China revives plan for London 'super embassy' after Labour election victory

China has reinstated plans to build a "super embassy" near Westminster 10 times the size of Beijing’s current outpost, following its earlier rejection by Tower Hamlets council.

The rejection came in December 2022, but officials are now urging a reconsideration of the unchanged plans. The embassy would occupy a site three miles east of Westminster and include offices and residences.

Local opposition remains significant due to safety and security concerns. Former Tory leader Sir Iain Duncan Smith expressed that the plans should once again be rejected. Tensions between the UK and China are high, with recent allegations involving hacking. Council officials are currently reviewing the new application.