Editorial | Even as Starmer goes, Britain’s pragmatic China stance likely to stay
British Prime Minister Keir Starmer’s visit to Beijing in January promised a new chapter in relations for the two countries. The British leader said ties were in a strong place, signalling a reset in the relationship. Five months later, Starmer is on the way out of office. He announced his resignati
By Scmp Editorial
British Prime Minister Keir Starmer’s visit to Beijing in January promised a new chapter in relations for the two countries. The British leader said ties were in a strong place, signalling a reset in the relationship. Five months later, Starmer is on the way out of office. He announced his resignation on Monday, just two years after winning a landslide general election victory.
The leader’s successor will be the seventh prime minister in a decade, highlighting a period of turbulence in British politics.
Starmer, who will stay until his successor is chosen, delivered a dignified speech in Downing Street, recognising that he has lost the support of his party.
Pressure had been building after a series of U-turns and scandals, low popularity ratings and damaging electoral defeats.
A tipping point was reached when the man set to replace him, Andy Burnham, won a convincing by-election victory last week, paving the way for a leadership challenge.
Burnham, a career politician and former minister, spent the last nine years as mayor of Greater Manchester. If unchallenged, he could be prime minister next month.
The new leader’s focus will be on domestic issues. The problems faced by Starmer remain, including driving economic growth, improving public services, tackling immigration and cutting the cost of living, all while working within tight fiscal constraints. Labour will be hoping that the change at the top will revive its fortunes and overcome the threat posed by the right-wing Reform UK party.
While the departure of Starmer brings uncertainty, there is unlikely to be any shift in Britain’s pragmatic approach to China. There will be ups and downs, amid broader geopolitical tensions, but engagement is set to continue.
Burnham is not an outspoken critic of Beijing. He visited China as mayor of Greater Manchester and has previously spoken of the importance of collaboration.
The reset in relations was welcome and it is important that it continues as the deepening of dialogue and cooperation is in the interests of both countries.