7 months ago
UK MPs Raise Security Concerns Over China's Mega Embassy Plans
Some UK politicians are worried about China building a very big embassy in London.
They say there's a secret room in the plans that could be used for spying.
The embassy is near important internet cables that send lots of information.
The UK government says they will make sure the country is safe, but they also want to have good trade relations with China.
The decision about whether to allow the embassy to be built is expected soon.
UK MPs raised security concerns over China's proposed mega embassy in London, citing a secret room in the basement plans.
The embassy site is near critical fibre-optic cables transmitting financial and internet data.
Housing Minister Mathew Pennycook assured that national security will not be compromised.
Prime Minister Keir Starmer is expected to approve the embassy plans ahead of a visit to Beijing.
China has dismissed espionage claims, stating that anti-China elements are slandering the country.
- Who
- UK MPs, including Sarah Champion and Alicia Kearns, and the UK government
- What
- Concerns over China's proposed mega embassy in London due to a secret room in the basement and potential security threats
- Where
- Royal Mint Court, London
- When
- January 13, with a decision expected next week
- Why
- Due to alleged security risks and the proximity of the embassy to critical infrastructure
Key facts
- Location
- Royal Mint Court, London
- Land Area
- 20,000 square metres
- Purchase Price
- 225 million pounds
- Current Embassy Location
- Portland Place, near Baker Street
- Security Agencies Involved
- MI5, MI6
- UK Prime Minister
- Keir Starmer
- UK Housing Minister
- Mathew Pennycook
- UK Shadow National Security Minister
- Alicia Kearns
Quotes
Sarah Champion
Labour MP and chair of the Commons International Development Committee
“Multiple government agencies and government departments have raised concerns about this mega embassy; our international partners have raised concerns about it.”
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“Every security briefing I had identifies China as a hostile state to the UK. I am in no doubt that this mega embassy should not be allowed to go ahead. Internationally, China is terrorising people of Hong Kong. It is terrorising democratic people in Taiwan and it is terrorising some people already in the UK.”
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Mathew Pennycook
UK Housing Minister
“We need a consistent position on China which cannot be boiled down to one word. We recognise that China poses a series of threats to UK national security and we challenge these robustly.”
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“China also presents opportunities to the UK as the world’s second-largest economy and the UK’s third-largest trading partner. We will therefore continue to develop a consistent and pragmatic approach to economic engagement without compromising our national security.”
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Alicia Kearns
UK’s shadow national security minister and Opposition Conservative Party MP
“The unredacted plans reveal a concealed room running immediately alongside the fibre-optic cables critical to the City and Canary Wharf. ‘Telegraph’ readers don’t need me to spell out the obvious threats posed, nor China’s subterfuge – so why does the Labour government”
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China Embassy Spokesperson
Spokesperson for the Chinese Embassy
“anti-China elements are always keen on slandering and attacking”
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