Question to the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government:

To ask His Majesty's Government whether local authorities in England are able to enforce against (1) building regulation, and (2) planning control, breaches by embassies and high commissions.

Section 1 of the Diplomatic and Consular Premises Act 1987, which governs UK Ministerial consent for use of the land as an embassy, includes consideration of all material considerations, and in particular the safety of the public, national security and town and country planning. Embassies are also expected to respect local laws, including the Building Regulations and planning legislation. In terms of planning enforcement by local planning authorities, I refer the Noble Lord to the answer given to Question UIN 43486 on 16 April 2025. In terms of enforcement by building control authorities, under the Vienna Convention on Diplomatic Relations, embassies and their staff are protected from the jurisdiction of the host country's courts.