Wokingham Borough Council to oppose Chinese Super-Embassy

A motion proposed by Liberal Democrat Councillor, Andy NG Siu-hong, calling for the council to write to the Deputy Prime Minister opposing the plans for a “super-embassy” of the Chinese Communist Party in London, was passed at its meeting last night, despite Labour councillors abstaining.

Councillor Andy NG Siu-hong, originally from Hong Kong, represented the views of the growing population of Hong Kongers in Wokingham, who deeply value freedom, democracy and human rights.  They are concerned about the Chinese Communist party (CCP) plans to build a huge “super-embassy” on the site of the former Royal Mint in London.

The proposal has sparked widespread concerns about potential overseas police stations, transnational repression centres, espionage bases, and broader implications for UK-China relations. Additionally recent protests at the site, which were joined by many Wokingham residents, identified the lack of protest space at this site, and resulted in chaotic scenes leading to the closure of Tower Bridge and many major roads.

Councillor Andy NG Siu-hong said:

“This motion is about democratic values - one of the things that connects all the people in this chamber and in this great country. As a former Hong Kong democracy camp district councillor, I fled to the UK and have been welcomed by my colleagues and the people here. Our shared values of freedom, democracy and human rights bind us together.

“I’m delighted that the council supported my motion and agreed to write to the Deputy Prime Minister urging her to:

• take the right to protest seriously, ensuring a safe and adequate space for demonstrations for all residents, including those from Wokingham.
• consider the concerns of the UK public, including the large number of Hong Kongers in Wokingham and beyond, and to reject the 'Chinese super embassy' proposal.

“Becoming the first local council to publicly oppose the Chinese super-embassy is symbolic and I hope that together we can raise awareness and ultimately stop the Chinese super-embassy.”

In supporting the motion, Lib Dem Leader of the Council, Stephen Conway said:

“Hong Kongers make a great and welcome contribution to our community here in Wokingham.  They should be allowed to continue doing so without fearing that the kind of oppression that forced them to leave their homeland has followed them to this country.

“We owe it to our Hong Kong residents to stand with them and be clear that the values they support are our values – values that we hold dear.”