China has warned the UK it will face “all consequences” after the housing secretary, Steve Reed, delayed a final decision on the proposed Chinese “mega embassy” in London until 10 December. The Chinese foreign ministry expressed “grave concern and strong dissatisfaction” over the postponement, accusing the UK of “disregard for contractual spirit, acting in bad faith and without integrity”.
The row adds to tensions between the two countries, already strained by a collapsed spying trial and allegations of Chinese espionage. Lin Jian, a Chinese foreign ministry spokesperson, said Beijing had acted with “the utmost sincerity and patience” and urged the UK to “immediately fulfil its obligations and honour its commitments”.
The proposed embassy, near the Tower of London, would be Europe’s largest at 20,000 square metres. Beijing bought the site for £255 million in 2018 but Tower Hamlets council refused permission in 2022. China resubmitted its application after Labour came to power, and President Xi Jinping raised the matter directly with Prime Minister Keir Starmer in August 2024.
Starmer’s spokesperson said the decision was “quasi-judicial and independent of the rest of government”, rejecting claims of any commitments. Conservative MPs have accused ministers of breaking the law by giving private assurances to China. Meanwhile, Oliver Robbins, head of the Foreign Office, is in China discussing the embassy application and UK plans to refurbish its own embassy in Beijing, which China has reportedly blocked.
The controversy comes as Starmer seeks to reset relations with Beijing to attract investment for UK infrastructure. However, the spying case against two British citizens, Christopher Cash and Christopher Berry, collapsed last month, prompting accusations of government interference. The Joint Committee on National Security Strategy has launched an inquiry into the case, questioning senior officials about their involvement.
