"A vast new Chinese embassy complex in east London is almost certain to be formally approved next week despite renewed worries among Labour MPs about potential security risks and the effect on Hong Kong and Uighur exiles in the capital. The green light for the super-embassy at Royal Mint Court near Tower Bridge would smooth relations before Keir Starmer's visit to China, which is expected to take place at the end of January, but officials insist there has been no political input in the planning process."
"Kearns secured the question after a report in the Daily Telegraph that unredacted plans for the embassy showed a network of more than 200 subterranean rooms, one of them alongside communication cables taking information to the City of London. Pennycook said any new information would be assessed, but the embassy is expected to be given the go-ahead next week after a final consultation. MI5 is understood not to have any security concerns about the project, as revealed by the Guardian last year."
A 20,000 sq metre Chinese embassy complex at Royal Mint Court in east London is expected to receive formal approval next week. The timing precedes Keir Starmer's planned visit to China at the end of January, though officials say there has been no political interference in the planning process. Labour MPs raised security concerns and warned of impacts on Hong Kong and Uighur exiles. Unredacted plans reportedly show more than 200 subterranean rooms, including one adjacent to communication cables to the City of London. MI5 is reported to have no security objections, while critics call that complacency.
Read at www.theguardian.com
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