Starmer: ‘Dereliction of Duty’ Not to Engage With China. Keir Starmer defended his push to repair U.K.–China relations, rejecting calls to treat Beijing with automatic suspicion. In a major foreign-policy speech, he criticised past Conservative governments for cooling ties, calling their approach “staggering” and a “dereliction of duty.” Relations deteriorated under Boris Johnson as Tory hawks pushed for a harder line over security concerns and human rights abuses. Since taking office, Starmer has overseen a reset, sending senior ministers to Beijing in search of investment to boost Britain’s growth. The shift has sparked criticism amid claims his advisers contributed to the collapse of a China-spy prosecution and as a controversial “super-embassy” moves ahead. Starmer argued China is a “defining force” in tech, trade and global governance — and a national security threat — insisting the U.K. must balance protection with cooperation. The prime minister is preparing for a visit to China next year after a brief meeting with Premier Li Qiang at the G20 summit. Starmer also vowed the U.K. would “face outward again” after Brexit, attacking Reform and Tory rivals for promoting a “corrosive, inward-looking attitude” on issues like the European Convention on Human Rights.