China has been given permission to build a vast new embassy in the heart of London despite criticism from MPs and campaigners that it will be used as a base for spying and security crackdowns.

Local Government Secretary Steve Reed has approved the plans for the building at Royal Mint Court, a site near the Tower of London.

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.

Speaking with Former Conservative Government Minister Jacob Rees-Mogg, Talk's Julia Hartley-Brewer says: "This is an absolutely dire decision!"

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.