Kemi Badenoch has urged Sir Keir Starmer to block China’s proposal for a new super-embassy in London, arguing that approval would undermine UK security ahead of the Prime Minister’s planned visit to China later this month.
Speaking at a protest outside the former Royal Mint site, the Conservative leader said the Government should formally reject the plans before any diplomatic engagement with Beijing. She questioned the Prime Minister’s judgment, stating that travel to China should not proceed without a clear refusal.
The demonstration followed reporting by The Telegraph, which disclosed unredacted plans suggesting the development would include 208 underground rooms, prompting claims that the complex could be used for intelligence-gathering activities.
Danny Kruger told the crowd that the proposed embassy would be used by China to spy on Britain. However, Steve Reed is expected to make a final determination on the project next week.
International concerns have also been raised. On Tuesday, the White House said it was “deeply concerned” about the plans, with a senior official in the Trump administration warning that China could exploit the UK’s critical infrastructure if the project proceeds.
