Residents of a historic London enclave are gearing up for a legal battle, ready to challenge the government in the High Court if it gives the green light to China's proposed 'mega embassy' next to the Tower of London this week.
Residents Mobilise Funds for Judicial Review
Local people at Royal Mint Court have raised nearly £37,000 towards a potential legal fight. They need £145,000 to instruct lawyers to seek a judicial review if the Secretary of State for Local Government, Steve Reed, approves the plans on Tuesday. Mark Nygate, treasurer of the residents' association, said the community fears "government interference" in what should be an independent planning process.
Campaigners received a legal opinion in September from Lord Banner KC, who argued the Labour government had approached the case with a "closed mind", predetermining the outcome. If the decision goes against them, they will have six weeks to file their challenge, potentially delaying the project for months or years.
A Legacy of Controversial Commitments
The controversy has deep roots. In 2018, then-Foreign Secretary Boris Johnson wrote to the Chinese ambassador, agreeing to designate the site—which China bought for £255 million—as diplomatic premises. This letter suggested a firm commitment, which critics say prejudged the planning issue.
However, in recent correspondence, the Foreign Office sought to clarify that Johnson's consent was conditional on obtaining planning permission and could be withdrawn. The details are contained in an undisclosed note verbale, a private diplomatic communication. Iain Duncan Smith, the Conservative MP, has written to planning officials arguing it is "highly irregular" for this side note to outweigh a minister's signed letter and that the process appears unfair.
Security Concerns and Political Dimensions
Opponents have also voiced concerns about potential espionage risks, given the site's proximity to high-speed data cables. However, MI5 has indicated it does not view the risks as greater than normal, with some officials noting that consolidating China's seven current sites into one could offer monitoring advantages.
The political stakes are high. A legal delay could provide a window for Prime Minister Keir Starmer to make a landmark trip to Beijing. Starmer previously told China's President Xi Jinping at the 2024 G20 that action had been taken on the application after it was called in by his deputy, Angela Rayner, in October 2024.
For the residents, the fear is also personal. China owns the freehold of adjacent properties, and they worry approval could lead to their eventual eviction. "We will be looking directly at the 230 flats they want to build for embassy staff and guests; they won't want us here," Nygate said.
