Labour MP Joins Protests Against Controversial Chinese Embassy in London

Concerns Rise as Labour Government Approves Controversial Chinese Embassy in London

Amidst growing concerns over human rights abuses and broken agreements, Labour MP Blair McDougall has joined a chorus of voices protesting the UK government's green light for a new Chinese embassy in London. This decision comes at a time when the new Donald Trump administration in the US is on the cusp of a trade war with China, raising further questions about the UK's diplomatic strategy.

McDougall, a member of the Foreign Affairs Select Committee, highlights the imprisonment of British citizen Jimmy Lai in Hong Kong as a clear violation of the agreement between the UK and China. He argues that the government should not be granting favors to Beijing while they are in breach of past deals.

The previous Conservative government had blocked the new embassy on security grounds, citing objections from the Metropolitan Police and security services. However, following Chancellor Rachel Reeves's trip to China, the government has reportedly asked for these objections to be withdrawn.

The Chinese government wants to turn the 20,000 square meter site at Royal Mint Court into Europe's largest embassy building. Local residents and activists are concerned about the impact of large protests at the site, as well as the potential disruption to traffic and safety.

An inquiry into the proposal is due to begin next week. However, concerns remain about the government's handling of the process and the potential implications for human rights and security.