Prime Minister Keir Starmer has brushed off comments from US President Donald Trump, who described the UK's business dealings with China as 'very dangerous'. Starmer suggested Trump was 'talking more about Canada' when asked for his reaction to the prime minister's visit to Beijing.
Trump made the remarks to reporters on Thursday, adding that Canada was 'doing poorly' and 'you can't look at China as the answer'. In response, Starmer told Sky News that the US president 'was probably talking more about Canada than the United Kingdom'. He noted that his visit to China had been discussed with Trump's team in advance and that Trump has a scheduled trip to China in April.
During his visit, China lifted sanctions imposed on nine British MPs and peers in 2021, which were linked to human rights concerns over the Uyghur community. However, those affected said they take 'no comfort' from the decision, stating they 'will not be silenced' and called for assurances regarding others still under sanction.
Meanwhile, the Green Party has selected Hannah Spencer as its candidate for the Gorton and Denton by-election, seen as a test of Starmer's popularity. Reform UK has nominated Matthew Goodwin, endorsed by far-right activist Tommy Robinson. Labour's national executive committee has blocked Greater Manchester Mayor Andy Burnham from standing.
Hong Kong and Uyghur activists living in the UK have criticised Starmer's visit, accusing him of seeking China's approval. Pro-democracy campaigner Finn Lau expressed disappointment but said the government's 'short sightedness' was unsurprising.
Starmer also signalled support for a US strike on Iran, backing Trump's goal of preventing Tehran from obtaining nuclear weapons. He described the repression of protesters in Iran as 'grotesque' and said the UK is working with allies to address the issue.
