The U.K. appeared to lay the groundwork for approving China’s new embassy in London on the eve of a controversial decision that risks driving a deeper wedge both within the ruling Labour party and with the U.S. administration.
Foreign minister Seema Malhotra sought to reassure members of Parliament on Monday of the involvement of Britain’s security services in the process, as they voiced concerns about the national security implications. Housing Secretary Steve Reed is due to announce the government’s decision on whether to grant planning permission for the embassy on Tuesday.
“Our intelligence services have been involved throughout, and a range of measures have been developed and are being implemented to protect national security,” Malhotra told the House of Commons late Monday. She said “resolutions” had been reached over concerns about public access to the embassy and the consolidation of China’s diplomatic buildings across London into the single site.
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