Labour MP warns Starmer he is crossing a red line with China embassy deal

Sign up for the View from Westminster email for expert analysis straight to your inbox Get our free View from Westminster email Get our free View from Westminster email SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy policy A Labour MP has issued a warning to Sir Keir Starmer as he helps lead protests against the government giving the green light to a controversial new Chinese embassy in London. East Renfrewshire MP Blair McDougall, a member of the Foreign Affairs Select Committee, will join other MPs including former security minister Tom Tugendhat, former Tory leader Sir Iain Duncan Smith and shadow justice secretary Robert Jenrick in a protest today against the proposed new building. open image in gallery The Labour Government has sought to improve relations with China as it pursues economic growth But of greater worry is human rights abuses in China, including persecution of the Uyghur population and the way that the Chinese Communist Party has abandoned large aspects of its deal with the UK over guarantees for free speech in Hong Kong. “They called for a public inquiry, appointed an inspector – and next thing you’ve got David Lammy and Yvette Cooper writing a letter to the council saying they would approve the scheme based on a couple of changes to the plan … But the damage that would be caused to my block and the estate is huge.” Alex Brookes, Poplar and Limehouse Conservative Association activist, added: “The first job of government is to keep people safe.