Ministers are under fire for proposed construction of a massive Chinese embassy housing over 200 underground rooms near vital cables. MPs from various political parties are urging the government to block the approval of this facility located in close proximity to the Tower of London. Concerns have arisen following leaked plans revealing the presence of 208 basement rooms, raising fears of potential espionage amidst escalating tensions.
Labour’s Sarah Champion, head of the International Development Agency, has voiced strong opposition, labeling China as a hostile state to the UK based on security briefings. Champion emphasized that allowing this “mega embassy” to proceed would be unacceptable, pointing out China’s aggressive actions overseas and the need for the UK government to confront such behavior rather than accommodating it.
A group of nine Labour MPs has penned a letter to Communities Secretary Steve Reed, cautioning that the embassy could serve as a platform for escalating intimidation against dissidents. The final decision on the project’s fate is anticipated by January 20, with reports hinting at a potential approval announcement by Keir Starmer.
Opponents, such as the Conservatives, have raised concerns about the embassy potentially being exploited for economic warfare. Shadow Home Office minister Alicia Kearns highlighted the significance of the cables adjacent to the embassy, which she claims are crucial for the UK economy. Kearns warned of the risks associated with granting the Chinese Communist Party access to these cables.
While security concerns have been reportedly addressed by the Home Office and the Foreign Office, Housing Minister Matthew Pennycook refrained from commenting on the ongoing case, stressing the need for a comprehensive approach to handling China. He acknowledged the dual nature of China as both a security threat and a significant economic partner, emphasizing the importance of balancing engagement with safeguarding national interests.
It has been reported by The Times that the embassy’s approval announcement is expected to precede an anticipated visit by the Prime Minister to China, the first such visit since Theresa May’s in 2018. Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood and Foreign Secretary Yvette Cooper have expressed satisfaction with the resolution of their concerns, noting that China has agreed to consolidate its diplomats in London onto the new embassy site, currently dispersed across seven locations in the city.
Furthermore, 10 Downing Street has previously stated that the embassy’s establishment would offer clear security benefits to the UK.