Keir Starmer to visit China with British business leaders next week, say reports

"Keir Starmer will reportedly visit China next week after controversial plans for Beijing to build a vast embassy in London were approved by his government. The UK prime minster will lead a delegation of blue-chip British companies, according to Reuters. The same firms, which include BP, HSBC, Intercontinental Hotels Group, Jaguar Land Rover and Rolls-Royce were also said to be among those who will join a revamped UK-China CEO council."

"There was no comment from Downing Street early on Wednesday. However, Jonathan Powell, the national security adviser, went to Beijing in November for talks with China's top diplomat, Wang Yi, before an anticipated trip by Starmer. The developments come amid turbulence surrounding the move towards building ties with China again, including a furore last year around the abandonment last year of charges against two men accused of spying for Beijing."

"The path for Starmer's visit was also cleared last week when Britain's communities secretary, Steve Reed, gave permission for China to build its new embassy near the Tower of London after spy chiefs told him that the risks to UK national security could be controlled and dealt with. However, local residents plan to legally challenge the decision, potentially delaying construction by months or years and MPs from across the political spectrum have voiced their opposition to the application."

Keir Starmer will visit China next week and lead a delegation of blue-chip British companies. The delegation includes BP, HSBC, Intercontinental Hotels Group, Jaguar Land Rover and Rolls-Royce, and those firms are expected to join a revamped UK-China CEO council. Jonathan Powell, the national security adviser, traveled to Beijing in November for talks with Wang Yi ahead of the anticipated trip. The visit follows approval for China to build a new embassy near the Tower of London after spy chiefs concluded national security risks could be controlled. Local residents plan legal challenges and MPs across parties have opposed the application. China's foreign ministry said planning complied with diplomatic practices.

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