Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer is facing a furious internal revolt and accusations of being China's "useful idiot" as his government prepares to green-light plans for a massive new Chinese embassy complex in London.
Security Fears and a 'Craven Kowtow'
The controversy centres on blueprints for what would be Europe's largest diplomatic mission, situated near the Tower of London. The plans have sparked alarm after revealing the inclusion of 208 secret rooms and a hidden chamber positioned just one metre away from sensitive fibre-optic cables. These cables are crucial, transmitting financial data to the City of London.
Shadow Home Secretary Chris Philp led the attack, accusing Sir Keir of planning a "craven kowtow" to Beijing. He claimed the Prime Minister is seeking new trade and investment deals to rescue Britain's struggling economy ahead of his first official visit to China later this month. "He is putting our national security at risk by acting as Peking's poodle," Philp stated.
Cross-Party Backlash in Parliament
In a significant display of dissent, not a single MP defended the expected government approval during a Commons debate. Seven Labour backbenchers publicly opposed the move, citing China's human rights record and the intimidation of Hongkongers living in the UK.
Furthermore, nine Labour MPs wrote to Communities Secretary Steve Reed, who must make the final decision by Tuesday, urging him to reject the application. Commons Speaker Sir Lindsay Hoyle even rebuked the government for sending a housing minister rather than a Home Office representative to address MPs' concerns about espionage.
Adding to the pressure, it was reported that the White House remains "deeply concerned" about the project, forcing UK officials to reassure allies like the US that no sensitive data passes through the adjacent cables.
Legal Challenges and Police Apology
Local residents are reportedly preparing a legal challenge should the embassy plans get final approval. In a related development, the Metropolitan Police has apologised for failing to investigate Chinese officials accused of conducting surveillance on protesters at the existing embassy site.
Luke de Pulford of the Inter-Parliamentary Alliance on China warned the issue transcends party politics. "The PM should listen to these courageous Labour MPs, or he will certainly regret it as and when the decision is challenged in the courts," he said.
Despite the uproar, a Whitehall source indicated the outcome is likely a foregone conclusion, stating: "The embassy will be approved. It is just a matter of timing." The government argues there is a security benefit in consolidating China's various London operations into one location.
