The Metropolitan Police has issued a formal apology after it wrongly refused to investigate allegations that Chinese state officials conducted surveillance on demonstrators outside Beijing's controversial new mega-embassy in London.
A Complaint Dismissed and an Inappropriate Referral
In a significant embarrassment for the force, Assistant Commissioner Laurence Taylor conceded failures in a letter to Sir Iain Duncan Smith. The apology was directed at Hongkonger Alan Dai, whose complaint that he was photographed by suspected Chinese agents during a protest last February was initially dismissed.
The police incorrectly informed Mr Dai that the alleged surveillance was "not a police matter," despite the existence of a national security law that makes it an offence to assist a foreign intelligence service. In a move that has drawn sharp criticism, officers even advised Mr Dai to contact Hong Kong's embassy—an entity that is effectively part of the Chinese state he was complaining about.
Victim Sent to the 'Perpetrator'
Following a meeting with the Met yesterday, Alan Dai confirmed the police had apologised and said they "should do better." However, he expressed profound concern for the Hongkonger community in the UK. "We fled to the UK hoping to lead a dignified life in freedom because of our belief in the UK," Mr Dai stated. "We are fearful of the tsunami of interference and intimidation about to be unleashed upon the Hongkongers and British alike."
The case has ignited alarm among parliamentarians focused on the China threat. Sir Iain Duncan Smith, co-chairman of the Inter-Parliamentary Alliance on China, condemned the police's initial response. "The fact that police thought it appropriate to send a victim to report their crime to the perpetrator shows how ill-prepared we are to deal with this major security threat," he said. The former Tory leader warned that "the Government is on the verge of allowing a colossal spy base in the heart of London."
Security Fears Over the 'Super Embassy' Plans
The protest last February was against plans to build Europe's largest embassy for China on the old Royal Mint site in London. Reports have suggested that the designs for this 'super embassy' include a secret underground room that could be used for espionage activities against the UK, raising severe national security concerns.
In light of the apology and the admitted failure, the Metropolitan Police confirmed that the case has now been referred to Counter Terrorism Policing for a proper assessment. This belated action underscores the growing tensions and complexities surrounding foreign state activity in the UK capital, and calls into question the preparedness of authorities to handle such sensitive allegations.
