"Mark Nygate, the treasurer of the local Royal Mint Court Residents' Association, said people living near the proposed development had concerns about government interference in what is supposed to be an independent process. The group has raised nearly 37,000 out of the 145,000 required to instruct lawyers to seek a judicial review if the decision goes against them. Others, Nygate added, had promised to make further donations if it came to it."
"They would have six weeks to file a challenge to the decision in the high court, which could lead to months or years more of legal argument. But it would also allow for a window of time during which Keir Starmer may be able to make a trip to Beijing, the first time a British prime minister has visited for eight years."
"One issue dates back to 2018, when Boris Johnson was foreign secretary. At that time, he sent a letter to the Chinese ambassador, indicating he was happy for Royal Mint Court, acquired by China for 255m, to be formally deemed a diplomatic location even though the embassy had not been built. It said: I am pleased to confirm that I have today agreed to grant consent for Royal Mint Court to be designated as diplomatic premises"
Residents of Royal Mint Court plan a legal challenge within weeks if Steve Reed approves China's proposal to build a large new embassy by the Tower of London. The residents' association has raised nearly £37,000 of the £145,000 needed to instruct lawyers for a judicial review, with further donations pledged. China owns the freehold of nearby residential properties and residents fear potential eviction if the proposed 230 flats for embassy staff and guests are built. Campaigners obtained a legal opinion claiming the government approached the case with a closed mind, and they would have six weeks to file in the high court, potentially delaying diplomatic engagements.
Read at www.theguardian.com
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