Chineseembassy
hansard.parliament.uk1 day
UK Approves Chinese 'Mega Embassy' in London
Are China's embassy plans legitimate diplomacy, or a front for undercover espionage?
Above: The former Royal Mint Court office complex, the future site of a new Chinese Embassy, in London, U.K., on Tuesday, Jan. 20, 2026. Image credit: Jose Sarmento Matos/Bloomberg/Getty Images
The Spin
Pro-government narrative
Having consulted widely with the Home and Foreign Office, as well as several branches of Britain's intelligence community, it is clear that any alleged risks presented by the Chinese embassy can be reasonably managed and mitigated. This decision has been approved following a robust review — respecting diplomatic relations while maintaining Britain's national security.
Government-critical narrative
The embassy's approval is a disgraceful act of cowardice from a Labour government and prime minister devoid of backbone. The first duty of any government is to keep the country safe, but Starmer seems more concerned about getting Beijing's approval. He cannot be trusted to lead Britain on the world stage.
Pro-China narrative
The approval of the long-awaited embassy plans is a welcome consolidation of U.K.-China relations. For years, Beijing has faced continued slander despite its continued and open intention to only develop positive relations with Britain. Today's decision shows that, despite the swathes of misinformation, these two nations can continue to forge a stable and prosperous future.
Metaculus Prediction
There is a 21% that the U.K. will have a Conservative Prime Minister at the beginning of 2030, according to the Metaculus prediction community.
Public Figures
The Controversies
Establishment split
CRITICAL
PRO
© 2026 Improve the News Foundation. All rights reserved.Version 6.18.0
© 2026 Improve the News Foundation.
All rights reserved.
Version 6.18.0