UK Deputy Prime Minister asks China to explain blanked-out embassy plans
8 months ago
- #China embassy
- #London security
- #Angela Rayner
- Angela Rayner demands China explain why parts of plans for a new mega-embassy in London are blanked out.
- Concerns include espionage risks due to the embassy's location near London's financial district and security risks to residents.
- Rayner's letter requests a response by August 20, with a final planning decision due by September 9.
- Opponents fear the embassy could infiltrate UK's financial system and be used to harass political opponents.
- China bought the Royal Mint Court site in 2018, and the complex would be the largest embassy in Europe.
- The plan includes a cultural centre and housing for staff, with unspecified rooms in the basement.
- The application was rejected in 2022 but resubmitted in August 2024 after Labour came to power.
- Keir Starmer discussed the embassy with Xi Jinping, and Rayner has taken the matter out of council hands.
- Senior ministers support the plan if minor adjustments are made.