PLANS for a Chinese super-embassy in London were approved by Labour ministers today.
Housing Secretary Steve Reed sparked a major row after he gave the green light for construction to go ahead at the Royal Mint Court near the Tower of London.
Both Tory and Labour MPs have slammed the proposals as a major security threat to Britain.
Critics of China fear the 208-room complex will be used to carry out espionage activities – and even to detain dissidents now living in the UK.
A letter from the Ministry of Housing approving the embassy said: “The Inspector recommended that the applications be approved and planning permission and listed building consent be granted, subject to conditions.
“For the reasons given below, the Secretary of State agrees with the Inspector’s conclusions, except where stated, and agrees with her recommendations.
“He has decided to grant planning permission and listed building consent, subject to conditions.”
Luke de Pulford, head of the Inter-Parliamentary Alliance on China, told the Press Association: “Years of campaigning about the obvious and manifold risks posed by this embassy development have not been enough to outweigh the UK Government’s desire for Beijing’s money.”
