UK Government Faces Legal Challenge Over Chinese Embassy Approval Process
A prominent legal opinion concludes that approving China’s massive London embassy could violate planning laws if ministers provided advance assurances. Opponents are preparing funds for a potential judicial review as diplomatic tensions escalate over the delayed decision.
Legal Opinion Questions Legitimacy of Embassy Approval Process
A senior planning lawyer has concluded that approving China’s proposed super-embassy in east London could be unlawful if UK ministers gave Beijing advance assurances about the project, according to reports. The legal opinion by Lord Banner suggests that if Prime Minister Keir Starmer or his team made promises to the Chinese government, it could constitute “actual or apparent predermination” of the planning application.