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A group of Labour MPs has called on the UK government to reject China’s plan to establish a large embassy in London, raising significant security concerns just days before the government’s decision deadline. In a letter addressed to Communities Secretary Steve Reed, these nine parliamentarians warned that the new embassy, planned for Royal Mint Court, could be used to intensify intimidation efforts against political dissidents. The proposed site is located within a complex that includes residential flats, whose inhabitants are preparing to mount a legal challenge should the project receive approval.
The government has indicated that a decision regarding the new embassy will be made by 20 January, with no expected delay. Meanwhile, Downing Street contends that consolidating China’s diplomatic operations into a single location would offer greater security advantages for the UK. The site in question, opposite the Tower of London and formerly the location of the Royal Mint, would represent the largest embassy any nation holds in Europe. China purchased the property in 2018 for £255 million, underscoring the importance it places on securing the London embassy.
The MPs’ letter highlights serious issues linked to the embassy project, including concerns over recent Chinese espionage activities, interference, and actions targeting UK-based Hong Kong residents. Sarah Champion, a signatory and member of the Joint Committee on the National Security Strategy, expressed particular unease, noting she has previously encountered Chinese spyware on her parliamentary computer. Other MPs involved, such as Emily Darlington, James Naish, and Mark Sewards, have been outspoken on “transnational repression” efforts attributed to China, which aim to silence opponents abroad, including refugees from Hong Kong living in the UK. The letter asserts that such a strategically placed embassy could escalate intimidation tactics against diaspora communities and dissidents.
Some of the MPs, including Phil Brickell, Marie Rimmer, and Alex Sobel, have also raised concerns about Jimmy Lai, a prominent Hong Kong pro-democracy figure and British citizen currently facing severe charges under China’s national security law. Sobel emphasized risks involving potential hacking or disruption of communications near the City of London from the embassy site, and called for Lai’s release before any approval of the project. The letter was coordinated by the Inter-Parliamentary Alliance on China (IPAC), an international group campaigning against perceived threats posed by China. Despite these concerns, UK security services reportedly have reviewed the plan and raised no objections. The final decision rests with the environment secretary, who will consider advice from officials before ruling in the coming days. Meanwhile, local residents remain poised to legally challenge any government approval, armed with legal opinions supporting their case
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