Nigel Farage urges Keir Starmer to confront China’s actions in the UK
Nigel Farage is pressing Sir Keir Starmer to take a strong stance against China’s “very sinister” behaviour in Britain. The leader of Reform UK has expressed concerns over the upcoming meeting between Starmer and President Xi Jinping, cautioning the Prime Minister against showing deference to the Chinese leadership, reports BritPanorama.
Starmer’s trip is scheduled for January 2026, following the collapse of a trial involving two suspected Chinese spies and recent attempts by Beijing’s agents to infiltrate Westminster. This coincides with rising tensions over China’s plan to establish a large embassy in London, further heightening concerns within the UK government.
Farage articulated the need for a tougher approach, suggesting that the UK’s reliance on trade with China complicates the situation. “It’s all very sinister stuff,” he stated, adding that the UK should “genuinely view China as a threat, a threat to our economy.”
He emphasized the importance of addressing issues concerning trust, referencing the historical treaty over Hong Kong and questioning why the UK should maintain confidence in China’s assurances. “I’d say, ‘Listen mate, we had a treaty over Hong Kong. You’ve broken that… why should we trust you?’” Farage asserted.
Starmer has acknowledged that China poses various threats while simultaneously underscoring the importance of continuing trade relations. This complex dynamic remains a focal point in UK-China relations amidst growing scrutiny and allegations of espionage. A member of the House of Lords has recently called for tighter measures against Chinese influence, following reports of receiving a suspicious text believed to be from Chinese operatives.
Lord Mann raised concerns after encountering a job offer from a phony recruiter, which he reported to Parliamentary authorities. His warning aligns with MI5’s recent alert regarding Chinese espionage targeting British politicians, showcasing the ongoing security challenges faced by political institutions in the UK.
These developments demonstrate an acute awareness of national security risks associated with Chinese activities, reflecting broader geopolitical tensions as the UK navigates its relationship with Beijing.
The conversations around China’s influence and espionage incidents reveal the delicate nature of international relations as the UK balances economic interests with national security concerns.
