← NewsAll
PMQs: Keir Starmer faces Kemi Badenoch after digital ID U-turn
Summary
MPs across parties have raised objections to plans for a large new Chinese embassy in London, and the government is expected to decide in the coming days; ministers say they will consider all material factors.
Content
MPs from across parties have voiced opposition to plans for a large new Chinese embassy in London, with a government decision expected in the coming days. A report in the Telegraph said the proposals include secret rooms and a concealed chamber located near cables that carry data to the City of London. Conservative shadow minister Alicia Kearns highlighted the report and warned access to those cables could affect emails and financial data. Labour MP Sarah Champion said she was opposed to the project. Planning Minister Matthew Pennycook said the government takes these issues seriously and will take all material considerations into account.
Key points:
- MPs from multiple parties have expressed opposition to plans for a new Chinese embassy in London.
- A Telegraph report said the proposals include secret rooms and a concealed chamber adjacent to data cables to the City of London.
- Conservative shadow minister Alicia Kearns warned access to the cables could affect millions of people’s emails and financial data.
- Labour MP Sarah Champion said she was in no doubt the project should not proceed.
- Planning Minister Matthew Pennycook said the government will consider all material considerations.
- A government decision on the plans is expected in the coming days.
Summary:
The issue has drawn cross-party attention because of concerns about proximity to key data infrastructure and possible security implications. The government says it will review relevant considerations and is expected to make a decision in the coming days; whether the prime minister is asked about this at PMQs remains to be seen.
