A proposed plan to construct a vast new Chinese embassy in London near the Tower of London has sparked concerns among local residents, who are preparing a legal challenge if the development is approved.
The residents of Royal Mint Court, located near the proposed site, fear that the new embassy could pose a risk of espionage activities. Mark Nygate, the treasurer of the local Royal Mint Court Residents’ Association, has expressed concerns about “government interference in what is supposed to be an independent process.”
The group has already raised £37,000 out of the £145,000 required to instruct lawyers to seek a judicial review if the decision goes against them. Nygate and other residents living near the site fear that if the development goes ahead, they may eventually be forced to move out, as China already owns the freehold of residential properties next to the site.
Campaigners against the development have received a legal opinion from Lord Banner KC, who argues that the Labour government had predetermined the case by approaching it with a “closed mind.” They would have six weeks to file a challenge to the decision in the High Court, which could lead to months or even years of legal arguments.
The issue dates back to 2018, when Boris Johnson, then the Foreign Secretary, sent a letter to the Chinese ambassador indicating that he was happy for Royal Mint Court, acquired by China for £255 million, to be formally deemed a diplomatic location, even though the embassy had not been built.
However, last week, the Foreign Office sought to qualify Johnson’s apparently firm commitment, stating that the consent was conditional on the embassy obtaining any necessary planning permission, and that the consent may be withdrawn if this was not obtained.
Critics have also raised concerns about the potential espionage risk from the new site, which is located near high-speed data cables. However, MI5 has indicated that it does not consider the risks posed to be greater than normal. Some officials have argued that consolidating China’s existing seven sites into one has advantages for the host country.
The decision on the proposed Chinese embassy in London is expected to be made on Tuesday, and the residents of Royal Mint Court are prepared to mount a legal challenge if the development is approved.
