Labour has approved plans for China's controversial new "super-embassy" in central London.
The Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government (MHCLG) has green lit the plans for the building at Royal Mint Court despite criticism from MPs and campaigners over its security implications.
Critics had called on the Government to reject the plans over security concerns, with local residents raising money to launch a judicial review against the project.
The decision removes a diplomatic hurdle in the relationship with Xi Jinping’s government, clearing the way for Sir Keir Starmer to make a widely-expected visit to China, possibly within weeks.
A letter from the MHCLG said the Communities Secretary Steve Reed had granted both planning permission and listed building consent for the site near the Tower of London.
It read: "The Inspector recommended that the applications be approved and planning permission and listed building consent be granted, subject to conditions.
"For the reasons given below, the Secretary of State agrees with the Inspector’s conclusions, except where stated, and agrees with her recommendations.
"He has decided to grant planning permission and listed building consent, subject to conditions."
The site of the proposed new Chinese embassy on the site of the former Royal Mint in Tower Hamlets
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The Royal Mint Court site sits just a stone's throw away from critical data cables, crucial for financial sector communications between the City of London and Canary Wharf.
The Inter-Parliamentary Alliance on China, which has been involved in a campaign to halt the new embassy, said the planning approval was the "wrong decision for the UK."
Luke de Pulford, a co-founder of the group, said: "This is the wrong decision for the UK, sending all the wrong signals. Wrong for dissidents, wrong for UK national security.
"Our three Cs China policy is less compete, challenge and cooperate, more cover-up, cave in, and cash out."
MI5 also warned that it is "not realistic to expect to be able wholly to eliminate each and every potential risk" linked to China’s new London embassy.
Director General Sir Ken McCallum warned in a joint letter with GCHQ’s director to the Home Secretary and Foreign Secretary.
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Chinese President Xi Jinping is expected to host Keir Starmer later this month
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A security sign is displayed on a fence at Royal Mint Court, the proposed site of China's new UK embassy
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Senior Conservatives were quick to criticise the approval, dubbing it a "surrender."
Shadow Communities Secretary Sir James Cleverly said: "This is a disgraceful act of cowardice from a Labour Government and Prime Minister utterly devoid of backbone. The first duty of any Government is to keep the country safe.
"But Keir Starmer has relegated that most critical priority beneath his desperate desire for Beijing’s approval.
"Labour’s latest sell-out confirms they cannot be trusted to stand up for Britain on the international stage."
Shadow Foreign Secretary Dame Priti Patel said: "Keir Starmer has sold off our national security to the Chinese Communist Party with his shameful super embassy surrender.
"Throughout his dismal premiership to date, the PM has kowtowed to Beijing at every opportunity, including over Chagos...he is giving Xi Jinping what he wants, a colossal spy hub in the heart of our capital."
James Cleverly blasted the plans as 'a disgraceful act of cowardice'
| GB News
Meanwhile, the Liberal Democrats slammed the decision, saying Labour should be "ashamed" of the approval.
The party’s foreign affairs spokesman Calum Miller said: "The Prime Minister knows his decision today will amplify China’s surveillance efforts here in the UK and endanger the security of our data, not to speak of the safety of the brave Hong Kongers on British soil.
"It’s categorically wrong that he’s embraced these threats to further his flirtation with China.
"This Government should be ashamed of its decision to allow the super spy embassy to go ahead today."
British-Tibetans protesting against the plans
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A Government spokesman said: "This planning decision has been taken independently by the Secretary of State for Housing.
"This follows a process that began in 2018 when the then Foreign Secretary [Boris Johnson] provided formal diplomatic consent for the site.
"More broadly, countries establishing embassies in other countries' capitals is a normal part of international relations.
"National security is our first duty. Intelligence agencies have been involved throughout the process and an extensive range of measures have been developed to manage any risks.
"Following extensive negotiations in recent months, the Chinese Government has agreed to consolidate its seven current sites in London into one site, bringing clear security advantages."