China has been given permission to build a vast new embassy in the heart of London, despite criticism from MPs and campaigners that it will be used as a base for spying and security crackdowns. A High Court challenge against the construction of the Chinese mega embassy in London has failed.
The decision to uphold planning permission for the site on the old Royal Mint, near the Tower of London, has dismayed campaigners from the Royal Mint Court Residents' Association (RMCRA), which represents families and businesses in about 100 properties.
The RMCRA fear the site poses an espionage threat and will be used to enforce
draconianChinese laws in the UK and to target dissidents.
The Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government (MHCLG) and the London Borough of Tower Hamlets defended the claim, saying they
conscientiously and carefully had regardto the residents' concerns.
Why are campaigners concerned?
Campaigners say the embassy site could be used for espionage and for security crackdowns linked to Chinese authorities. They also fear it may be used to enforce
draconianChinese laws in the UK and to target dissidents.
Who defended the planning decision?
The Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government (MHCLG) and the London Borough of Tower Hamlets defended the claim, saying they
conscientiously and carefully had regardto the residents' concerns.
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