Chinese ‘super-embassy’ decision delayed until January
Get the free Morning Headlines email for news from our reporters across the worldSign up to our free Morning Headlines emailSign up to our free Morning Headlines emailPlanning ministers have postponed a decision on a new Chinese “super-embassy” in London until January. The Planning Inspectorate confirmed the new deadline of January 20 in a letter to concerned parties, released by the Inter-Parliamentary Alliance on China (IPAC).The extension was prompted by a communication from the Home Secretary and Foreign Secretary, who stated they had reached “an arrangement” with the Chinese government regarding “consolidating” Beijing’s diplomatic presence in one location.It followed a speech by Sir Keir Starmer on Monday night, where he appeared to lay the groundwork for approval of the 20,000 square metre embassy by saying the UK must work with Xi Jinping’s Communist government, despite concerns over China’s national security threat to the UK.The proposed embassy, planned for the site of the former Royal Mint, has drawn significant cross-party opposition from MPs who have urged the Government to reject the application, citing security concerns.They have expressed worries about its close proximity to communications cables buried near the site which are vital to the City of London, and about the possibility the embassy could be used to imprison political dissidents.The proposed embassy, planned for the site of the former Royal Mint, has drawn significant cross-party opposition from MPs . (Getty Images)The Prime Minister’s official spokesman told reporters the Home Office and Foreign Office “have provided views on particular security implications, and have been clear throughout that a decision shouldn’t be taken until we affirm that those considerations have been completed or resolved”.He added: “MHCLG (The Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government) considers that more time is needed for full consideration of the applications.”The spokesman would not say whether the new deadline coincided with plans for Sir Keir Starmer to visit China in the new year.The prime minister’s travel arrangements will be set out in the “usual way”, he said.The Chinese government has agreed to consolidate all its diplomatic premises in London into one site, should planning permission for a new embassy be granted.In a letter to the Planning Inspectorate, the Home Secretary and Foreign Secretary said they had “reached an arrangement” with the Chinese government, resolving their remaining concerns about the embassy.They said: “The Chinese government has committed to consolidate all currently accredited diplomatic premises in London (excluding the ambassador’s residence) into one site at the Royal Mint Court (subject to planning approval).“Accordingly, this outstanding issue is considered resolved.”They said their departments had “carefully considered the breadth of considerations” related to the embassy application, and worked with police “and other relevant partners” to ensure national security issues had been addressed.They said: “We recognise the importance of countries having functioning diplomatic premises in each other’s capitals, whilst maintaining the critical need to uphold and defend our national security.”Sir James Cleverly MP, shadow minister for housing, communities and local government, said: “Labour have tried to steamroll through the approval of the Chinese mega embassy without proper scrutiny, despite serious concerns being raised about the danger it poses to Britain’s national security. Now they have now been forced to delay the decision yet again. “Throughout this process ministers have sought to suppress criticism of the embassy plans. Even our security services have been prevented from submitting private evidence to the inquiry. The government must now ensure they can submit their concerns, via a private hearing, safe from the eyes of the regime in Beijing.”
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