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UK Government faces legal questions over Chinese embassy assurances
A new legal opinion has warned that the approval of a planned Chinese “super-embassy” in east London could be unlawful if UK ministers gave prior assurances to Beijing about the project.
According to Lord Banner, one of Britain’s leading planning law experts, any promise made by Prime Minister Keir Starmer or his team to the Chinese government could amount to “predetermination” — a breach of the legal requirement for decision-makers to act impartially.
The opinion, obtained by The Guardian, was commissioned by local residents opposing the embassy project near Tower Bridge, which would cover 20,000 square meters, making it the largest embassy in Europe. Opponents cite concerns over security, human rights, and planning transparency.
China’s government has expressed “grave concern” after the UK delayed its decision until 10 December 2025, accusing London of acting “in bad faith.” Beijing has urged the British government to “honor its commitments,” while Downing Street denied that any such commitments were made.
Lord Banner’s opinion emphasizes that if Starmer made promises to President Xi Jinping, the decision could face a judicial review, with the government compelled to disclose all relevant records. The UK housing secretary, Steve Reed, who is responsible for the planning decision, has not yet commented.
Meanwhile, tensions between London and Beijing deepened as the government denied any political interference in a separate case involving two men accused of spying for China. Both suspects deny wrongdoing.