Chinese ‘super-embassy’ could possibly be ‘advantageous’ to nationwide safety, former MI5 boss claims | EUROtoday

The proposed new Chinese super-embassy in London could possibly be “advantageous” to nationwide safety, the previous head of MI5 has stated.

It comes as the federal government faces mounting calls to reject Beijing’s plans for the embassy at Royal Mint Court over safety issues, with a call on the long-delayed planning software anticipated this week.

But Lord Evans stated having a single, bigger constructing won’t be an obstacle in relation to Britain’s safety.

He informed Times Radio: “The present director of MI5 has been very express in regards to the scale of the intelligence menace that the Chinese intelligence providers pose to Britain and its allies. So, that is an space of actual concern.

“There’s a judgment about whether the introduction of this or the building of this or the authorisation of this new embassy changes the risk. There are some aspects of it which I would guess are probably advantageous.

“At the moment, there are a variety of Chinese diplomatic premises across London, several buildings. Having a single building might in some ways not be a disadvantage in security terms. It is a very big embassy.

“I’m sure that has been looked at and I’m sure that appropriate security advice has been taken.”

He added: “But the fact that there is a Chinese embassy in in itself has always been the case and will always be the case.

“And I don’t think that that in itself is a threat to our security any more than having a dispersed number of buildings across the capital that we have at the moment.”

It comes despite reports this week that the plans for the site, near the Tower of London, include 208 secret rooms and a hidden chamber.

Critics fear the secret rooms, located in the site’s basement, could be used for the detention of dissidents who have fled the Chinese state for Britain.

The hidden chamber would be located in close proximity to data cables said to be crucial for financial sector communications between the City of London and Canary Wharf, The Telegraph reported.

But Sir Keir Starmer is reportedly poised to announce the proposal has finally been approved after the decision was repeatedly pushed back.

On Saturday afternoon, hundreds of protesters gathered outside the site, some with flags and banners, chanting “no mega-embassy”.

Speaking on the protest, Conservative Party chief Kemi Badenoch referred to as for the federal government to intervene to cease the plans.

Accusing the federal government of being “scared of China”, she stated: “I will always fight for freedom, and I am calling on the government to stop this decision.”

Mrs Badenoch added: “We do not want a country that spies on our MPs having this super-embassy right here, and I will do everything within my power to continue speaking on your behalf.”

She stated China is a rustic that has “harassed and sanctioned our MPs”, “harassed and abused British nationals connected to China”, it “helps our enemies, like Russia”, and “disrupts the global trade system”.

Labour MPs have additionally voiced issues in regards to the embassy, with 9 sending a letter to Communities Secretary Steve Reed this week urging him to reject the appliance.

They raised safety issues and warned the embassy could possibly be used to “step up intimidation” in opposition to dissidents.

Ministers have promised to decide on whether or not to grant the Chinese embassy planning permission by 20 January.