Chinese Embassy Debate
Full Debate: Read Full DebateDepartment: Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government
Ian Roome
Main Page: Ian Roome (Liberal Democrat - North Devon)Department Debates - View all Ian Roome's debates with the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government
(1 day, 14 hours ago)
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Matthew Pennycook
I do not think I could have been any clearer: all national security considerations will be taken into account when making a decision on this case.
Ian Roome (North Devon) (LD)
I will offer the Government some advice. It is one word: common sense. [Interruption.] Well, two words. Given the interest in national security, I am quite surprised that a Planning Minister is at the Dispatch Box to talk about this case, but the two issues are intertwined. The Minister has rebutted other Members’ questions with “That is a security issue; it is not my portfolio”, but given what we know, will he review the proximity of other countries’ embassies to major underground fibre-optic cables? That is a big worry for the country’s intelligence services and for many constituents throughout the country.
Matthew Pennycook
I note the hon. Gentleman’s concerns, and I appreciate his frustration, but this is ultimately a planning case on which a decision is being made. As I have said repeatedly to hon. Members, all material considerations will be taken into account when reaching a decision on this case.