Chinese Embassy

Debate between Baroness Taylor of Stevenage and Lord Sandhurst

Thursday 15th January 2026 Lords Chamber

[Baroness Taylor of Stevenage (Lab)]

My noble friend makes an important point: if we were considering this planning application for any embassy, we would consider it according to the propriety guidance that exists around planning applications, which is very strong, and strictly according to the material considerations that need to be taken into account for planning. That process is broad and wide and allows all interested parties to submit the information that they feel is relevant to the planning application. It is then for the decision-maker to decide which of those should influence their decision.

[Lord Sandhurst (Con)]

My Lords, we have been told that security is a planning issue—that it is relevant to it. What are the criteria by which security is to be measured in this context?

[Baroness Taylor of Stevenage (Lab)]

There are two elements of security: one is the security of the building itself and the other is the security of the site. Where those are material planning considerations, they will be taken into account as they should be, as will any submissions from the Security Service, the police and others when the planning application is considered.