Contributions
2,441 recent contributions in Hansard
HANSARDChinese EmbassyI thank the shadow Minister for her questions. I am obviously not going to comment on speculation in the press. On the specific case before Ministers, at the application stage it…13 Jan 2026HANSARDChinese EmbassyThis question relates to the proposals for a new Chinese embassy at Royal Mint Court. It is a decision to be taken by Planning Ministers, independent of the rest of Government. As…13 Jan 2026HANSARDChinese EmbassyI note the hon. Gentleman’s concerns, and I appreciate his frustration, but this is ultimately a planning case on which a decision is being made. As I have said repeatedly to hon.…13 Jan 2026HANSARDChinese EmbassyI recognise the hon. Gentleman’s long-standing and passionate advocacy for people across the world to be able to practise their faith freely. In relation to the planning…13 Jan 2026HANSARDChinese EmbassyNo decision has been made on this case.13 Jan 2026HANSARDChinese EmbassyI do not think I could have been any clearer: all national security considerations will be taken into account when making a decision on this case.13 Jan 2026HANSARDChinese EmbassyAll material considerations will be taken into account, which include matters of national security, but the decision is being taken by my Department, in line with statutory…13 Jan 2026HANSARDChinese EmbassyI simply cannot provide a running commentary on a live case, but I assure all hon. Members that national security is the first duty of Government generally and that all relevant…13 Jan 2026HANSARDChinese EmbassyI note the right hon. Gentleman’s concerns, and the Security Minister and other Ministers will have heard them too. However, the case is specifically a planning decision to be…13 Jan 2026HANSARDChinese EmbassyI recognise my hon. Friend’s frustration and anger on behalf of his constituent. We will not tolerate transnational repression of the kind that he is concerned about.…13 Jan 2026HANSARDChinese EmbassyWe have reviewed transnational repression through the defending democracy taskforce; we take it incredibly seriously, and I note the hon. Gentleman’s concerns. I am here on behalf…13 Jan 2026HANSARDChinese EmbassyWith all due respect to the hon. Lady, this is an urgent question in relation to plans that are part of a planning process. I understand her frustration, but it was precisely to…13 Jan 2026HANSARDChinese EmbassyPlanning Ministers will make a decision taking into account all material planning considerations.13 Jan 2026HANSARDChinese EmbassyI note the right hon. Gentleman’s question. For obvious reasons, we do not comment on intelligence matters. I can assure him that national security concerns and all the…13 Jan 2026HANSARDChinese EmbassyThe safety of Hongkongers is of the utmost importance to this Government, and we remain steadfast in our support for the Hong Kong community in the UK. I understand why the hon.…13 Jan 2026HANSARDChinese EmbassyI simply note that all the points the hon. Gentleman has made could apply to the existing seven diplomatic premises in the UK. When it comes to this site, as I have said, a…13 Jan 2026HANSARDChinese EmbassyAs I have said, all material considerations will be taken into account when making the decision. Any party can make representations on the case and a number of hon. Members from…13 Jan 2026HANSARDChinese EmbassyThe UK condemns the politically motivated prosecution of Jimmy Lai. No state can bully and persecute the British people for exercising their basic rights. Following the court…13 Jan 2026HANSARDChinese EmbassyThe planning process has not been compromised. We will make a planning decision on the basis of the relevant propriety guidance. On the delays, given the detailed nature of the…13 Jan 2026HANSARDChinese EmbassyI want to be very clear about what information the Department had and when it had it. As I said, an independent inquiry into this matter was held by an independent planning…13 Jan 2026