Keir Starmer to lead delegation of British firms to China next week, reports say

Keir Starmer will reportedly visit China next week and lead a delegation of blue-chip British companies, Reuters has said, after controversial plans for Beijing to build a large embassy in London were approved by his government. Reuters named firms said to be in the delegation including BP, HSBC, Intercontinental Hotels Group, Jaguar Land Rover and Rolls-Royce, and said the companies were also expected to join a revamped “UK-China CEO council”.

There was no comment from Downing Street early on Wednesday. Jonathan Powell, the national security adviser, went to Beijing in November for talks with China’s top diplomat, Wang Yi, ahead of the anticipated trip. The planned visit comes amid turbulence over closer ties with China, including debate after the abandonment last year of charges against two men accused of spying for Beijing.

The route for the trip was cleared after communities secretary Steve Reed gave permission for China to build a new embassy near the Tower of London, following advice from spy chiefs that risks to national security could be controlled. Local residents have raised £145,000 to seek a legal challenge to the planning decision and are expected to file an application for judicial review in the next six weeks, reportedly alleging Reed had already made up his mind.

China’s foreign ministry spokesperson, Guo Jiakun, said Beijing handled planning for the embassy in compliance with diplomatic practices and laws.

Key Topics

Politics, Keir Starmer, China, Uk-china Ceo Council, Chinese Embassy, Royal Mint Court