UK (Parliament Politics Magazine) – A Labour MP, Blair McDougall, has warned Keir Starmer for supporting a Chinese embassy plan in London, raising security and human rights concerns.
Keir Starmer faces criticism from within the party for approving a controversial Chinese embassy project in the capital city, joining protests against the government’s move.
What did Labour MP Blair McDougall say about relations with China?
East Renfrewshire MP Blair McDougall stated,
“We have to have red lines in our relations with Beijing. Currently, Jimmy Lai, a British citizen, is in prison for exercising the rights that are guaranteed under the agreement between the UK and China.”
He stressed that Britain should not offer any advantages to Beijing while it continues to violate past agreements.
Why are MPs protesting against the new Chinese embassy deal?
Mr McDougall, serving on the Foreign Affairs Select Committee, will stand alongside former security minister Tom Tugendhat and shadow justice secretary Robert Jenrick in a demonstration against the controversial proposed new embassy site.
The protest comes as questions are raised about Keir Starmer’s push to engage with China by approving a Chinese embassy plan in London, at a time when the newly elected President Donald Trump’s administration in Washington appears to be heading toward a potential trade war with the Communist state.
How many protesters are expected to oppose China’s new embassy in London?
A mass protest of over 1,000 people is expected in London today to raise their voices against the “super-embassy” plan before the government makes a final decision.
Demonstrators will gather at Royal Mint Court, an iconic landmark near the Tower of London. Several politicians are expected to join this protest.
What is the Chinese Communist Party’s (CCP) proposed plan for a new embassy?
The CCP plans to develop a 20,000-square-meter (2-hectare) embassy complex at Royal Mint Court, making it the largest in Europe.
Although China acquired the land in 2018, the project faced a setback in 2022 when Tower Hamlets rejected its planning application, raising concerns about the risk of major protests.
When did China resubmit its embassy application under Labour’s government?
The previous Tory government rejected the proposal. But when Labour took office in 2024, President Xi Jinping’s administration resubmitted its application. Mr Jinping personally discussed the issue with Keir Starmer.
Home Secretary Yvette Cooper and Foreign Secretary David Lammy have expressed support for the initiative. An inquiry into the matter is scheduled for next week.
The responsibility for the final decision falls on Angela Rayner, who serves as the housing secretary and deputy prime minister.
How did the treasurer of the Royal Mint Court Residents Association react to Labour’s decision to approve the new Chinese embassy?
Mark Nygate, the treasurer of the Royal Mint Court Residents Association stated,
“We’re all unhappy with the way the government has gone about this process – it seems to have got involved and not allowed the inspector to do her bit.”
Mr Nygate added,
“They called for a public inquiry, appointed an inspector – and next thing you’ve got David Lammy and Yvette Cooper writing a letter to the council saying they would approve the scheme based on a couple of changes to the plan … But the damage that would be caused to my block and the estate is huge.”
Who is organizing the London protest against the new Chinese embassy?
The demonstration against Labour is being organized by several activist groups, including the World Uyghur Congress, the Inter-Parliamentary Alliance on China, and the Global Alliance for Tibet and Persecuted Communities.
The protest aims to validate the Met Police’s initial warning that the embassy site could draw significant protests too large to manage safely.