Al-Sharaa met Starmer at 10 Downing Street, marking the first visit by a Syrian head of state to London since former president Bashar Assad traveled to the UK in 2002.According to a Downing Street spokesperson, discussions covered migration returns, border security and efforts to combat people-smuggling networks.

Starmer also welcomed steps taken by Damascus against Daesh, citing progress in counter-terrorism cooperation between the two countries.The talks also addressed broader regional stability concerns alongside economic cooperation.

The visit comes as Syria seeks foreign investment to rebuild infrastructure damaged during years of civil war. Al-Sharaa is expected to hold further meetings with senior British officials during his stay.

He was accompanied by Foreign Affairs Minister Asaad Hassan Al-Shaibani and Economy Minister Nidal Al-Shaar.European outreach continuesAl-Sharaa arrived in London following a visit to Germany, where he met Chancellor Friedrich Merz, as part of a broader diplomatic push to re-engage European partners.

No specific agreements were announced following the London meeting.

The decision allows Beijing to proceed with redevelopment of Royal Mint Court near the Tower of London, a historic site close to the City’s financial district. The approval comes despite repeated warnings from British and U.S. lawmakers who argue the new embassy could be used as a base for intelligence gathering and political influence operations.

The proposal had remained stalled for nearly three years after facing opposition from local residents, pro-democracy activists, and members of parliament. Critics raised concerns over the scale of the project, its proximity to sensitive infrastructure, and China’s record on surveillance and foreign interference. The approval marks a significant shift in the government’s approach, signaling a willingness to prioritise diplomatic engagement over prolonged confrontation.

Government officials said Britain’s intelligence agencies were consulted extensively during the decision-making process. Security assessments concluded that while China continues to pose strategic and intelligence risks, any threats linked to the new embassy could be mitigated through existing counterintelligence and monitoring measures.

Senior ministers stressed that national security safeguards remain firmly in place. They argued that diplomatic missions of major powers naturally attract scrutiny and that Britain possesses the institutional capacity to manage potential risks without blocking the project outright.

The timing of the decision has drawn particular attention, as it precedes an expected visit to China by Prime Minister Keir Starmer, which would be the first by a British leader since 2018. Officials familiar with the matter indicated that approval of the embassy was viewed by Beijing as a prerequisite for deeper diplomatic engagement.

China purchased the Royal Mint Court site in 2018, but its original planning application was rejected by the local council in 2022. The central government later assumed authority over the decision, triggering a formal inquiry to weigh national interest against local objections and security concerns.

Opposition politicians criticised the approval as a strategic misstep. Conservative Party figures described the move as weak and irresponsible, accusing the government of compromising security to smooth relations with Beijing. Some lawmakers warned that the embassy’s location could facilitate surveillance of underground fibre-optic cables used by banks and financial institutions.

British security services have previously cautioned that a larger diplomatic footprint could lead to increased intelligence activity. Domestic intelligence agencies have issued multiple warnings in recent years about attempts by China to cultivate political and economic influence in the UK, including alleged efforts to recruit individuals with access to government decision-making.

The controversy has been amplified by recent high-profile cases involving alleged spying linked to China, which have fuelled public unease and intensified scrutiny of government policy. Critics argue the embassy approval sends the wrong message at a time when trust between Western governments and Beijing remains fragile.

Local residents near Royal Mint Court have announced plans to pursue a legal challenge against the approval. They claim the decision may be unlawful if assurances were given to Chinese officials before the planning process concluded, and they argue the development would negatively affect security, congestion, and community interests.

From the government’s perspective, the approval reflects the broader dilemma facing the UK as it balances economic ties, diplomatic engagement, and security vigilance. Officials maintain that dialogue with China remains essential given its global influence, even as relations are managed cautiously.

The decision underscores the complexity of Britain’s China policy, where efforts to stabilise diplomatic relations coexist with persistent concerns over espionage, political interference, and strategic competition. As construction plans move forward and legal challenges loom, the debate over the embassy is likely to remain a focal point in discussions about sovereignty, security, and foreign policy direction.