Sadiq Khan has steadfastly refused to lobby ministers over plans for a vast Chinese embassy near the Tower of London, insisting the decision rests solely with the Housing Secretary despite mounting pressure from campaigners and a Labour colleague.
By Cicero’s Local Authority Editorial
London, 15 November 2025
The proposed development at the historic Royal Mint Court site – set to become Europe’s largest diplomatic complex – was rejected by Tower Hamlets Council in 2022.
However, the government seized control after Beijing resubmitted the application, with a ruling now expected imminently following repeated delays.
Ministers postponed an initial September deadline to October 21 amid unanswered questions over redacted sections of the plans, which China has declined to clarify.
The Chinese Embassy in London expressed “serious concern” over the hold-up last month, urging the UK to approve the scheme “without delay”.
At Mayor’s Question Time on October 9, Labour London Assembly Member Unmesh Desai made a final plea for Mr Khan to intervene.
“The applicants are still refusing to give details of redacted sections – it’s unprecedented and dangerous,” Mr Desai said. “They must abide by proper political and legal processes.”
Mr Khan acknowledged local anxieties and the embassy’s potential strain on Metropolitan Police resources but maintained there was “no sound planning reason” for his involvement. “It’s up to the new Secretary of State,” he replied, referring to Steve Reed.
Campaigners have highlighted security risks, including unidentified rooms that dissidents fear could be used for repressive activities.
Fears intensified after a Hong Kong pro-democracy protester was assaulted inside China’s Manchester consulate in 2022. Three large demonstrations have already disrupted the area this year, shutting down Tower Bridge Junction.
The Met Police withdrew its formal objection earlier this year, though it warned of increased policing demands.
Luke de Pulford, director of the Inter-Parliamentary Alliance on China, criticised Mr Khan’s stance: “Sensitive cabling runs under the site, protests cause havoc, and residents don’t want it. Khan should stick up for Londoners.”
In a written response to Mr Desai last month, the Mayor reiterated that the application complied with London Plan policies, leaving no grounds for Greater London Authority input. He has made no representations to Mr Reed.
After the session, Mr Desai told the LDRS his concerns were “purely on the planning front”. “This is the wrong embassy in the wrong place – we need assurances,” he said, adding that China remains a key global player.
The Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government declined to comment ahead of the final decision.
