MI5 very relaxed' about proposed Chinese super-embassy in London, sources say

"MI5 officers told the House of Commons speaker at a private meeting that they can tackle the risks of a proposed Chinese super-embassy in London, opening the door to its approval. The Guardian understands that in a meeting held with Lindsay Hoyle in the summer, senior figures from the Security Service indicated they were very relaxed about the prospect of a 20,000 sq metre embassy being constructed at Royal Mint Court near Tower Bridge."

"In October, when asked about the espionage risk posed by the new embassy, Ken McCallum, the spy agency's director general, indicated the Security Service believed the development was something it could deal with. MI5 has more than a century of experience of dealing with the national security risks, which do flow from the presence of foreign embassies on British soil. This is something which you would expect MI5 to have a view on."

MI5 officers advised the House of Commons speaker that the risks from a proposed 20,000 sq metre Chinese embassy at Royal Mint Court can be tackled and are considered manageable. Senior figures from the Security Service told Lindsay Hoyle they were relaxed about the development. Ken McCallum said in October that the Security Service believed the project was something it could deal with. MI5 has more than a century of experience addressing national security risks from foreign embassies. The Security Service has shared its views with the Home Office and ministers, while opponents cite security concerns including underground cables connecting to the City of London.

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