with indications suggesting that Keir Starmer may announce its clearance.
The Conservative Party has voiced apprehensions that the mega-embassy could serve as a platform for economic warfare. Shadow Home Office minister Alicia Kearns highlighted the potential risks posed by the proximity of the embassy to crucial cables that support the UK’s economy.
Housing Minister Matthew Pennycook refrained from commenting on the ongoing case, citing the need for a comprehensive approach towards China that balances security concerns with economic opportunities. He emphasized the importance of addressing the various threats posed by China while also leveraging the economic benefits of engagement with the nation.
Reports from The Times suggest that the approval of the embassy could be announced before an anticipated visit by the Prime Minister to China, marking the first such visit by a UK Prime Minister since 2018. Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood and Foreign Secretary Yvette Cooper have indicated that their concerns regarding the embassy application have been resolved, with China agreeing to consolidate its diplomats onto the proposed embassy site.
No10 has previously stated that the embassy’s establishment would bring clear security benefits to the UK, as it would centralize Chinese diplomatic activities currently spread across multiple locations in London.