Proposed Chinese Embassy

Debate between Chris Law and Seema Malhotra

Monday 19th January 2026 Commons Chamber

[Seema Malhotra]

I thank the right hon. Member for his question. It is important to acknowledge that we work with our Five Eyes partners on a range of security matters. It is important that we have that trust, and share security concerns and intelligence. It is also important to recognise that some of those matters are primarily a responsibility of the Home Office. While we routinely engage with our partners—including the US—on matters relating to security and intelligence, those matters cannot always be shared in the Chamber, but they are important to the functioning of Government.

[Chris Law (Dundee Central) (SNP)]

The UK Government do not seem aware of the message that disregarding safety and approving the Chinese mega-embassy would send to Tibetan, Uyghur and other exile communities in the UK who face intimidation, surveillance and abduction attempts almost daily. On transnational repression, we have heard warm words about upholding various measures, so let me be more specific: what assessment have the Government made of the risk that the proposed embassy will be used to facilitate transnational repression, bearing in mind that there will be hundreds more diplomats there, and what specific safeguards have been put in place to prevent that?

US National Security Strategy

Debate between Chris Law and Seema Malhotra

Thursday 11th December 2025 Commons Chamber

[Seema Malhotra]

The right hon. Gentleman will have heard me say that while it is ultimately for the US to decide its own strategy, there are parts of it with which we disagree. It is important that friends and allies respect each other’s choices, as we respect the US as a democracy. We can have robust political debate, but we must do so in an environment of respect. I believe the right hon. Gentleman was referring to Venezuela in his question. The act was a decision taken by the US Department of Justice in co-ordination with the FBI, the Department of Defence and other US agencies. It is for them to answer questions on that decision.

[Chris Law (Dundee Central) (SNP)]

Whether Trump’s White House is parroting pro-Russian narratives around the peace plan or using abhorrent language such as describing Europe as facing “civilisational erasure”, what is clear is that a strong transatlantic relationship is no longer critical to US national security. Chatham House has described this national security strategy as being about

“commercial deals and authoritarian accommodation”.

Does the Minister agree that the idea of this being a special relationship, which has endured for many decades, has now come to an end?

[Seema Malhotra]

We commend and fully support President Trump’s efforts towards securing peace in Ukraine. Importantly, as part of the peace process the Prime Minister welcomed President Zelensky, President Macron and Chancellor Merz to Downing Street this week. The Foreign Secretary met Secretary Rubio and others in Washington DC on Monday this week to discuss negotiations and the path to an agreement. The Defence Secretary was also in Washington this week. Our ties remain strong. We have many conversations in public, and also many in private, as the hon. Member would expect for nations working together for peace and security around the world.

We are clear that matters relating to Europe will involve Europe. That is why this week when the Prime Minister met leaders in Downing Street, it was to review and discuss how we can support Ukraine to achieve a just and lasting peace.