Outrage as 'Feeble' Starmer Opens Doors for Xi Jinping's Visit to Britain Amid China's Spying and Human Rights Violations

SIR Keir Starmer risked fresh China controversy after opening the door to hosting strongman ruler Xi Jinping in Britain.

hailed as the start of a new “sophisticated” relationship between the two countries.

PM Starmer risked fresh China controversy after opening the door to hosting strongman ruler Xi Jinping in BritainCredit: Getty Keir is currently in China for a state visitCredit: AFP The controversial visit has been slammed following China’s brazen spying and human rights abusesCredit: PA

But he left yesterday’s three-hour discussion without assurances would ease up its brazen campaign and human rights abuses.

insisted the meeting was constructive and progress had been made on lifting China’s sanctions on British MPs.

No 10 last night paved the way for to come to the UK next time for what would be a

Asked if Sir Keir would extend the invite, his spokesman said: “I think the PM has been clear that a reset relationship with China, that it’s no longer in an ice age, is beneficial to British people and British business.

“I’m not going to get ahead of future engagements, we’ll set those out in the normal way.”

In the past, Labour governments made important contributions to the growth of China-UK relations

Xi's apparent dig at Tories

Committing to regular dialogue, he added: “This isn’t a one and done summit.”

Setting out his strategy for engagement, Sir Keir told business bosses: “President Xi tells the story of blind men being presented with an elephant.

“One touches the leg and thinks it’s a pillow, another feels the belly and thinks it’s a wall.

“And too often this reflects how China is seen. But I profoundly believe that with broader and deeper engagement, which we’ve been talking about all this week, is our way of seeing the whole elephant and therefore building a more sophisticated relationship fit for these times.”

Xi last came to Britain for a State visit in 2015 where he famously drank a pint of beer in a pub with then-PM .

The five-day trip has been criticised in Britain by those who accuse Sir Keir of appeasing China’s aggressionCredit: PA

Relations with China have since cooled following repeated displays of aggression including brutality in and

Xi told the British PM they needed to “rise above their differences” for the sake of world peace and build an alliance that would “stand the test of history”.

He added: “China-UK relations went through some twists and turns that did not serve the interests of our countries.”

In an apparent dig at previous governments, Xi said: “In the past, governments made important contributions to the growth of China-UK relations.”

He added: “China stands ready to develop with the UK a long-term and consistent strategic partnership. It will benefit our two peoples.”

The PM told Xi: “China is a vital player on the global stage and it is vital that we build a more sophisticated relationship. It is with the British people in mind that I am here today.”

Xi told the British PM they needed to ‘rise above their differences’ for the sake of world peace and build an alliance that would ‘stand the test of history’Credit: AFP The Prime Minister hailed landmark talks with the Beijing leader as the start of a new ‘sophisticated’ relationship between their two countries, pictured taking in the sights at the Forbidden CityCredit: AFP

Any visit by Xi to Britain would be controversial while several UK MPs remain sanctioned by the Chinese government for spreading “lies and misinformation” about the hardline regime.

They include former Tory leader deputy speaker Nus Ghani and former security minister

We need a dialogue with China. We do not need to kowtow to them. But Keir Starmer is weak and has no backbone

Kemi

No 10 insisted that Sir Keir had raised the grievance with Xi and that progress was being made.

The PM is also said to have brought up the imprisonment of British-Hong Kong pro-democracy activist Jimmy Lai, convicted on politically-motivated charges.

However, it did not appear that Sir Keir convinced the stubborn Chinese President to release him.

The five-day trip has already been criticised in Britain by those who accuse Sir Keir of appeasing China’s aggression.

Tory leader said: “We need a dialogue with China. We do not need to kowtow to them. But Keir Starmer is weak and has no backbone.”

The PM was today travelling to Shanghai for more meetings.

Xi last came to Britain for a state visit in 2015 where he famously drank a pint of beer in a pub with then PM David CameronCredit: EPA