Labour's Deputy Leader Angela Rayner has raised alarm over China's ambitious plans to construct a sprawling 'mega embassy' in London, warning that the development could pose significant national security risks.
Speaking at a recent event, Rayner criticised the proposed 700,000-square-foot complex in the Royal Borough of Greenwich, which would become one of the largest diplomatic missions in the UK. The site, acquired by China in 2018 for £255 million, has faced repeated delays in planning approval.
Security Concerns Take Centre Stage
Rayner expressed particular concern about the embassy's potential to house sensitive communications equipment, stating: 'We cannot allow foreign powers to establish what amounts to a sovereign territory in the heart of our capital.' Her comments reflect growing unease among MPs about Chinese influence operations in Britain.
Government Under Pressure to Act
The shadow cabinet member called for greater scrutiny of the project, urging ministers to consider invoking powers under the National Security and Investment Act. 'This isn't just about planning permission - it's about protecting our national interests,' Rayner emphasised.
Local residents have also voiced objections to the scale of the development, which would include extensive underground facilities. The Chinese government maintains the project is purely for diplomatic purposes and complies with all UK regulations.
A Test for UK-China Relations
The controversy comes at a sensitive time for UK-China relations, with the government attempting to balance economic ties with security concerns. Security experts warn that the embassy's size could facilitate intelligence gathering operations beyond normal diplomatic activities.
Whitehall sources suggest the Foreign Office is monitoring the situation closely, though no formal intervention has been made to date. The planning decision now rests with the local council, putting Greenwich at the centre of an international diplomatic row.
