Met Police ‘maintain concerns’ about China super-embassy plan

Key Points:

• Met Police maintains concerns about the proposed super-embassy at Royal Mint Court, London.
• The plan would require additional police resources for large protests.
• Two large protests were held in February and March, with 3,000 to 5,000 people attending.
• The Met dropped its formal objection but highlighted potential disruption and public safety concerns.
• The decision on the embassy rests with Angela Rayner, Secretary for Housing, Communities and Local Government.
• Protests are expected to continue, with a large demonstration planned for early May.

The Met Police has raised concerns over China’s proposed super-embassy in Tower Hamlets, London, citing potential protest disruption and the need for additional policing resources.

Why does the Met police maintain concerns about the China embassy plan?

Despite initially dropping their formal objection, the Metropolitan Police still express concerns over the impact the proposed China super-embassy would have on local safety and traffic. The embassy, planned for the Royal Mint Court site near Tower Bridge, would host large-scale protests, requiring significant police resources and potentially causing major disruption to traffic in the area.

What are the concerns about large protests?

The Met Police has expressed concerns that protests involving over 500 people would impede traffic and require additional police resources. According to Deputy Assistant Commissioner Jon Savell, two large protests held earlier this year saw between 3,000 and 5,000 people gather, well above the 500-person threshold that the Met deems safe for assembly at the site. As a result, future protests could place pressure on public safety and the surrounding infrastructure.

What did the Met Police say about their official objection?

In December 2022, the Met Police had formally objected to the embassy’s proposal, citing concerns about safety and public order if protests grew larger than 100 people. However, after reviewing a technical document commissioned by China, which claimed that up to 2,000 protesters could safely assemble around the site, the Met dropped its official objection in January. Despite this, the Met still highlighted the need for additional policing to manage large gatherings effectively.

How are politicians reacting to the embassy plan?

The embassy plan has sparked significant political debate. Foreign Secretary David Lammy and Home Secretary Yvette Cooper have publicly signalled their support for the development, citing the importance of diplomatic facilities. However, local MPs, including Iain Duncan Smith and Blair McDougall, have raised concerns over the potential for large protests and their impact on traffic and public safety.

What’s the current status of the decision on the embassy?

The decision on whether to approve the China super-embassy is currently in the hands of Angela Rayner, Secretary for Housing, Communities and Local Government. A local inquiry was held to address concerns raised by residents and campaign groups. The final decision is expected in the coming months, with the embassy proposal being considered a diplomatic priority for China amid growing UK-China ties.

What will happen if the embassy is approved?

If the embassy is approved, additional police resources will be needed to manage ongoing protests and ensure public safety. The Met has already indicated that the area surrounding Royal Mint Court, particularly the Tower Bridge junction, would require substantial police presence to prevent disruption and ensure the right to protest is upheld without compromising safety.

What do campaigners say about the embassy?

Campaigners, including those from the Inter-Parliamentary Alliance on China (Ipac), have criticised the location of the embassy, arguing that it would jeopardise public safety and impose significant policing costs. They have called for the embassy to be relocated to a more suitable site where protests can be safely managed without disrupting traffic or public order.