Starmer told reporters that Britain remains “steadfast in its alliances” but must act in its national interest. Economists say diversification of trade partnerships is a key pillar of the government’s growth agenda.

Political debate in Westminster continues, with lawmakers weighing economic benefits against strategic concerns.

Tourism and business leaders welcomed the move, saying it could boost travel flows and commercial exchanges.

The agreement is expected to take effect later this year, pending administrative implementation.

Officials say the policy aims to encourage people-to-people links while maintaining security screening procedures.

The development marks a tangible outcome from recent diplomatic efforts and could signal a broader warming in UK-China relations.

Officials stressed that the UK continues to favour diplomatic solutions but acknowledged that “all options remain on the table” to uphold international security.

Prime Minister Keir Starmer said Britain remains committed to non-proliferation and regional stability, calling Iran’s nuclear activities a matter of global concern.

Opposition figures urged caution, warning against escalation and unintended consequences.

The statement comes as energy markets react nervously, with analysts watching closely for any disruption that could affect UK fuel prices.

Concerns centre on national security, supply chain resilience, and political messaging.

Government allies argue the backlash underestimates economic benefits and overstates risks.

The debate is expected to dominate upcoming parliamentary sessions.

Government officials say the strategy is rooted in realism, economic necessity, and alliance management.

As global competition deepens, the UK’s balancing act is likely to remain under scrutiny both at home and abroad.

The findings have sparked debate within Labour circles, though party leaders have dismissed speculation of internal challenges.

Analysts say the poll reflects public appetite for visible leadership and local governance success stories.

Burnham has not commented directly on the poll.

The visit marks Starmer’s first official trip to China since taking office and comes at a time when the UK is seeking to stabilise trade flows, attract foreign investment, and protect strategic industries amid an increasingly fragmented global economy.

Starmer met senior Chinese officials for talks expected to cover trade, climate cooperation, global security, and supply chain resilience. British officials described the discussions as “pragmatic and forward-looking,” emphasising economic engagement while reaffirming the UK’s position on human rights, national security, and international law.

Trade between the UK and China remains significant despite recent strains. China is one of Britain’s largest trading partners outside Europe, with UK exports ranging from financial services to advanced manufacturing and education. However, political tensions in recent years have slowed investment and led to tighter scrutiny of Chinese involvement in sensitive sectors such as telecommunications and energy.

Speaking during the visit, Starmer said the UK would pursue a “clear-eyed relationship” with China, adding that engagement does not mean endorsement of all policies. He stressed the need for dialogue in an era marked by global instability.

“Britain’s approach is grounded in realism,” Starmer said. “We will compete where we must, cooperate where we can, and challenge where necessary.”

The visit comes as the UK economy shows tentative signs of recovery following a prolonged period of inflationary pressure and sluggish growth. Government officials believe renewed engagement with major global economies could help unlock opportunities for British businesses, particularly in green technology, financial services, and education.

Climate cooperation is expected to feature prominently in the talks, with both countries playing key roles in global emissions reduction efforts. UK delegates are also expected to raise concerns over regional security issues and the importance of maintaining open trade routes.

Critics, however, argue that closer engagement risks sending mixed signals on human rights and security concerns. Opposition figures have urged the government to ensure economic priorities do not overshadow democratic values.

Business leaders have broadly welcomed the visit, describing it as a necessary step to reduce uncertainty and rebuild confidence. Many firms have expressed frustration over unclear trade signals in recent years, calling for predictable engagement rather than abrupt policy shifts.

Starmer’s visit follows similar diplomatic efforts by European leaders seeking to recalibrate relations with Beijing while navigating pressure from allies to limit economic dependence on China.

The talks are expected to continue through the week, with announcements anticipated on trade dialogue mechanisms and future cooperation frameworks. While no major agreements are expected immediately, officials say the visit lays groundwork for longer-term engagement.

A political row has erupted after remarks referencing mental health were condemned by campaigners and lawmakers.

The comments, made during a heated debate, drew swift criticism from advocacy groups, who said they risked reinforcing harmful stereotypes.

Party leaders moved quickly to distance themselves, emphasizing the importance of respectful language.

The incident has renewed calls for stronger standards in political discourse.

Prime Minister Keir Starmer has begun a high-stakes diplomatic visit to China, marking the most significant attempt in years to reset relations between London and Beijing amid rising global tensions and shifting alliances.

The visit comes at a time when the UK is balancing economic interests with national security concerns, while also navigating its long-standing partnership with the United States. Officials say the trip is focused on trade, climate cooperation, and global stability, but critics warn it risks sending mixed signals to allies.

Downing Street confirmed that the prime minister will meet senior Chinese leadership to discuss economic cooperation, supply chain resilience, and climate commitments. The talks are also expected to cover international security, including the war in Ukraine and stability in the Asia-Pacific region.

UK-China relations have remained tense in recent years, strained by disagreements over human rights, technology security, and foreign policy alignment. Starmer’s visit signals a more pragmatic approach, emphasizing engagement over isolation while maintaining what officials describe as “clear red lines.”

Government sources say the UK is seeking to reopen channels for dialogue that were largely frozen during previous administrations. The prime minister is expected to argue that economic cooperation does not require political alignment, a position that has drawn scrutiny from opposition figures and some members of his own party.

Business leaders have welcomed the visit, noting that China remains one of the world’s largest economies and a critical market for British exports. Several UK companies operating in Asia have pushed for clearer diplomatic frameworks to support long-term investment and trade stability.

However, the trip has sparked concern among transatlantic partners, particularly in Washington, where China policy remains a sensitive issue. Analysts say Starmer must strike a careful balance to avoid appearing to undermine Western coordination on global security matters.

During his visit, the prime minister is also expected to raise climate cooperation, an area where both governments have signaled willingness to work together. The UK hopes joint efforts on clean energy and emissions reduction could produce tangible outcomes ahead of upcoming international climate summits.

At home, reaction has been mixed. Supporters argue engagement is necessary in a multipolar world, while critics warn the government risks overlooking serious concerns in pursuit of economic gain.

A senior government official said the visit is “about realism, not ideology,” adding that disengagement has failed to deliver results in recent years.

As talks begin, observers will be watching closely for concrete outcomes — and for how the UK communicates its message to both allies and domestic audiences once the visit concludes.

Under the proposals, police forces will be given clearer performance targets for emergency response, with new national benchmarks aimed at reducing waiting times for high-priority incidents. Ministers said the changes are designed to ensure that victims receive help more quickly while allowing officers to spend more time on the streets rather than completing paperwork.

Senior government figures described the reforms as a necessary reset after years of rising demand on police services. Officials said emergency calls have increased steadily, while public expectations of rapid response remain high.

The plan includes measures to simplify reporting processes, expand the use of digital tools, and review administrative requirements that senior officers say divert resources away from frontline duties. Police forces will also be encouraged to deploy officers more flexibly based on local demand patterns.

Opposition figures welcomed the focus on response times but questioned whether forces would receive sufficient funding to deliver the changes. They warned that without addressing recruitment and retention challenges, performance targets alone may not lead to meaningful improvements.

Police representatives said reducing bureaucracy could help improve morale among officers, many of whom report feeling overstretched. Frontline staff have repeatedly raised concerns about workload pressures, staffing gaps, and the emotional toll of high-demand policing.

Community leaders said faster emergency responses could rebuild trust, particularly in areas where residents feel services have declined. Victims’ groups emphasized the importance of consistent standards across regions, noting that response times can vary significantly between forces.

The government said progress will be monitored through regular assessments, with forces required to report on response performance and operational outcomes. Officials stressed that the aim is accountability rather than punishment, with support offered to forces struggling to meet expectations.

Civil liberties groups urged caution, calling for transparency around how new digital tools are used. They emphasized the need to protect privacy while modernizing policing systems.

The reforms are expected to be rolled out gradually, with pilot programmes launching later this year. Ministers said public safety remains a core priority and that the changes reflect lessons learned from recent reviews of policing effectiveness.