Protest against Chinese super embassy to take place in London

"The Government is facing mounting calls to reject Beijing's plans for the embassy at Royal Mint Court over security concerns. Critics fear the rooms, located in the site's basement, could be used for the detention of dissidents who have fled the Chinese state for Britain. The hidden chamber would meanwhile be located in close proximity to data cables said to be crucial for financial sector communications between the City of London and Canary Wharf."

"High-profile political figures such as Tory former ministers Tom Tugendhat and Sir Iain Duncan Smith have appeared at previous similar demonstrations about the plans. People at previous protest outside the proposed site of the new Chinese Embassy in London A group of local residents are also staunchly opposed to the plans and are expected to protest on Saturday at the protest due to begin at 2pm."

"The Metropolitan Police have placed a series of conditions on the protest ahead of time. It must remain within a given area near the embassy site and must conclude by 5pm. Ministers have promised to make a decision on whether to grant the Chinese embassy planning permission by January 20. Before then, they have insisted it would be inappropriate for them to comment on it. But it has been widely reported that the Governemnt is expected to approve the plans. Keir Starmer's Government is expected to approve the plans for the embassy within days"

A protest will take place at the site of China's planned super embassy at Royal Mint Court in London amid security concerns. Critics fear basement rooms could be used to detain dissidents who fled the Chinese state. The proposed hidden chamber lies close to data cables vital for communications between the City of London and Canary Wharf. High-profile politicians and local residents have attended and plan demonstrations. The Metropolitan Police have restricted the protest area and set a 5pm end time. Ministers must decide on planning permission by January 20, and the Government is widely reported likely to approve the plans. Ciaran Martin suggested security services have scrutinised the site.

Read at www.standard.co.uk