Chinese Embassy

Lord Stirrup Excerpts

Thursday 23rd October 2025 Lords Chamber

[Baroness Taylor of Stevenage (Lab)]

On 6 August, a reference back letter was sent to parties seeking further information to assist Planning Ministers in reaching a decision on this case. This related to a representation from the Foreign and Commonwealth Office and the Home Office relating to the consolidation of existing diplomatic premises and site security and redacted drawings originally submitted by the applicant. Referring back to parties is routine when further information is required. That information has been forthcoming and is now being considered.

[Lord Stirrup (CB)]

My Lords, I am somewhat puzzled by something that the Minister said earlier and wonder whether she could clarify—

[Lord Jamieson (Con)]

My Lords—

[Lord Stirrup (CB)]

I thought that we had just reached agreement on this.

[Lord Kennedy of Southwark (Lab Co-op)]

We just reached an agreement that it was to be the noble and gallant Lord, Lord Stirrup, and then the noble Lord, Lord Jamieson.

[Lord Stirrup (CB)]

I am obliged to the noble Lord. Is the Minister saying that, if the Cabinet takes the view that national security is being compromised, the Prime Minister is unable to overrule a decision by the Planning Minister?

[Baroness Taylor of Stevenage (Lab)]

The planning decision will be taken on material planning grounds by the Planning Minister, having had all the material information that is required to take that decision submitted to them. That decision will be announced together with the documents and the information that was used to make it on 10 December.