China Invokes Diplomatic Immunity in Belfast Planning Dispute

China Invokes Diplomatic Immunity in Belfast Planning Dispute
A worker working on a footpath outside the Chinese Consulate in Belfast on July 24, 2020. Courtesy of Martin McBurney
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China’s consul general in Belfast cannot be held legally accountable for ignoring planning rules due to diplomatic immunity, a High Court judge has ruled.

Belfast council was denied a court injunction in June to prevent construction works at the listed building in a conservation area that houses the Chinese consulate.