Table of Contents
- Foreign Office Delays
- Whitehall Blame Game
- Housing Department's Role
- Foreign Office Communication
- Source Comments
The Foreign Office has been criticized for its slow response regarding the approval of a Chinese mega-embassy in London.
A blame game has commenced within Whitehall over the delays in determining whether to approve the plans for the Royal Mint site.
According to The Sun, the Foreign Office is expected to request an extension on Tuesday’s deadline.
Sources indicate that it has yet to provide assurances to the Housing Department—the body responsible for the decision—about its intentions.
In August, the Foreign Office stated it was still in discussions with China regarding the consolidation of its existing locations.
It further mentioned: “We will communicate with you at the earliest opportunity to confirm that the matter has been resolved and that no national security risks remain.”
A source remarked: “The Foreign Office is the one delaying the entire process.
“They are dragging their feet.”
It was suggested that they had previously guaranteed approval.
They were reportedly lobbied by
The current Chinese embassy in LondonCredit: Alamy
Why is the Foreign Office delaying the approval of the Chinese embassy?
The Foreign Office has been criticized for not providing necessary assurances to the Housing Department, which is causing the delay in the decision-making process.
What was the Foreign Office's statement regarding the embassy plans?
The Foreign Office mentioned that it is still in discussions with China about consolidating its existing sites and will inform the relevant parties as soon as the situation is resolved and no national security risks remain.
