Overview
- Communities Secretary Steve Reed will issue a quasi-judicial ruling by December 10 after ministers extended deliberations on the Royal Mint Court plan.
- Defence minister Luke Pollard said the pause reflects complex national security implications and confirmed concerns have been shared across government.
- MI5 warned Westminster figures about targeted recruitment by China, and Security Minister Dan Jarvis announced counter-espionage steps and extra funding.
- China bought the site for £255 million in 2018; Tower Hamlets Council rejected earlier plans in 2022, the bid was resubmitted, and the application was called in for a ministerial decision.
- Former MI6 chief Sir Richard Dearlove urged rejection on security and symbolic grounds, while Downing Street denied making any development commitments and a related spying case against two men was dropped.