Proposed Chinese Embassy

Sarah Pochin Excerpts
Monday 19th January 2026

(1 day, 14 hours ago)

Commons Chamber
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Seema Malhotra Portrait Seema Malhotra
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Let me reiterate: the decision on the embassy must be taken in the proper way. It is a matter for Ministers at the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government, and it is an independent process. We have been clear on that throughout the process.

Sarah Pochin Portrait Sarah Pochin (Runcorn and Helsby) (Reform)
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The Minister stated several times that national security is a priority for this Government, so why are they letting a hostile state that wants to sabotage and spy on us into the very heart of Government?

Seema Malhotra Portrait Seema Malhotra
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Is the hon. Lady referring to Russia, or to another country? In relation to the China, I will say again what I said earlier: China is the world’s second largest economy and the UK’s third largest trading partner, and not engaging with China is no choice at all. Through engagement, we can be strong on security and on the economy.