Keir Starmer accused of 'putting Britain at risk' from China in attempt to fix 'self-inflicted economic woes'

During a visit to China in December, Chancellor Rachel Reeves dubbed the country as "crucial" to growth of the UK's economy while she worked to secure trade agreements with the nation.

However, concern has stemmed from suspicion over China's tightening Communist rule and increased fears of Chinese espionage in Britain.

Shadow Foreign Secretary Dame Priti Patel has said: “China continues to threaten our interests and the safety and security of our country.

"But instead of defending our interests, in a desperate rush to think China can solve the self-inflicted economic woes of his Government, Starmer is putting Britain at risk."

"He needs to be honest about what he intends to compromise in his pursuit to make friends with China," she added, speaking to The Telegraph.

Despite an alleged Chinese spy being named at the end of last year, the Prime Minister has refused to declare China a national security threat as top Tories - and even some Labour politicians - insist on such action.

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Instead, he argued that it was “better to engage, to challenge, than to stay aside”.

After an anonymity banned was lifted, Yang Tengbo, 50, had been named as the alleged spy who had built up a business relationship with Prince Andrew.

The "spy" has since been banned from the UK on national security grounds, although he insisted that it was "entirely untrue" that he was involved in spying for China.

The Foreign Secretary subsequently backed Beijing’s proposal to build a new "super-embassy" based in London.

Labour expressed its support for the project ahead of Reeves's December trip to China in its bid to enhance diplomatic ties with China.

Most recently, after reviewing three-year-old evidence, the Metropolitan Police has dropped its objections to the plans.

However, Tower Hamlets council has voted to reject its construction, arguing that the building would attract protesters and could lead to issues of public safety.

A Government spokesman said: "Our approach to China will be rooted squarely in our national interest where we can be frank and open on areas where we disagree, challenge and compete where necessary and also find opportunities for safe trade and investment."