Starmer approves Chinese mega-embassy at Royal Mint Court in London

Prime Minister Keir Starmer approved construction of a large new Chinese embassy in the heart of London, officials said, rejecting objections that the project could facilitate spying.

The approval, after months of delays and subject to technical conditions, allows China to proceed toward building on a 5.5-acre site near the Tower of London that was home to Britain’s Royal Mint for more than 150 years. The site near Tower Bridge would become China’s largest embassy in Europe.

Opponents — including China hawks, dissidents, local residents and some of Mr. Starmer’s own Labour Party lawmakers — had campaigned for more than a year to block the plans, arguing the new building would make espionage easier.

The decision could bolster Mr. Starmer’s efforts to improve ties with China ahead of his first trip to the country, which is expected to take place in the coming weeks; he has said he wants to increase investment opportunities after years of icy relations. This is a developing story.

Key Topics

World, Keir Starmer, Chinese Embassy, Royal Mint Court, China, Labour Party