Michelle Dewberry Explodes Over China Embassy Hypocrisy in GB News Clash

Michelle Dewberry has accused both Labour and the Conservatives of hypocrisy over the controversial China mega-embassy, arguing that years of mixed signals on China policy helped pave the way for a decision now raising serious security concerns.

Fiery GB News clash exposes political fault lines

'You guys started this!'

'They are trading our national security for a few economic crumbs from China’s table.'

Michelle Dewberry and Chris Philp MP have a fiery exchange on who’s really to blame for the UK’s dependence on China. pic.twitter.com/ep1pMMoWwD

— GB News (@GBNEWS) January 20, 2026

A heated exchange on GB News has reignited debate over China’s proposed “mega-embassy” in London and who, exactly, is responsible for it.

Presenter Michelle Dewberry challenged Shadow Home Secretary Chris Philp over what she described as political hypocrisy and years of inconsistency on China.

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“Nobody comes out of this well, neither Labour nor the Tories,” Dewberry said.

She referenced a 2018 letter from Boris Johnson which highlighted potential economic benefits of closer ties with China, arguing that the establishment cannot now act shocked at the direction of travel.

Labour approval reignites security concerns

The Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government has granted planning permission and listed building consent for the site at Royal Mint Court, near the Tower of London.

Communities Secretary Steve Reed’s decision has triggered criticism from MPs and campaigners who warn the development’s scale and location could pose long-term risks.

For background on the wider controversy and why critics describe the site as a security flashpoint, read our explainer: UK Chinese “super embassy” explained.

The head of MI5 has warned that national security risks linked to the site cannot be wholly eliminated, even with mitigation measures.

“The assessment to manage risk has been expert, professional and proportionate,” a Government spokesman said.

Conservative defence and Dewberry’s rebuttal

Chris Philp argued no Conservative government approved the project, insisting it never received planning permission under Tory leadership.

“The Conservatives never gave planning permission in 2023 or at any other time,” Philp said.

Dewberry countered that failing to reject the project outright still carries responsibility, accusing national politicians of passing the buck.

“You didn’t approve it, but you didn’t reject it,” she said.

Reform UK draws a sharper line

Reform UK says it would “never have approved” the embassy, calling it a national security threat and a symbol of political drift.

The row has revived a broader question for post-Brexit Britain: whether Westminster is capable of making hard strategic decisions, or whether it only reacts once public anger forces the issue.