China’s largest embassy in Europe accredited by UK authorities regardless of safety issues
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Police officers stand watch during a demonstration outside the proposed site of China’s embassy(Image: Carl Court, Getty Images)
The UK Government has approved plans for China’s new ‘super-embassy’ in London despite criticism from MPs and campaigners over its security implications.
China has been given permission to build a vast new embassy, which will be its biggest in Europe, in the heart of London despite criticism from MPs and campaigners that it will be used as a base for spying and security crackdowns.
Steve Reed has granted China’s new central London “mega-embassy” planning permission, documents released by the Government have revealed.
A letter from the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government published on Tuesday morning said the Communities Secretary had granted both planning permission and listed building consent for the site at Royal Mint Court, near the Tower of London.
It read: “The Inspector recommended that the applications be approved and planning permission and listed building consent be granted, subject to conditions.
“For the reasons given below, the Secretary of State agrees with the Inspector’s conclusions, except where stated, and agrees with her recommendations.
“He has decided to grant planning permission and listed building consent, subject to conditions.”
The Inter-Parliamentary Alliance on China, which has been involved in a campaign to halt the new Chinese embassy, said the planning approval was the “wrong decision for the UK”.
Luke de Pulford, a co-founder of the group, said: “This is the wrong decision for the UK, sending all the wrong signals. Wrong for dissidents, wrong for UK national security.
“Our three Cs China policy is less compete, challenge and cooperate, more cover-up, cave in, and cash out.”
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