Everything we know about China's new 'super embassy'

Everything we know about China's new 'super embassy' Sir Keir Starmer is expected to approve plans for China's controversial new London 'super embassy'. Here is all you need to know. Image:An aerial view of how the site will look. Pic: David Chipperfield Architects Image:The basements in most of the buildings have been greyed out 'for security reasons'. Pic: David Chipperfield Architects Image:Much of the ground floor plans are also greyed out 'for security reasons'. Pic: David Chipperfield Architects Image:Protests outside the site of the proposed 'super embassy' in London. Pic: Reuters Image:An aerial view of the current Royal Mint Court Image:The Cistercian ruins has caused a major issue in the planning application. Pic David Chipperfield Architects Image:There have been multiple protests against the embassy's development. Pic: PA Tuesday 13 January 2026 17:24, UK Sir Keir Starmer has been urged by his own MPs to reject China's planning application for a super embassy after a secret basement alongside financially delicate cables was uncovered. The plans, which China has refused to remove redactions from, revealed a 208-room underground complex beneath the embassy by the Tower of London - which would be the largest diplomatic premises in Europe. Uncovered by the Telegraph, one of the secret basements runs directly alongside cables transmitting key financial data between the capital's two financial centres, Canary Wharf and the City of London. The underground chamber also contains hot air extraction systems, which critics have suggested could mean the installation of heat-generating equipment such as computers that could be used for espionage. Labour backbenchers attacked the proposal during an urgent question on Tuesday, including Sarah Champion, who sits on the influential national security strategy committee. She called for Sir Keir to limit Chinese activity in Britain and "stand up to bullies" on the world stage. Ms Champion said: "Multiple government agencies and government departments have raised concerns about the mega-embassy. Our international partners have raised concerns about it. "Every security briefing I have had identifies China as a hostile state to the UK. I am in no doubt that this mega-embassy should not be allowed to go ahead." Despite the controversy, Sky News understands both the UK's domestic and foreign security services are said to have given their blessing to the decision. Approval is expected to be formally announced by Housing Secretary Steve Reed on or before 20 January, following three delays by the government - and as Sir Keir heads to Beijing for a state visit. The Home Office and Foreign Office will also not raise any formal objections to the plan, as long as "mitigations" are put in place to protect national security, The Times, which first reported the development, said. News of the decision comes at a time when the UK's relationship with Beijing is under major scrutiny after last year's allegations of spying in parliament. A security alert to MPs was issued by MI5 on 19 November, warning of new attempts to spy on them by Chinese security services, and there was outrage at...

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