PHOTO: REUTERS[LONDON] The UK appeared to lay the groundwork for approving China’s new embassy in London on the eve of a controversial decision that risks driving a deeper wedge both within the ruling Labour party and with the US administration. Housing Secretary Steve Reed is due to announce the government’s decision on whether to grant planning permission for the embassy on Tuesday. She said “resolutions” had been reached over concerns about public access to the embassy and the consolidation of China’s diplomatic buildings across London into the single site. The decision, which the government has delayed several times, is set to be controversial due to ongoing concerns about the site’s position near sensitive cables. Despite the government’s reassurances, MPs from across the political spectrum called on it to deny China’s planning application the day before the decision.

Source: The Times January 20, 2026 03:07 UTC