Labour MPs have called on the government to reject China’s plans for a new ‘mega-embassy’ in London, citing unresolved security concerns. In a letter to communities secretary Steve Reed, nine MPs warned the proposed embassy could be used to “step up intimidation” against dissidents.
The MPs, including Sarah Champion of the Joint Committee on the National Security Strategy, pointed to recent Chinese espionage cases, interference activities, and bounties against UK-based Hong Kongers. They also noted the embassy would sit above sensitive infrastructure critical to the UK’s economic and national security.
The call comes as reports suggest Sir Keir Starmer is poised to approve the proposal, which was delayed until 20 January. The Times reported that an announcement could be made ahead of the prime minister’s expected trip to China, the first by a UK prime minister since Theresa May’s visit in 2018.
MPs from across the political spectrum have urged the government to reject the application for the embassy on the site of the former Royal Mint, citing security concerns that remain “significant and unresolved”.
