Keir Starmer to reportedly approve large Chinese embassy in London
Sir Keir Starmer will reportedly approve a new Chinese mega-embassy in London next month despite major security concerns, reports BritPanorama.
The controversial plan has been greenlit by both MI5 and MI6 after Beijing warned the Prime Minister would face “consequences” if the plans were not approved. The embassy is set to occupy the Royal Mint Court site, adjacent to the Tower of London, and will become the largest embassy in Europe.
Starmer is expected to submit his final decision on December 10, and a source from Whitehall has indicated that approval is likely a “formality.” The Home Office and the Foreign Office have not raised formal objections to the project, provided that appropriate security measures are established.
Plans for the embassy include a footprint of approximately 20,000 square metres, with both government departments emphasizing that the protection of national security must remain a top priority throughout the construction process.
As the government navigates this complex situation, security chiefs have expressed alarm at the proposed embassy’s location, which is close to critical infrastructure. They warn that it could potentially serve as an eavesdropping hub, with concerns amplified by China’s refusal to fully disclose building plans, citing appropriateness as a reason for withholding certain details.
The approval timeline for the embassy has already been pushed back twice in just two months, drawing sharp criticism from Beijing, which accused the UK of “acting in bad faith and without integrity.” Lin Jian, a spokesman for China’s Foreign Ministry, has voiced “grave concern and strong dissatisfaction” regarding the delays, urging the UK to fulfil its obligations or face the consequences.
This diplomatic tension unfolds amid heightened scrutiny over Chinese espionage in the UK, particularly following the recent collapse of a high-profile spy case against two British men, both of whom have denied the charges.
The controversy surrounding the mega-embassy has resonated across political lines in the UK. Some Conservative MPs have raised alarms regarding the potential national security implications. Concerns centre around undisclosed areas within the embassy plans, which critics warn could facilitate espionage or other nefarious activities.
In response, Labour’s shadow housing secretary has called for full transparency in the planning review, urging Starmer to consider the example set by Ireland and Australia in rejecting similar Chinese proposals. Meanwhile, the Liberal Democrats have criticized the government’s handling of the issue, asserting it is time to decisively reject the embassy application.
As Starmer prepares for a possible visit to China next year, aiming to strengthen economic ties, the implications of the embassy’s approval will likely play a crucial role in shaping the UK’s diplomatic approach towards Beijing.
The revelations surrounding the Chinese embassy plot underscore the increasing complexity of Britain’s geopolitical landscape, as it balances economic interests with national security in an era of escalating tensions.
This situation exemplifies the broader challenge of navigating relations with a power that exerts significant influence while maintaining the integrity of national security protocols.
