Overview
- A ministerial planning decision is due by January 20, with reports indicating approval is likely for what would be China’s largest embassy in Europe at Royal Mint Court.
- Politicians and local residents are protesting at the site on Saturday, citing espionage and human-rights concerns about the proposed complex near the Tower of London.
- The Times reports MI5 and GCHQ were consulted and lodged no formal objections, while former NCSC chief Ciaran Martin argues such sites can be managed through established security operations.
- The White House said it is “deeply concerned,” and former CIA director John Brennan warned Beijing would use the new mission to collect intelligence, urging tighter limits on personnel and activities.
- Leaked blueprints describe 208 secret rooms and an underground chamber beside key fibre‑optic cables, and residents say they could seek a judicial review from February 3 that might delay construction for years.