Angela Rayner takes control of decision on new Chinese embassy in London

Highlighting the complex interplay between local planning decisions, national security concerns, and international diplomacy in the UK-China relationship.
Angela Rayner, UK housing secretary and deputy prime minister, has taken control of the stalled planning decision for a large new Chinese embassy in central London.
The decision comes just before Foreign Secretary David Lammy's visit to Beijing.
China purchased the Royal Mint Court site near the Tower of London six years ago but has not yet received planning permission.
The proposed embassy would be China's largest diplomatic mission in Europe, covering 20,000 square meters.
Tower Hamlets council initially rejected the plans in December 2022 due to security concerns and impact on local residents.
Rayner has called for a local inquiry to consider all aspects of the proposed development.
Some critics, including Conservative MP Neil O'Brien, question whether this move is part of a broader Labour plan to engage more with China.
A UK official denied any connection between the timing of Rayner's decision and Lammy's visit to China.
The decision to call in the application is defended as standard procedure for projects affecting other governments or national security.
Some China hawks, like Luke de Pulford, welcome the government's decision to hold a local inquiry, seeing it as a chance for local voices to be heard.
The Chinese embassy in London has not yet commented on this development.