Ministers gave the green light for China‘s new ‘mega-embassy’ in London today despite security fears.
The government has signed off the plans for the London site, in the face of furious opposition from many MPs.
Critics accused Keir Starmer – who could now confirm he will visit China in the coming months – of lacking the ‘backbone’ to stand up to Beijing.
In a 240-page assessment following years of delays and wrangling, Communities Secretary Steve Reed concluded that the project can go ahead.
‘The Inspector recommended that the applications be approved and planning permission and listed building consent be granted, subject to conditions,’ he said in a letter.
‘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.’
Mr Reed added in a statement to MPs: ‘All material considerations were taken into account when making this decision.
‘The decision is now final unless it is successfully challenged in court.’
China is reportedly planning to build a secret underground room that could be used to spy on the UK at the site of its controversial ‘super embassy’ in London. Pictured: Concept plans for the embassy which will be located on the former Royal Mint site
The government has signed off the plans for a new Chinese embassy this morning, despite furious opposition from many MPs. Pictured protesters including Tibetans, Uyghurs and Hongkongers last week
The announcement could pave the way for Keir Starmer to confirm he will visit Beijing in the coming months
Critics accused Keir Starmer – who could now confirm he will visit China in the coming months – of lacking the ‘backbone’ to stand up to Beijing
The government has signed off the plans for the London site, in the face of furious opposition from many MPs
The proposals are said to include 208 secret rooms and a hidden chamber. Critics argue that there is a risk from the close proximity to data cables, crucial for the City’s operation.
The long-awaited announcement will trigger another major legal battle as opponents try to block the embassy project in the courts.
Shadow communities secretary James Cleverly said: ‘This is a disgraceful act of cowardice from a Labour Government and Prime Minister utterly devoid of backbone.
‘The first duty of any Government is to keep the country safe. But Keir Starmer has relegated that most critical priority beneath his desperate desire for Beijing’s approval.
‘Labour’s latest sell-out confirms they cannot be trusted to stand up for Britain on the international stage.’
Shadow foreign secretary Priti Patel said: ‘Keir Starmer has sold off our national security to the Chinese Communist Party with his shameful super embassy surrender.
‘Throughout his dismal premiership to date, the PM has kowtowed to Beijing at every opportunity, including over Chagos. And now, once again, he is giving Xi Jinping what he wants – a colossal spy hub in the heart of our capital.’
Shadow home secretary Chris Philp added: ‘Labour don’t have the backbone to stand up to the Chinese Communist Party. Labour are set to wave through a mega spy hub, packed with unaccounted-for secret rooms, right next to critical national infrastructure.
‘The Chinese state is a hostile intelligence power. Approving this site sends the signal that Labour are willing to trade our national security for diplomatic convenience. The Labour Government should grow a backbone and reverse this decision for the sake of our national interest.’
The Inter-Parliamentary Alliance on China 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.’
MPs – including from within Labour ranks – have warned that the embassy could be used to ‘step up intimidation’ against dissidents.
They have urged Communities Secretary Steve Reed – who oversees the planning system – to block the application.
However, the Government has argued that it would consolidate Chinese diplomatic presence from seven buildings to one, which could have security benefits.
Ciaran Martin, former chief executive of GCHQ’s National Cyber Security Centre, last week dismissed concerns about the proposed embassy’s location.
In an article for The Times, he said the plans would have been thoroughly scrutinised by the UK’s security services, and that ‘no Government would override their advice were they to say the risks were too great’.
Addressing the Commons on the eve of the decision deadline, Foreign Office minister Seema Malhotra said: ‘We’ve been consistently clear that national security is the first duty of Government, and it has been our core priority throughout the embassy process, with the close involvement of the security and intelligence agencies.’
She said a ‘range of measures’ had been implemented to protect national security and that she had ‘full confidence’ in the security services to be able to manage potential risks from spies.
The Mail on Sunday revealed that planning documents for the embassy included ‘spy dungeons’ (highlighted in red above) – two suites of basement rooms and a tunnel, with their purpose redacted for security reasons
Ministers dismissed concerns about the embassy posing a threat to crucial data cables nearby
Critics had urged Communities Secretary Steve Reed – who oversees the planning system – to block the application
