Professor brands Sir Keir Starmer’s China trip a ‘farce’ and ‘humiliation for Britain’

Professor Anthony Glees has condemned Sir Keir Starmer’s recent visit to China, labeling it a “farce” and a “humiliation for Britain.” The Academician, a senior political scientist at Royal Holloway, claims footage from the trip shows the British prime minister being treated in Beijing like a “humdrum tourist,” with Chinese officials handing over concessive diplomatic gifts while ignoring Starmer’s proposals to curb Chinese influence in the UK. Glees argues that the delegation’s itinerary, which included Beijing, Hong Kong and Shanghai, lacked substantive dialogue and instead focused on grand speeches and ceremonial receptions. Released on 1 Feb 2026 by GB News, the criticism adds to growing tensions between the UK and China over concern for economic policy and national security.