Local Government Secretary Steve Reed formally signed off on plans for the building near the Tower of London, after years of delays and legal challenges. Critics have long expressed concerns that the supersized embassy,

Britain’s government has green-lit plans for China to build a “mega” embassy close to London’s financial district, despite warnings from lawmakers, residents and Chinese dissidents-in-exile that the sprawling complex could pose security risks.

China's plans to build a new embassy on the site of the two-century-old Royal Mint Court near the Tower ‍of London have stalled for three years over ​opposition from local residents, lawmakers and Hong Kong pro-democracy campaigners in Britain.

Britain's government gave approval on Tuesday for China to build its largest embassy in Europe in London, hoping to improve ties with Beijing despite British and U.S. politicians' warnings that it could be used as a base for spying.

The UK has approved China’s application to build a “mega” embassy in London despite fierce opposition and concerns over espionage, after security officials said they had devised a range of protective measures.

The UK government has approved China's plans for a huge new embassy in central London. Critics of the project - including some Labour MPs - had warned it could pose an espionage risk. But Downing Street has previously argued consolidating China's diplomatic premises into a single site would have security advantages for the UK.

Prime Minister Keir Starmer’s government approved plans for a massive new Chinese Embassy near Tower Bridge, angering critics who fear it will enable spying.

The United Kingdom on Tuesday authorized a massive new Chinese embassy in London, despite international concerns that the facility could be used to spy on the country. The embassy, set to be China’s largest in Europe,