Prime Minister Keir Starmer is facing intense criticism and accusations of 'kowtowing' to Beijing as his government prepares to approve China's controversial 'mega-embassy' in London, despite serious national security concerns raised by intelligence agencies.
Security Warnings Ignored
The decision comes during the same week that MI5 warned MPs about an active security threat from Chinese spies attempting to infiltrate Parliament. Intelligence sources revealed that Chinese operatives have been targeting what they describe as the 'weak underbelly of Parliament' through recruitment efforts.
According to reports, Starmer is expected to announce the embassy approval next month, ahead of his anticipated visit to China in January 2025. The timing has raised eyebrows among security experts and political opponents alike.
The controversy intensifies following the recent collapse of a spy trial where two men were accused of passing sensitive information to Beijing. Both defendants denied any wrongdoing throughout the proceedings.
Political Backlash Erupts
Conservative MPs have expressed outrage at the proposed approval. Former Tory leader Iain Duncan Smith delivered a scathing assessment, stating: 'The Government is in a hopeless state of kowtow to China. We will take it to the courts because they have broken all the rules.'
Smith further criticised the approach, adding: 'Everything China wants China gets. They spy on us, bully us, cajole us and yet Labour is there on deep bended knee asking for more. It's a shameful moment for a British government.'
Shadow Foreign Secretary Priti Patel joined the criticism, warning that rubber-stamping the embassy would put national security at risk. She questioned Starmer's priorities, particularly given the recent intelligence alerts about Chinese espionage activities.
Embassy Location Raises Concerns
The proposed embassy at Royal Mint Court in east London has generated particular concern due to its sensitive location. The site sits above a network of fibre-optic cables that carry crucial information into the City of London, creating potential vulnerabilities.
China has reportedly warned of 'consequences' if planning permission for the embassy near the Tower of London is not granted. The decision, which has been repeatedly delayed, now appears set for approval after MI5 and MI6 reportedly gave the plan their clearance, according to The Times.
Both the Home Office and Foreign Office are said to be not planning objections, provided appropriate security 'mitigations' are implemented to protect national interests.
When questioned about both the embassy decision and his upcoming China visit during the G20 summit in South Africa, Starmer stated he would 'robustly' protect national interests. Officials declined to comment directly on the embassy plans, while Technology Secretary Liz Kendall emphasised that the decision would go 'through the proper process'.
Former MI6 chief Richard Dearlove expressed strong reservations about the embassy approval, telling GB News that the symbolism of such a prominent Chinese diplomatic presence - which would be their largest in Europe - sends the wrong message. He warned the government would find itself in 'an awfully difficult position' if the plans proceed.
The final decision rests with Steve Reed's Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government, with the quasi-judicial process scheduled to conclude on December 10.
