Starmer explains why he has to work with ‘national security threat’ China
Although Keir Starmer said in his opening speech that Beijing posed a “national security threat” to the UK, he appears to have laid the groundwork for a major concession to China.
With a major decision on the Chinese super-embassy coming next week, the prime minister used his annual Mansion House speech on foreign policy to articulate a firm policy towards China as he seeks to work with Xi Jinping’s Communist government.
He said: “[China] It is a tremendously large, ambitious and creative nation. Technology is a decisive force in trade and global governance. It also poses a threat to the national security of the United Kingdom.
“The UK needs a China policy that recognizes this reality. Instead we have been experiencing heat and cold for years.
“We experienced a golden age, then we returned to an ice age. We reject this binary choice.
“So our response will not be guided by fear or tempered by illusion. It will be based on strength, clarity and serious realism.”
His remarks come as speculation grows that his government will allow the construction of a controversial new Chinese embassy at the Royal Mint despite national security concerns.
A decision on the project has been postponed until December 10, when communities secretary Steve Reed will announce whether to proceed with the project.
The issue of relations with Beijing has dogged Sir Keir after he was forced to defend his government following allegations it was responsible for the collapse of the trial of two alleged Chinese spies in Parliament in October.
The government argued that China’s failure to designate it as a national security threat at the time of the alleged crimes prevented the case from proceeding.
But while Sir Keir’s new policy may be very similar to the Conservatives’ previous policy, he will insist it is based on a realistic approach.
Describing the lack of any interaction with the world’s second-largest economy as “surprising” and a “dereliction of duty”, the prime minister summed up his government’s thoughtful and mature approach: “This is not a matter of balancing economic and security considerations. We do not sacrifice security in one region for a little more economic access elsewhere.”
“Protecting our security is non-negotiable; it is our first duty. However, we take drastic steps to ensure our security, allowing us to cooperate in other areas as well.”
To help British business seize this opportunity, the prime minister went into more detail about how the government is ensuring predictability over the long term.
He said: “We are absolutely clear that we will always protect our security and economic interests when it comes to defence, artificial intelligence or our critical national infrastructure.
“However, we are also clear that in areas where there is no significant risk, we will implement any necessary mitigations, giving businesses the confidence, clarity and support they need to win these opportunities.
“So export opportunities in areas such as financial and professional services, creative industries, pharmaceuticals, luxury goods and more – UK success stories – are huge and we will support you to seize them.”
Meanwhile, Sir Keir stated that he wants to go further in improving the agreement with the EU on Brexit.
He made a speech on Monday to criticize the impact of Brexit on the Brexit economy. But in his speech at Mansion House he ruled out returning to the bloc as a member or rejoining the single market.
Instead, he harshly criticized Nigel Farage and Reform UK, as well as Kemi Badenoch’s Tories, for wanting to end international relations by leaving the European Convention on Human Rights (ECHR).
He said: “The Brexit vote was a fair, democratic statement and I will always respect that.
“But the way it was sold and delivered was completely wrong. Wild promises were made to the British people and left unfulfilled. We are still dealing with the consequences today.”
It revealed how the “abrasive, inward-looking attitude” peddled by those who propose choosing between our allies, leaving the ECHR and even leaving NATO will only take Britain backwards. He will say:
“It offers more grievance than hope. It is a regressive vision, not of Great Britain, but of a lesser Britain.
“Furthermore, it is a fatal misreading of the moment. It is an evasion of the fundamental challenges posed by a chaotic world – a world more dangerous and unstable than at any point in a generation – a world where international events reach directly into our lives, whether we like it or not.”
He added: “In these times we serve Britain with renewed purpose and pride. Not in retreat. In these times internationalism is patriotism.”
Since coming to power last year, Sir Keir has been active on the world stage, striking deals with the US, India and the EU, and leading a “coalition of the willing” to support Ukraine.
But he has also faced criticism from his opponents, who accuse him of spending too much time outside the country attending international summits rather than focusing on domestic issues.
