London, UK 
<meta charset="utf-8"/>UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer has been accused by Shadow Foreign Secretary Priti Patel of prioritising economic relations with China over the country’s security. She firmly believes the government is “desperate for foreign money” as perturbation grows about China’s growing influence. 
Patel’s allegation comes when China’s actions in the UK have raised national security concerns. She pointed to the ongoing threats, which include cyberattacks, misinformation campaigns, and property theft. In particular, she expressed alarm over Chinese espionage activities within UK institutions.
Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/business-economy/uk-pm-keir-starmer-eyes-revival-of-free-trade-talks-with-india-777263">UK PM Keir Starmer eyes revival of free trade talks with India</a>
<h2 dir="ltr">China’s growing threat to the UK </h2>
In an interview with The Sunday Times, Patel argued that China should be identified as a threat to the UK, saying, "We’re dealing with an extraordinary regime that has had incursions in our country through national security, intellectual property, right down to cyber activity and misinformation."
She also called out the government to assign China to the highest tier of the foreign influence registration scheme, which would highlight nations posing risks to UK interests. 
Watch | UK: Keir Starmer Is The 'Most Unpopular' New PM
<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://cdn.thepublive.com/wion/static/kaltura_player/wion_video_player_iframe.html?thumbnail=wion/media/post_attachments/files/2024/12/18/1802_wion_STARMER_1PM-1734512418-00000003.jpg&videourl=https://vodakm.zeenews.com/vod/WION/1802_wion_STARMER_1PM.mp4/index.m3u8&duration=189&tags=Keir Starmer,UK news,Prime Minister" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

<h2 dir="ltr">Government’s ‘desperate’ approach</h2>
Patel accused Starmer's government of placing economic considerations ahead of national security. With Chancellor Rachel Reeves planning a trip to China in January to restart economic discussions, Patel described the government's approach as "desperate," citing the UK's current economic challenges.
She said, "This, to me, smacks of a desperate government having done terrible things to our economy, with economic growth now going down, being desperate for foreign money."
<h2 dir="ltr">China’s influence in UK politics</h2>
Patel’s remarks come amid intense concerns over China’s political leverage in the UK. MI5 forewarned MPs about Chinese hindrance, specifically about lawyer Christian Lee, who was alleged to be working for the Chinese government. 
These developments have raised further questions about the extent of Beijing’s influence within the UK political and economic spheres.
Patel’s accusations highlight a growing divide over how to handle China’s rising influence. Although the government attempts to make the economic relations with Beijing stronger, the shadow Foreign Secretary urges the need to scrutinise the UK’s national security and interests. As tension with China amplifies the difficulty the UK faces in balancing security and diplomacy. 
(With inputs taken from agencies)

In an interview with The Sunday Times, Priti Patel argued that China should be identified as a threat to the UK, saying, "We’re dealing with an extraordinary regime that has had incursions in our country through national security, intellectual property, right down to cyber activity and misinformation."



London, UK UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer has been accused by Shadow Foreign Secretary Priti Patel of prioritising economic relations with China over the country’s security. She firmly believes the government is “desperate for foreign money” as perturbation grows about China’s growing influence. Patel’s allegation comes when China’s actions in the UK have raised national security concerns. She pointed to the ongoing threats, which include cyberattacks, misinformation campaigns, and property theft. In particular, she expressed alarm over Chinese espionage activities within UK institutions. Also Read: UK PM Keir Starmer eyes revival of free trade talks with India China’s growing threat to the UK In an interview with The Sunday Times, Patel argued that China should be identified as a threat to the UK, saying, "We’re dealing with an extraordinary regime that has had incursions in our country through national security, intellectual property, right down to cyber activity and misinformation." She also called out the government to assign China to the highest tier of the foreign influence registration scheme, which would highlight nations posing risks to UK interests. Watch | UK: Keir Starmer Is The 'Most Unpopular' New PM Government’s ‘desperate’ approach Patel accused Starmer's government of placing economic considerations ahead of national security. With Chancellor Rachel Reeves planning a trip to China in January to restart economic discussions, Patel described the government's approach as "desperate," citing the UK's current economic challenges. She said, "This, to me, smacks of a desperate government having done terrible things to our economy, with economic growth now going down, being desperate for foreign money." China’s influence in UK politics Patel’s remarks come amid intense concerns over China’s political leverage in the UK. MI5 forewarned MPs about Chinese hindrance, specifically about lawyer Christian Lee, who was alleged to be working for the Chinese government. These developments have raised further questions about the extent of Beijing’s influence within the UK political and economic spheres. Patel’s accusations highlight a growing divide over how to handle China’s rising influence. Although the government attempts to make the economic relations with Beijing stronger, the shadow Foreign Secretary urges the need to scrutinise the UK’s national security and interests. As tension with China amplifies the difficulty the UK faces in balancing security and diplomacy. (With inputs taken from agencies)

Priti Patel accuses PM Keir Starmer of prioritising economic ties with China over UK security

UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer has been accused by Shadow Foreign Secretary Priti Patel of prioritising economic relations with China over the country’s security.

UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer has been accused by Shadow Foreign Secretary Priti Patel of prioritising economic relations with China over the country’s security. She firmly believes the government is “desperate for foreign money” as perturbation grows about China’s growing influence. Patel’s allegation comes when China’s actions in the UK have raised national security concerns. She pointed to the ongoing threats, which include cyberattacks, misinformation campaigns, and property theft. In particular, she expressed alarm over Chinese espionage activities within UK institutions. Also Read: UK PM Keir Starmer eyes revival of free trade talks with India China’s growing threat to the UK In an interview with The Sunday Times, Patel argued that China should be identified as a threat to the UK, saying, "We’re dealing with an extraordinary regime that has had incursions in our country through national security, intellectual property, right down to cyber activity and misinformation." She also called out the government to assign China to the highest tier of the foreign influence registration scheme, which would highlight nations posing risks to UK interests. Watch | UK: Keir Starmer Is The 'Most Unpopular' New PM Government’s ‘desperate’ approach Patel accused Starmer's government of placing economic considerations ahead of national security. With Chancellor Rachel Reeves planning a trip to China in January to restart economic discussions, Patel described the government's approach as "desperate," citing the UK's current economic challenges. She said, "This, to me, smacks of a desperate government having done terrible things to our economy, with economic growth now going down, being desperate for foreign money." China’s influence in UK politics Patel’s remarks come amid intense concerns over China’s political leverage in the UK. MI5 forewarned MPs about Chinese hindrance, specifically about lawyer Christian Lee, who was alleged to be working for the Chinese government. These developments have raised further questions about the extent of Beijing’s influence within the UK political and economic spheres. Patel’s accusations highlight a growing divide over how to handle China’s rising influence. Although the government attempts to make the economic relations with Beijing stronger, the shadow Foreign Secretary urges the need to scrutinise the UK’s national security and interests. As tension with China amplifies the difficulty the UK faces in balancing security and diplomacy. (With inputs taken from agencies)

On Friday (July 5), British Prime Minister Keir Starmer gave his first speech from 10 Downing Street. Thanking Rishi Sunak, his predecessor, he said, "The work of change begins immediately."

Starmer stated in his address that the nation had "decisively voted for change and a return of politics to public service."

“Today we start the next chapter – begin the work of change, the mission of national renewal and start to rebuild our country,” he said.

“When the gap between the sacrifices made by people and the service they receive from politicians grows this big, it leads to a weariness in the heart of a nation, a draining away of the hope, the spirit, the belief in a better future, that we need to move forward together,” Starmer continued.&nbsp;

Starmer said he intends to start work right away “with the simple acknowledgement that public service is a privilege and that this government should treat every single person in this country with respect.”

"My government will serve you. Politics can be a force for good - we will show that," he added.

"If I asked you now whether you believed that Britain will be better for your children, I know too many of you will say no - and so my government will fight until you believe again," Starmer said.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/pm-modi-congratulates-keir-starmer-eyes-new-india-uk-strategic-partnership-738245">PM Modi congratulates Keir Starmer, eyes new India-UK strategic partnership</a>

"You have given us a clear mandate, and we will use it to deliver change, to restore service and respect to politics, end the era of noisy performance, tread more lightly on your lives, and unite our country,” Starmer said.

“With respect and humility, I invite you all to join this government of service in a mission of national renewal. Our work is urgent, and we begin it today,” he said.

Amidst applause from supporters outside 10 Downing St., Starmer declared, "My government will make you believe again."

“The work for change begins immediately. We're going to reconstruct Britain,” he said. Starmer concluded by saying that his party will rebuild the infrastructure of opportunity, brick by brick.

(With inputs from agencies)

On Friday (July 5), British Prime Minister Keir Starmer gave his first speech from 10 Downing Street. Thanking Rishi Sunak, his predecessor, he said, "The work of change begins immediately.

On Friday (July 5), British Prime Minister Keir Starmer gave his first speech from 10 Downing Street. Thanking Rishi Sunak, his predecessor, he said, "The work of change begins immediately." Starmer stated in his address that the nation had "decisively voted for change and a return of politics to public service." “Today we start the next chapter – begin the work of change, the mission of national renewal and start to rebuild our country,” he said. “When the gap between the sacrifices made by people and the service they receive from politicians grows this big, it leads to a weariness in the heart of a nation, a draining away of the hope, the spirit, the belief in a better future, that we need to move forward together,” Starmer continued. Starmer said he intends to start work right away “with the simple acknowledgement that public service is a privilege and that this government should treat every single person in this country with respect.” "My government will serve you. Politics can be a force for good - we will show that," he added. "If I asked you now whether you believed that Britain will be better for your children, I know too many of you will say no - and so my government will fight until you believe again," Starmer said. Also read: PM Modi congratulates Keir Starmer, eyes new India-UK strategic partnership "You have given us a clear mandate, and we will use it to deliver change, to restore service and respect to politics, end the era of noisy performance, tread more lightly on your lives, and unite our country,” Starmer said. “With respect and humility, I invite you all to join this government of service in a mission of national renewal. Our work is urgent, and we begin it today,” he said. Amidst applause from supporters outside 10 Downing St., Starmer declared, "My government will make you believe again." “The work for change begins immediately. We're going to reconstruct Britain,” he said. Starmer concluded by saying that his party will rebuild the infrastructure of opportunity, brick by brick. (With inputs from agencies)

Keir Starmer’s first address: New British PM pledges to 'rebuild Britain brick by brick'

Keir Starmer, a former director of public prosecution who protested against the exit of Britain from the European Union (Brexit), has been elected as Britain's main opposition Labor Party on Saturday (4 April).

Keir Starmer takes over as leader of Britain's opposition Labour Party