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08:28, Thu, Jan 29, 2026 Updated: 08:30, Thu, Jan 29, 2026

CHINA-BRITAIN-DIPLOMACY

Keir Starmer's demand was not accepted by the Chinese government (Image: Getty)

Keir Starmer was slapped down by the Chinese Government overnight after he issued a request to Beijing for visa-free travel between Britain and the communist country. 

The Prime Minister met with President Xi Jinping and other top CCP figures, before embarking on a tour of the Forbidden City this morning.

However Sir Keir's request for visa-free travel in a desperate effort to boost the UK's fledgling economy had cold water poured on it, in a response from the Chinese government.

Officials said there are only "willing to actively consider implementing unilateral visa-free entry for the U.K" in the coming weeks and months.

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2 mins ago08:28 Christian Calgie

Starmer insists China visit is delivering for Britons back home

Keir Starmer has insisted his focus on the China trip is delivering concrete wins for people back in Britain.

He cites "really good progress on tariffs for whiskey, on visa-free travel to China, and on information exchange and cooperation on irregular [illegal] migration. 

"focusing particularly on small boats and engine parts."

He said it was a "constructive meeting with real outcomes"

Keir Starmer speaking from the Forbidden City

Keir Starmer speaking from the Forbidden City (Image: Sky News)

4 mins ago08:26 Christian Calgie

Starmer says he raised human rights abuses

Keir Starmer has said he had 'discussions' about the incarceration of political prisoner Jimmy Lai in China, and the treatment of Uyghur Muslims. 

Sir Keir said he "raised those issues, as you would expect."

"Part of the rationale for engagement is so we can seize those opportunities, as we have done, but also have a mature discussion about issues we disagree on."

Asked if President Xi had listened to the UK's opinions, the Prime Minister said: "yes, we had a respectful discussion about that. Raised those issues as you would expect."