𝓤𝓷𝓲𝓽𝓮𝓭 𝓝𝓮𝔀𝓼

Keir Starmer has just arrived in China for what will be a hugely controversial but seismic three-day visit to the world’s second largest economy. With the UK’s own economic fortunes floundering at home the Prime Minister will be hoping he can boost trade with the Communist superpower.

Sir Keir was given a guard of honour as he arrived in Beijing and he will meet Chinese President, Xi Jinping – regarded as the most powerful leader on the planet – on Thursday. Despite the pomp sand ceremony, the PM has come here in the hope of doing business. Some say he’s bringing his begging bowl.

Britain is in the doldrums, GDP has flatlined since Labour came to power 18 months ago and unemployment continues rise.

He has jetted out a plane load of British business leaders with him for the first visit to China by a UK Prime Minister since Theresa May in 2018.

The Prime Minister appeared relaxed as he took a whopping 23 questions from journalists en route to China.

But he was guarded about what he would say to the Chinese regime on the thorny issues of the Uighur muslims, the case of British tycoon Jimmy Lai and China’s stance on Ukraine.

Shortly before landing in the Chinese capital Sir Keir ventured into the cockpit of the British Airways plane, joking over the tannoy that “I’ll be bringing the plane in from here”.

Not a very reassuring prospect given this is the PM who has presided over 14 government U-turns.