Royal Mint Court residents plan legal challenge if Chinese ‘mega embassy’ in London approved

Residents of Royal Mint Court in London are preparing a legal challenge if the UK government approves China's plan to build a large new embassy at the Royal Mint Court site. The residents' association has raised funds to seek a judicial review, citing concerns about government interference and potential displacement due to China's existing ownership of nearby residential properties. Their challenge is based on the belief that the government predetermined the case, referencing a 2018 letter from then-Foreign Secretary Boris Johnson indicating support for designating the site as diplomatic premises. The Foreign Office now claims that Johnson's consent was conditional on obtaining planning permission. The residents have six weeks to file a challenge in the High Court if the project is approved.

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