London Concern: Met Police Express Continued Worries Over Proposed Chinese Super-Embassy | Metropolitan Police Station

China’s proposed “super-embassy” in London has raised concerns among Metropolitan Police officials, who are worried about managing large demonstrations that could attract thousands of people. Despite previously voicing objections, the Met now acknowledges potential impacts on traffic and public safety if protests exceeding 500 attendees occur. Deputy Assistant Commissioner Jon Savell expressed these concerns in correspondence with former Conservative leader Iain Duncan Smith and the Home Office. Previous demonstrations at the proposed site, which could cover 20,000 square meters at Royal Mint Court, have drawn between 3,000 and 5,000 participants, which exceeds the force’s assessment of safe assembly numbers. Tower Hamlets council initially rejected the plans in December 2022 due to safety fears, but China resubmitted the proposals following Labour’s rise to power. Decisions about the embassy now rest with Angela Rayner, the Secretary for Housing, Communities, and Local Government. The Met initially contended that more than 100 people would cause traffic issues, but later withdrew its formal objection after reevaluating a document commissioned by China, suggesting up to 2,000 protesters could gather safely. Critics argue that the potential embassy’s location would impose significant strains on local law enforcement and disrupt the area, particularly Tower Bridge. Nevertheless, both the Foreign Secretary David Lammy and Home Secretary Yvette Cooper have expressed support for the diplomatic mission, emphasizing its importance alongside security and operational considerations.

Source: https://www.theguardian.com/uk-news/2025/apr/28/metropolitan-police-concerned-large-protests-china-super-embassy