Chinese Embassy

Lord Pannick Excerpts

Thursday 23rd October 2025 Lords Chamber

[Baroness Taylor of Stevenage (Lab)]

I am not going to give the noble Lord that assurance from the Dispatch Box. The matter is, as I said, being considered properly on planning grounds. We do not recognise the statement that he made as coming from Chinese officials. The first duty of government is to ensure our safety and security, of course, but all relevant planning considerations will be taken into account when making a decision on this case. The decision being taken by MHCLG is in line with all statutory provisions that apply to planning decisions. The inspector’s report was received by the department on 10 June. That will form part of the final decision and will be released alongside it, as will any other documents and representations that were made during the course of the consideration of the planning application.

[Lord Pannick (CB)]

The Minister mentions that all relevant planning considerations will be taken into account. Is it a relevant planning consideration that this country needs a new embassy in Beijing?

[Baroness Taylor of Stevenage (Lab)]

I am going to have to keep repeating the same thing, I am afraid. The material that is relevant, the material considerations that come forward under the planning decision, will be released at the time of the planning decision. It is very important that we keep openness and transparency at the heart of any planning decision we take. Those documents will be released alongside the decision of the Minister by 10 December.