A local residents’ group opposed to the embassy is lining up senior lawyer Charles Banner, who has previously advised the U.K. government on different planning matters, to mount a legal challenge.
And some of the prime minister’s own Labour Party lawmakers are considering offering their support, given it is realistically the only route left for them to oppose the plan.
“The decision is now final unless it is successfully challenged in court,” Reed said in a statement announcing the decision on Tuesday.
“MPs will be supportive of legal review,” said one Labour MP, granted anonymity to speak candidly about internal party discussions, said.
“Many people, including ministers, are very uncomfortable on our side,” another MP added.
In the House of Commons, critical MPs have repeatedly raised concerns about Chinese espionage efforts.