The Naked Scientists Podcast

China's new London embassy, and screen-time retards speech

Jan 18, 2026
Michael Clarke, a defence and security analyst, discusses the potential security risks associated with China's proposed mega-embassy in London, raising concerns about monitoring and sovereignty. Mark Maslin, a climate scientist, examines the UK's ambitious offshore wind expansion and its significance in achieving energy independence. Yvonne Wren, a speech and language therapy expert, highlights the link between toddler screen time and delayed speech development, stressing the importance of interactive engagement. Richard Hollingham reports on NASA's first medical evacuation from the ISS, exploring implications for future deep-space missions.
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INSIGHT

Mega-Embassy Raises Strategic Concerns

  • A proposed single mega-embassy would centralize China's diplomatic functions and sit over vital City of London data cables, raising strategic concerns.
  • Michael Clarke warns consolidation increases China's influence and symbolic control over Chinese communities in Britain.
INSIGHT

Data Hoarding Outweighs Physical Proximity

  • Clarke says hacking and mass data collection are already underway and China stores vast datasets to exploit later with AI.
  • He suggests cable proximity matters less than the broader capability to hoover up personal and economic data globally.
ADVICE

Demand Full Transparency For Embassy Plans

  • Governments should insist on full transparency for embassy plans and access for vetted maintenance to protect sovereign functioning.
  • Clarke warns allowing secret redactions and exclusive control erodes reciprocal embassy rights and security.
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