united-kingdom – Global Alliance for Tibet & Persecuted Minorities (GATPM)

An Urgent Appeal by Chairs of the Global Alliance for Tibet & Persecuted Minorities (Tsering Passang) and Tibetan Community in Britain (Phuntsok Norbu) – Join Us on the 8th of February to Defend Free Speech and Democracy at Royal Court Mint site in Tower Hamlets to protest against the Chinese Communist Party’s (CCP) proposed “Super-Embassy” in the UK, which is set to be the largest foreign mission in Europe if it goes ahead.

Dear Friends and Supporters,

We are writing to you as the Chairs of the Tibetan Community in Britain and the Global Alliance for Tibet & Persecuted Minorities (GATPM) to invite you to an urgent and vital public protest on Saturday, February 8th, 2025, in East London. This protest, jointly organised with over 27 community and human rights groups, is a call to action for everyone who values free speech, human rights, and democracy.

The People’s Republic of China (PRC) plans to establish a massive “super-embassy” at Royal Mint Court, Tower Hamlets, London EC3N 4QN – against the will of the local council, residents, and even the Metropolitan Police. This project is not just an invasion of physical space but a direct threat to the sanctity of our democratic values. By overriding the decisions of local elected councillors, the Labour government is appeasing Beijing’s autocratic regime while trampling on British principles of governance and democracy.

Why This Protest Matters

This embassy is far more than a diplomatic mission. It represents an alarming expansion of China’s authoritarian influence. If allowed to proceed, it will serve as a hub for surveillance, intimidation, and coercion against critics of the PRC – including Tibetans, Uyghurs, Hongkongers, and others in the UK.

The government’s decision to approve this embassy despite serious safety concerns raised by the Metropolitan Police is deeply troubling. Initially, the police objected to the project, citing inadequate space for large-scale protests. A sudden reversal in their stance, based on questionable reasoning, has paved the way for this dangerous development. We must respond decisively, proving through our overwhelming presence that this site is unsuitable and that our right to free speech is non-negotiable.

A Growing Threat to Democracy

The establishment of this “super-embassy” sends a chilling message: that Britain is willing to compromise its democratic ideals to placate a foreign dictatorship. This protest is an opportunity to stand together against the PRC’s growing authoritarianism and assert that Britain’s democratic spaces will not be sacrificed.

Stand with Us on February 8th

By attending this protest, you will:

Defend Free Speech: Safeguard the UK’s right to peaceful protest against oppressive regimes.
Amplify the Voices of the Oppressed: Show solidarity with Hongkongers, Tibetans, Uyghurs, Taiwanese, and pro-democracy advocates persecuted by the PRC.
Demand Accountability: Urge our government to uphold human rights and British democratic values.

What to Expect

Powerful Speeches: Hear from prominent politicians, activists, and community leaders.
United Communities: Join over 27 groups, including Free Tibet, Stop Uyghur Genocide, and Hongkongers in Britain, standing in solidarity.
A Historic Moment: Together, we will send an unignorable message to our government and the world.

Practical Details

Date: Saturday, 8th February 2025
Time: 2:00 PM – 4:00 PM
Location: Royal Mint Court, Tower Hamlets, London EC3N 4QN

Bring your family, friends, and everyone who believes in democracy and human rights. Our strength lies in our numbers. Let us take to the streets and show the government that Britain will not stand for the encroachment of authoritarianism.

Together, We Can Make a Difference

This is a critical moment to defend the UK’s democratic spaces and stand against the PRC’s oppressive regime. By uniting, we will show that the voices of free people cannot be silenced. The government’s decision to approve this embassy despite widespread opposition must not go unanswered.

Let’s make history together. See you on February 8th. Stand strong for free speech, human rights, and democracy.

Yours in Solidarity,

Phuntsok Norbu
Chairman, Tibetan Community in Britain

www.tibetancommunityuk.net

Tsering Passang
Founder and Chair, Global Alliance for Tibet & Persecuted Minorities (GATPM)
www.facebook.com/GATPM2020 / www.Tsamtruk.com

List of communities and human rights groups involved in the “Space for Free Speech” protest:

Tag: united-kingdom

[An Urgent Appeal] Defend Free Speech and Democracy – Join Us at the Royal Mint Court – 1000s to join the huge London Protest on February 8th to STOP CCP’s “Super-Embassy”