Chinese Embassy 2026-01-13

Question

Had any Minister seen the unredacted plans before The Telegraph uncovered them? If not, why not? Was Parliament misled when we were told that all documents were publicly available? Does the Government plan to re-route cables if approved?

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Multiple Government agencies have raised concerns about this mega-embassy. Internationally, China is viewed as a hostile state to the UK. How does the Government intend to proceed given these security risks?

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Will the Government ensure intelligence agencies update their risk assessments before a final decision is taken? Will they meet protesters on Saturday outside the proposed site?

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The right hon. Gentleman asked about the Chinese Government’s failure to respond regarding a perimeter wall around a historical site near the proposed embassy location, which could impact planning considerations.

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The Joint Committee on Human Rights has found that the Chinese state undertakes considerable transnational repression against members of the Chinese diaspora in the UK, particularly those critical of Beijing. Will this be a material consideration?

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Has the Intelligence and Security Committee had an opportunity to question the National Security Adviser about this matter?

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Residents in my constituency have significant concerns about the proposed embassy regarding security, human rights, and local impacts. Will these be taken seriously as part of the process?

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The Government’s response treats this development solely as a planning matter, but it has huge diplomatic consequences. Will national security and diplomatic importance also be considered?

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Given the publication of unredacted plans for the Chinese embassy, will the Government and security services look again at whether it is appropriate to allow the embassy to proceed?

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The site of the proposed embassy is massive and restricted, making it impossible to monitor activities. Is this judgment call on getting a closer relationship with China wrong?

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My constituent faces a £100,000 bounty under the national security law in Hong Kong. What assurances can the Government give to ensure her safety if the new embassy is approved?

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What action are the Government taking to counter increased threats from the proposed mega-embassy to those communities facing transnational repression?

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What reassurances can be given that the Prime Minister’s commitment to no delays in granting permission for the mega-embassy has not compromised the independence of the planning process?

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The Minister is avoiding answering concerns about safety and security for constituents, especially regarding redacted photographs showing proximity to critical communications cables. Can he assure them that their safety is a priority?

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Will the Minister ensure that security agencies closely monitor demolition and replacement of the wall near critical infrastructure to safeguard national security?

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What explanation has been given for redactions in the original application regarding important details?

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Given past decisions regarding Huawei and civil nuclear, will the Minister take responsibility for this matter by stepping in to pull the plug on the proposal?

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Will the Minister agree that national security should take precedence over planning in this case, and reject the proposal?

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How can the Government accept an embassy proposal that is clearly a threat to national security and not in line with local policies?

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Has any Government Minister called in the Chinese ambassador to discuss these issues?

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Given security concerns and the proximity of sensitive cabling, should this decision not be made by the Prime Minister in Downing Street with a quick no?

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Given the intertwining of planning and national security, should the Minister review proximity of other countries’ embassies to major underground fibre-optic cables?

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Does the Minister recognise that approving this embassy could pave the way for economic war and undermine critical data security?

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Given that the Chinese Communist party is not a friend to the UK, can the Minister do the right thing for national security by rejecting this proposal?

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We seem to be in the Chamber every three weeks addressing espionage and security concerns with regards to China. The Chinese previously stated that they would not resubmit their application unless given assurances of approval. What assurances have been given to China, what are we expecting as a quid pro quo for rebuilding our embassy in Beijing, and what concerns have been raised by Five Eyes partners?

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Why are the Government so evidently in awe of Chinese requirements, particularly regarding the approval of this mega-embassy before the Prime Minister's visit to Beijing?

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Given my constituent Carmen Lau's harassment by Chinese authorities, does the Minister accept that approving this application while such transnational repression continues would be a kick in the teeth for Hongkongers?

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What are the Government doing regarding the raiding of a Protestant church in Chengdu by Chinese authorities? The plans for the embassy show potential risks that must be explored. Will the Minister prove that national security will always be the priority?