BRITAIN must \u201cwean itself off\u201d China, Sir Keir Starmer said today.<\/p>\n

The Labour leader insisted the UK should distance itself from the Communist state when it comes to trade, commerce and technology.<\/p>\n

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His comments come as some Tory MPs demand the Government redesignate China as a threat \u2014 not just a challenge.<\/p>\n

Speaking on Politico\u2019s Power Play podcast, Sir Keir said: \u201cWe need to be absolutely clear about the security of the UK and issues like spying and interference.<\/p>\n

\u201cHow do we wean ourselves off Chinese influence? <\/p>\n

\u201cThere are big questions that progressive governments could face together.\u201d<\/p>\n

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Sir Keir conceded it was impossible to \u201cdistance ourselves\u201d completely from China especially in big issues such as climate change.<\/p>\n

Foreign Secretary James Cleverly today insisted he didn\u2019t have any regret recent talks with China during his visit there.<\/p>\n

He said: \u201cDisengaging from China is not a credible option.\u201d<\/p>\n

Mr Cleverly added: \u201cThere is incredibly important work to do. <\/p>\n

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\u201cWhen there is a difficult relationship – and this is a challenging and difficult relationship – it is more important rather than less important that you maintain those face-to-face communications."<\/p>\n

Source: Read Full Article<\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

BRITAIN must \u201cwean itself off\u201d China, Sir Keir Starmer said today. The Labour leader insisted the UK should distance itself<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":98965,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[7],"tags":[],"yoast_head":"\n