The High Court on Friday dismissed the case brought by locals who had sought to block the construction of China’s new “mega” embassy in London partly on the basis that the complex could be used as a base from which to target Chinese dissidents.
UK officials early this year approved China’s plans to build what is set to become the country’s largest diplomatic mission in Europe, near the Tower of London in a move seen as an attempt to improve London’s relations with Beijing.
The Chinese government bought 5.4 acres on the site of the former Royal Mint in 2018, including the freehold to about 100 flats across four residential blocks at the edge of the plot.
Residents’ Objection
Residents of the buildings that lie outside the perimeter for the proposed embassy raised a series of objections, arguing that the proposed embassy put them at risk of potential terrorist attacks and would result in disruption from protests.
At a hearing this month, lawyers for the residents also challenged the government’s decision to withhold information about floor plans and bomb risks but the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government insisted officials had considered the residents’ concerns “conscientiously and carefully” as part of the process.
Mrs Justice Lieven, sitting with Lord Justice Dingemans, found on Friday that ministers acted lawfully stating some of the arguments advanced by residents were based on “suspicion and conjecture”.
The judge noted “There was no unfairness to the claimant by reason of these documents not having been disclosed” in full. The judge added there was “no doubt” that the government had taken into account that it was the Chinese government that had applied for planning permission.
Opponents of the project have however vowed to fight on despite the High Court defeat. Luke de Pulford, executive director of the Inter-Parliamentary Alliance on China, said the residents would seek to appeal noting “Beijing thinks this judgment is the final word. It isn’t.
“If they expect us to roll over and allow our own capital to become a [Chinese Communist Party] power centre, they have completely misjudged the strength of opposition.” He added.
