"Damian GrammaticasPolitical correspondent Bloomberg via Getty Images A group of Labour MPs have urged the government to reject China's controversial plan to build a mega embassy in London, just days before the deadline for the decision. In a letter to Environment Secretary Steve Reed, the nine MPs raise security concerns about the proposed site, while warning it would be used to "step up intimidation" against dissidents."
"Downing Street has argued consolidating China's diplomatic premises into a single site would have security advantages for the UK. The government has said a decision will be made by 20 January and local residents have been told there will be no further delay. Sir Keir Starmer has been planning a trip to China for early this year, which would be the first by a British Prime Minister since 2018."
Nine Labour MPs have written to Environment Secretary Steve Reed urging rejection of China's proposal to build a mega embassy at Royal Mint Court in London. They cite security concerns including recent Chinese espionage cases, interference activities, and alleged bounties against UK-based Hongkongers. The MPs warn the embassy could be used to step up intimidation of dissidents and note the site sits above sensitive infrastructure critical to UK economic and national security. Local residents of Royal Mint Court say they will mount a legal challenge if approval is granted. The government says consolidation offers security advantages and aims to decide by 20 January.
Read at www.bbc.com
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