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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