UK sells slice of Tokyo embassy to developers

THE UK is to sell off a sizeable chunk of its prime location embassy in Tokyo, a decision experts described as “unfortunate” given Britain’s much vaunted tilt towards Asia.

The embassy, one of the most imposing diplomatic missions in the Japanese capital and situated next to the Imperial Palace, will lose its southern section after a deal was struck with a developer, the Foreign Office said.

Parts of the gardens, the swimming pool, the deputy ambassador’s residence and other staff accommodation will all go, a source disclosed.

The Foreign Office did not say how much money would be raised from the deal with the Mitsubishi Estate Group, but estimates suggest it could be £72 million.

The funds will be spent on “making the embassy more modern and sustainable” as well as upgrading British diplomatic estates in New Delhi and elsewhere, a spokesman said. “By constantly reviewing the set up of our 270 overseas missions, we can deliver value for money for British taxpayers while we promote the UK’S interests around the world”.

Britain sold the colonialera British embassy in Bangkok two years ago, raising £420 million but the deal was criticised as “selling off the family silver”.

The Japanese government declined to comment on the reduction in the size of the 375,000 sq ft compound, but analysts questioned the thinking behind the move.

“Japan has in recent months welcomed the opportunity to work more closely on trade and security issues with the UK,” said Yoichi Shimada, a professor of international relations at Fukui Prefectural University.

“The Japanese government – and the Japanese people, myself included – want to see Britain playing a larger role in the economy and security of the region.”

The SNP’S Lisa Cameron, a member of the All-party Parliamentary Group on Japan, and the MP for East Kilbride, Strathaven and Lesmahagow, said: “It is significantly disappointing that UK Government are shrinking our footprint in Japan exactly when we should be reaching out globally to maximise trade and investment. It gives entirely the wrong signal on Global Britain.”

The developer has made no comment on what it intends to do with the land.