Liberal Democrats have launched a scathing attack on Prime Minister Keir Starmer, accusing him of adopting a "cap in hand" approach to China despite ongoing security threats and human rights concerns. The criticism emerged during Prime Minister's Questions, where deputy leader Daisy Cooper confronted the government over its trade ambitions with a nation linked to hacking operations against the UK.
Security Concerns Raised in Parliament
During the parliamentary session, Cooper demanded that Deputy Prime Minister David Lammy, who stood in for Starmer, specify what consequences China would face if it continued its "campaign of espionage" against Britain. She highlighted the case of British citizen Jimmy Lai, who remains imprisoned in China, and alleged that Chinese authorities are hunting pro-democracy protesters on UK streets with bounties on their heads.
"Whilst the Chinese regime still holds British citizen Jimmy Lai captive in prison and whilst the Chinese regime continues to hunt down pro-democracy protestors on the streets of Britain with bounties on their heads, the British Prime Minister has gone cap in hand to China to ask for a trade deal on the promise of a super embassy from which the Chinese regime will continue to spy on us," Cooper stated emphatically.
Government Defends Strategic Approach
In response, Lammy defended the government's position, arguing that ignoring China would represent a "dereliction of duty." He emphasised the need for a "consistent and long-term strategic approach grounded in reality" towards the world's second largest economy.
"We'll co-operate where we can and I'm sure in areas like climate she would expect us to co-operate, and we will challenge in areas where we disagree," Lammy told Parliament, outlining the government's nuanced stance on UK-China relations.
Cross-Party Criticism Mounts
The Liberal Democrat criticism follows similar concerns raised by Conservative leader Kemi Badenoch, who stated she would not be visiting China at this time. Badenoch suggested the Prime Minister should demonstrate strength rather than approving what many fear could become a "spy hub" through the proposed super-embassy.
"I think that that is what the Prime Minister should be talking about and he needs to show strength, not approving a super-embassy which many people think is going to become a spy hub," Badenoch added, reflecting growing unease across political divides about the government's China strategy.
Business Leaders Support Trade Mission
Despite political criticism, Starmer's visit to China has received support from business executives accompanying the Prime Minister on what marks the first visit by a British leader to Chinese soil in eight years. Addressing delegates from major corporations including GSK, HSBC and Barclays in Beijing, Starmer told business leaders they were "making history" through their participation.
"They say eight days is a long time in politics, try eight years, because it's eight years since a British prime minister stepped on Chinese soil," Starmer remarked, highlighting the significance of the diplomatic mission.
The Prime Minister reinforced his commitment to an outward-looking Britain, stating: "We are resolute about being outward-looking, about taking opportunities, about building relationships and always being absolutely focused on our national interest."
Diplomatic Schedule Intensifies
Starmer is scheduled to meet Chinese President Xi Jinping tomorrow as part of his visit, with the trip representing a crucial test of the government's ability to balance economic opportunities with security concerns. Following his China engagements, the Prime Minister will travel to Japan later in the week, where national elections are anticipated within a fortnight after Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi called a snap election.
The contrasting responses to Starmer's China visit underscore the complex challenges facing British foreign policy as the government seeks to navigate relationships with global powers while addressing domestic security apprehensions and human rights considerations.
