Voters are overwhelmingly opposed to the planned super-embassy (Image: Getty/David Chipperfield Architects)
A new poll has revealed the huge scale of opposition againsyt plans for a Chinese “super-embassy” next to the Tower of London. The new Opinium poll shows that across the UK, 43% of all Britons oppose the plans.
Londoners are slightly less opposed, but would still like the Government to reject the plans – which have already been rebuffed by Tower Hamlets Council. Just 13% of Britons support the plans, rising to a slightly higher 19% among Labour voters. The poll of 2,000 adults asked: “The Chinese government plans to build the largest embassy in Europe, opposite the Tower of London. The application was rejected twice by the council in 2022 and 2024, and identical plans were resubmitted last July.”
by Taboola by Taboola
Sponsored Sponsored
Promoted Links Promoted Links
2025's Most Realistic Bunny ToySherum Learn More
Undo
DON'T MISS
Powered by
Wes Streeting is right to abolish NHS England - but must not fail this crucial test
14 Comments
The economy shrinking is another embarrassment for Labour Government's growth ambitions
41 Comments
This Donald Trump policy is an open goal - Keir Starmer must follow suit for UK
17 Comments
Bombshell poll shows Reform winning local elections - until Angela Rayner cancelled them
41 Comments
Fears Rachel Reeves to target middle-class workers already forced to pay higher tax
11 Comments
Rachel Reeves slapped down by No 10 over Donald Trump claim
Comments
Schools ordered to end truancy scandal as 1 in 10 pupils persistently absent
13 Comments
Rachel Reeves on the brink as expert warns: 'UK economy is on a knife edge'
19 Comments
Fury as Labour presses ahead with 'two-tier sentencing' in mask slip moment
93 Comments
Rachel Reeves could 'tip Britain into recession' as economy begins to shrink
158 Comments
Tories should have axed NHS England when in power, Robert Jenrick admits
33 Comments
Keir Starmer is copying Donald Trump - but here's why I bet he won't deliver
231 Comments
Vladimir Putin 'could launch nuclear attack on own state' as excuse to fight Ukraine
15 Comments
Huge Reform UK poll victory as party takes lead in crunch by-election
530 Comments
Discover Effortless Glucose Monitoring: Request a Free TrialDexcom Try Now
Undo
by Taboola by Taboola
Sponsored Links Sponsored Links
Promoted Links Promoted Links
Keir Starmer talks tough on Ukraine - so why can't he stick up for his own country?
134 Comments
The Government has failed to take action to stop lethal crossbows easily bought online
2 Comments
Discover Effortless Glucose Monitoring: Request a Free TrialDexcom Try Now
Undo
by Taboola by Taboola
Sponsored Links Sponsored Links
Promoted Links Promoted Links
If Labour wants to boost defence spending there's only one option
57 Comments
DWP budget set to be slashed as hundreds of thousands face having benefits cuts
55 Comments
Discover Effortless Glucose Monitoring: Request a Free TrialDexcom Try Now
Undo
by Taboola by Taboola
Sponsored Links Sponsored Links
Promoted Links Promoted Links
Reform UK reveal exact poll result Nigel Farage needs to become next PM
214 Comments
Rachel Reeves reignites Labour freebie scandal with tickets to Sabrina Carpenter gig
67 Comments
Discover Effortless Glucose Monitoring: Request a Free TrialDexcom Try Now
Undo
by Taboola by Taboola
Sponsored Links Sponsored Links
Promoted Links Promoted Links
Wes Streeting is right to abolish NHS England - but must not fail this crucial test
14 Comments
The economy shrinking is another embarrassment for Labour Government's growth ambitions
41 Comments
Discover Effortless Glucose Monitoring: Request a Free TrialDexcom Try Now
Undo
by Taboola by Taboola
Sponsored Links Sponsored Links
Promoted Links Promoted Links
This Donald Trump policy is an open goal - Keir Starmer must follow suit for UK
17 Comments
Bombshell poll shows Reform winning local elections - until Angela Rayner cancelled them
41 Comments
Discover Effortless Glucose Monitoring: Request a Free TrialDexcom Try Now
Undo
by Taboola by Taboola
Sponsored Links Sponsored Links
Promoted Links Promoted Links
Fears Rachel Reeves to target middle-class workers already forced to pay higher tax
11 Comments
Rachel Reeves slapped down by No 10 over Donald Trump claim
Comments
Discover Effortless Glucose Monitoring: Request a Free TrialDexcom Try Now
Undo
by Taboola by Taboola
Sponsored Links Sponsored Links
Promoted Links Promoted Links
Schools ordered to end truancy scandal as 1 in 10 pupils persistently absent
13 Comments
Rachel Reeves on the brink as expert warns: 'UK economy is on a knife edge'
19 Comments
Discover Effortless Glucose Monitoring: Request a Free TrialDexcom Try Now
Undo
by Taboola by Taboola
Sponsored Links Sponsored Links
Promoted Links Promoted Links
Fury as Labour presses ahead with 'two-tier sentencing' in mask slip moment
93 Comments
Rachel Reeves could 'tip Britain into recession' as economy begins to shrink
158 Comments
Discover Effortless Glucose Monitoring: Request a Free TrialDexcom Try Now
Undo
by Taboola by Taboola
Sponsored Links Sponsored Links
Promoted Links Promoted Links
Tories should have axed NHS England when in power, Robert Jenrick admits
33 Comments
Keir Starmer is copying Donald Trump - but here's why I bet he won't deliver
231 Comments
Discover Effortless Glucose Monitoring: Request a Free TrialDexcom Try Now
Undo
by Taboola by Taboola
Sponsored Links Sponsored Links
Promoted Links Promoted Links
Vladimir Putin 'could launch nuclear attack on own state' as excuse to fight Ukraine
15 Comments
Huge Reform UK poll victory as party takes lead in crunch by-election
530 Comments
Keir Starmer talks tough on Ukraine - so why can't he stick up for his own country?
134 Comments
The Government has failed to take action to stop lethal crossbows easily bought online
2 Comments
If Labour wants to boost defence spending there's only one option
57 Comments
DWP budget set to be slashed as hundreds of thousands face having benefits cuts
55 Comments
Reform UK reveal exact poll result Nigel Farage needs to become next PM
214 Comments
Rachel Reeves reignites Labour freebie scandal with tickets to Sabrina Carpenter gig
67 Comments
Wes Streeting is right to abolish NHS England - but must not fail this crucial test
14 Comments
The economy shrinking is another embarrassment for Labour Government's growth ambitions
41 Comments
This Donald Trump policy is an open goal - Keir Starmer must follow suit for UK
17 Comments
Bombshell poll shows Reform winning local elections - until Angela Rayner cancelled them
41 Comments
Fears Rachel Reeves to target middle-class workers already forced to pay higher tax
11 Comments
Rachel Reeves slapped down by No 10 over Donald Trump claim
Comments
Schools ordered to end truancy scandal as 1 in 10 pupils persistently absent
13 Comments
READ MORE: China's plan for UK 'super embassy' sends shockwaves through Westminster
I joined thousands near Tower Bridge today to say NO to the new Chinese super embassy.
This is not just about bricks and mortar but freedom. It’s a matter our national security, and our future.
We must not stay silent. pic.twitter.com/aQfmKrmCrE
— Tom Tugendhat (@TomTugendhat) February 8, 2025
“Some oppose the project over security risk, privacy and safety concerns. Others cite the project as an opportunity to develop a stronger economic relationship with China. To what extent do you support or oppose this application?”
Ahead of another protest against the planned super-embassy, set to take place on Saturday, former security minister Tom Tugendhat told the Express: “The new embassy will be a daily reminder to many of the oppression of the Muslim community in China, and the likely protests a daily disruption.
“Clearly the people of Tower Hamlets agree that this should be rejected.”
Sponsored
Sherum Learn More
2025's Most Realistic Bunny Toy
Undo
by Taboola by Taboola
The poll was commissioned by the Tower Hamlets Conservative Group, with spokesman Alex Brookes describing that row as a “David vs Goliath battle” by residents.
Don't miss...
China's alarming London 'super embassy' plans backed despite spying fears [LATEST]
Dire warning issued over what China really plans to us ￡350m 'super embassy' for [LATEST]
Angela Rayner ordered to block Chinese plans for 'a massive spy hub' [LATEST]
The proposals have already sparked protests (Image: Getty)
SUBSCRIBE Invalid email
We use your sign-up to provide content in ways you've consented to and to improve our understanding of you. This may include adverts from us and 3rd parties based on our understanding. You can unsubscribe at any time. Read our Privacy Policy
Mr Brookes said: “This is not Nimbyism, this is supporting Britain’s interests.
“Residents fear that Labour will push it though and undermine security and safety risks. The research clearly shows that there is no point trying to have a closer economic relationship with China, if residents aren’t safe.
“This is a view shared by local residents, Londoners and UK residents. From a security point of view, it is a ridiculous place for a major embassy.
“If people wish to mount protests against human rights in China, it could block roads and Tower Bridge, leading to issues with policing.”
Trending
China hawk and former Conservative Party leader Sir Iain Duncan Smith added: “Nobody wants this embassy except for the Government.
"The Government is the only group who wants this. Residents oppose it, the council opposes it, the security services don’t want it. The police didn’t want it, but they changed their view.
“Nobody with an inch of brain in their head thinks this is the right location for an embassy, let alone a Chinese super-embassy.
“Anywhere Chinese super-embassies have been built, threats and coercion have come.
“The question is why did the police change their mind? Other than that the Government has leant on them.”
DON'T MISS
Powered by
Wes Streeting is right to abolish NHS England - but must not fail this crucial test
14 Comments
The economy shrinking is another embarrassment for Labour Government's growth ambitions
41 Comments
This Donald Trump policy is an open goal - Keir Starmer must follow suit for UK
17 Comments
Bombshell poll shows Reform winning local elections - until Angela Rayner cancelled them
41 Comments
Fears Rachel Reeves to target middle-class workers already forced to pay higher tax
11 Comments
Rachel Reeves slapped down by No 10 over Donald Trump claim
Comments
Schools ordered to end truancy scandal as 1 in 10 pupils persistently absent
13 Comments
Rachel Reeves on the brink as expert warns: 'UK economy is on a knife edge'
19 Comments
Fury as Labour presses ahead with 'two-tier sentencing' in mask slip moment
93 Comments
Rachel Reeves could 'tip Britain into recession' as economy begins to shrink
158 Comments
Tories should have axed NHS England when in power, Robert Jenrick admits
33 Comments
Keir Starmer is copying Donald Trump - but here's why I bet he won't deliver
231 Comments
Vladimir Putin 'could launch nuclear attack on own state' as excuse to fight Ukraine
15 Comments
Huge Reform UK poll victory as party takes lead in crunch by-election
530 Comments
This Hummingbird Feeder is Taking Nevada By Storm.Sherem Learn More
Undo
by Taboola by Taboola
Sponsored Links Sponsored Links
Promoted Links Promoted Links
Keir Starmer talks tough on Ukraine - so why can't he stick up for his own country?
134 Comments
The Government has failed to take action to stop lethal crossbows easily bought online
2 Comments
What Is Taltz Used for? - GoodRxGoodRx Read More
Undo
by Taboola by Taboola
Sponsored Links Sponsored Links
Promoted Links Promoted Links
If Labour wants to boost defence spending there's only one option
57 Comments
DWP budget set to be slashed as hundreds of thousands face having benefits cuts
55 Comments
Discover Effortless Glucose Monitoring: Request a Free TrialDexcom Try Now
Undo
by Taboola by Taboola
Sponsored Links Sponsored Links
Promoted Links Promoted Links
Reform UK reveal exact poll result Nigel Farage needs to become next PM
214 Comments
Rachel Reeves reignites Labour freebie scandal with tickets to Sabrina Carpenter gig
66 Comments
Blood sugar levels won’t be a problem after this daily tricklifewellnessplus
Undo
by Taboola by Taboola
Sponsored Links Sponsored Links
Promoted Links Promoted Links
Wes Streeting is right to abolish NHS England - but must not fail this crucial test
14 Comments
The economy shrinking is another embarrassment for Labour Government's growth ambitions
41 Comments
The Secret Revealed: Why All Humming birds Go to My Neighbor's GardenSherem Learn More
Undo
by Taboola by Taboola
Sponsored Links Sponsored Links
Promoted Links Promoted Links
This Donald Trump policy is an open goal - Keir Starmer must follow suit for UK
17 Comments
Bombshell poll shows Reform winning local elections - until Angela Rayner cancelled them
41 Comments
Blood sugar experts are shocked by this discovery (see it)lifewellnessplus
Undo
by Taboola by Taboola
Sponsored Links Sponsored Links
Promoted Links Promoted Links
Fears Rachel Reeves to target middle-class workers already forced to pay higher tax
11 Comments
Rachel Reeves slapped down by No 10 over Donald Trump claim
Comments
2025's Most Realistic Bunny ToySherum Learn More
Undo
by Taboola by Taboola
Sponsored Links Sponsored Links
Promoted Links Promoted Links
Schools ordered to end truancy scandal as 1 in 10 pupils persistently absent
13 Comments
Rachel Reeves on the brink as expert warns: 'UK economy is on a knife edge'
19 Comments
A 70-yr-old Granny Made a Push-up Bra for Women to Wear All DayGrishay Read More
Undo
by Taboola by Taboola
Sponsored Links Sponsored Links
Promoted Links Promoted Links
Fury as Labour presses ahead with 'two-tier sentencing' in mask slip moment
93 Comments
Rachel Reeves could 'tip Britain into recession' as economy begins to shrink
158 Comments
This Hummingbird Feeder is Taking Nevada By Storm.Sherem Learn More
Undo
by Taboola by Taboola
Sponsored Links Sponsored Links
Promoted Links Promoted Links
Tories should have axed NHS England when in power, Robert Jenrick admits
33 Comments
Keir Starmer is copying Donald Trump - but here's why I bet he won't deliver
231 Comments
Discover Effortless Glucose Monitoring: Request a Free TrialDexcom Try Now
Undo
by Taboola by Taboola
Sponsored Links Sponsored Links
Promoted Links Promoted Links
Vladimir Putin 'could launch nuclear attack on own state' as excuse to fight Ukraine
15 Comments
Huge Reform UK poll victory as party takes lead in crunch by-election
530 Comments
Keir Starmer talks tough on Ukraine - so why can't he stick up for his own country?
134 Comments
The Government has failed to take action to stop lethal crossbows easily bought online
2 Comments
If Labour wants to boost defence spending there's only one option
57 Comments
DWP budget set to be slashed as hundreds of thousands face having benefits cuts
55 Comments
Reform UK reveal exact poll result Nigel Farage needs to become next PM
214 Comments
Rachel Reeves reignites Labour freebie scandal with tickets to Sabrina Carpenter gig
66 Comments
Wes Streeting is right to abolish NHS England - but must not fail this crucial test
14 Comments
The economy shrinking is another embarrassment for Labour Government's growth ambitions
41 Comments
This Donald Trump policy is an open goal - Keir Starmer must follow suit for UK
17 Comments
Bombshell poll shows Reform winning local elections - until Angela Rayner cancelled them
41 Comments
Fears Rachel Reeves to target middle-class workers already forced to pay higher tax
11 Comments
Rachel Reeves slapped down by No 10 over Donald Trump claim
Comments
Schools ordered to end truancy scandal as 1 in 10 pupils persistently absent
13 Comments
Blood sugar levels won’t be a problem after thi...lifewellnessplus
Undo
by Taboola by Taboola
Sponsored Links Sponsored Links
Promoted Links Promoted Links
The Secret Revealed: Why All Hummingbirds G...Sherem
Undo
by Taboola by Taboola
Sponsored Links Sponsored Links
Promoted Links Promoted Links
Blood sugar experts are shocked by this...lifewellnessplus
Undo
by Taboola by Taboola
Sponsored Links Sponsored Links
Promoted Links Promoted Links
What Is Taltz Used for? - GoodRxGoodRx
Undo
by Taboola by Taboola
Sponsored Links Sponsored Links
Promoted Links Promoted Links
The final say on the embassy now rests with communities secretary Angela Rayner, who is expected to make a decision in May.
Last week, it was revealed that Foreign Secretary David Lammy wrote to Ms Rayner in September asking her to “call in” the decision and overrule the council’s opposition.
He argued it would be “in the interest” of Beijing and should be reconsidered.