Proposed Chinese Embassy 2025-12-04
2025-12-04
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Questions & Answers
Q1
Partial Answer
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Context
The planning application for the proposed Chinese embassy near the Tower of London has raised concerns regarding national security and public access to historical sites.
Will the prayers of long-dead medieval monks save us from this hideous mega-embassy, right next to the most totemic building in the United Kingdom, the Tower of London? On 14 January, the then Secretaries of State for the Home Office and the Foreign Office wrote a letter insisting that a condition be made that there should be a wall and public access to the Cistercian medieval monastery on the site. The Chinese, in their arrogant way, are ignoring that. Will the Government stand firm and insist on public access—which, by the way, would be a good way of stopping this awful project?
National security is the first duty of this Government and has been a core priority throughout the process regarding the proposed Chinese embassy. The Government have considered the breadth of national security considerations and have publicly outlined necessary security mitigations required to support an application. Should the planning decision be approved, the new embassy will replace seven different sites that currently comprise China’s diplomatic estate.
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Assessment & feedback
Specific commitment on public access
National Security Is A Core Priority
Publicly Outlined Necessary Security Mitigations
Response accuracy
Q2
Partial Answer
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Context
Concerns have been raised about the potential presence of data cables beneath Royal Mint Court, a site proposed for the construction of the Chinese embassy.
On Tuesday, my hon. Friend the Member for West Suffolk (Nick Timothy) raised with the Foreign Secretary concerns expressed by the United States, Dutch, Swiss and Swedish Governments regarding the reported presence of data cables running beneath Royal Mint Court. I note that the Cabinet Office has since denied the reports to the press. Will the Minister now provide clarity that his colleague at the Foreign Office could not, and give a clear yes or no answer to this House as to whether any such cables run beneath or in the vicinity of the site?
I reiterate that the Government have considered the breadth of national security considerations. Both the Home Secretary and the Foreign Secretary have been clear about this. We work closely with our allies, particularly Five Eyes partners, to ensure collective national security.
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Assessment & feedback
Specific answer on data cables
Considered Breadth Of National Security Considerations
Work Closely With Allies
Response accuracy