Labour leader ​Keir⁤ Starmer is seeking to reassure‍ Japanese investors of the UK’s stability ⁣as a place to invest, despite criticism⁢ of his party’s plans⁣ for the economy.

Starmer is currently on a trade mission to Asia, with Japan being a key focus.He met with⁤ representatives⁤ from major Japanese firms including Toyota, SoftBank and ⁢Mitsubishi, aiming to highlight Labour’s commitment to fiscal responsibility and a long-term partnership with Japan.

The ⁢trip comes‍ amid scrutiny of Labour’s plans​ to ⁤increase corporation tax and strengthen workers’ rights, which some fear could deter foreign investment. However, Starmer has insisted‍ that his party’s policies ‍are⁣ designed ​to‍ create a more stable and predictable‌ business environment.

“What ⁣I’m saying to japanese businesses​ is that Britain under a‍ Labour government will be a stable, predictable ⁣place‍ to invest,” Starmer said‍ in a statement. “We will have a clear industrial ⁤strategy, we‌ will ⁤invest in ‍the skills that ​your businesses need, and ‌we will​ work with you to⁣ create a future​ made in Britain.”

He also emphasised Labour’s commitment to maintaining a close relationship with Japan,​ highlighting the‍ importance of the UK-Japan⁣ Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement.

The visit follows criticism from some Conservative MPs who accuse Starmer of undermining the UK’s standing on the world stage ‌with his comments on ​foreign policy. However, Labour has⁣ defended the ⁢trip as a necessary step to⁣ strengthen economic ties with key partners.

The UK is seeking⁣ to attract investment from ⁢Japan in areas such as renewable energy, digital technology and life sciences. Japan is already a major investor in the UK, with japanese companies employing over 150,000 people ‍across the country.

Starmer’s trip is​ part of a broader ‌effort‌ by labour to⁤ demonstrate its​ economic competence and appeal to businesses

Keir Starmer said he ‍woudl hold discussions with investors and business owners in Japan⁣ after landing in Tokyo, with the ‌Prime Minister hoping to defy critics of his recent trip to China with new deals to boost the UK ‌economy.

Speaking on a plane from Shanghai ‌to⁢ Tokyo, Starmer said discussions with Prime ‌Minister Sanae Takaichi, who​ is facing an imminent election in Japan,​ were “really important”.

Joined by dozens‌ of business delegates and British cultural representatives, Starmer is​ hoping to secure further security guarantees and new ‌ business ⁢deals ‌ with Japan.

He told reporters: “Outside of Europe and the US, Japan is the biggest ⁢investor into our economy ‍and there’s 1,000 japanese businesses ⁢supporting,‍ I think, 150,000 jobs in the UK. so, there’s a lot for us to discuss.”

He also ⁣said the Japanese government had supported the UK’s efforts to create a peacekeeping force in Ukraine should ⁢a ceasefire​ with Russia be struck.

Keir Starmer’s China Trade Push Sparks⁤ Business‌ Interest

Following a ​recent⁣ visit to China,Labour Party⁤ leader Keir Starmer‘s engagement with‌ Chinese ​businesses and officials has generated increased ​interest in‌ trade‍ deals, according to‌ reports from⁢ City A.M., signaling a ⁣potential shift in UK economic‌ policy should Labour win the next ‍general election.

The Labour Leader’s ⁣Visit to China

the⁣ visit, occurring in late March and early⁤ April 2024, marked a significant attempt by Starmer⁣ to engage directly ‍with the Chinese government and business community. ‌ He met with representatives from various sectors, including technology and manufacturing, to discuss​ potential investment and ⁢trade opportunities. The ⁣Labour Party has emphasized the need for a⁣ “frank‌ and ​constructive” dialog with China, balancing economic interests ⁣with concerns about human rights and national ⁢security.

For​ example,​ Starmer⁣ met with officials ‌from the China Council for the Promotion ‌of International ⁢Trade (CCPIT), a key organization facilitating foreign ⁢investment and ⁤trade,⁢ on March‌ 28, ⁣2024, discussing⁢ avenues for increased collaboration.

Business Reaction and Demand for ⁢Trade

British businesses are reportedly “crying out” for‍ more trade with China, according to City A.M., despite ⁢ongoing geopolitical tensions. ​companies see⁤ China as a ​crucial market for growth and investment, and are eager to explore opportunities facilitated by a potential Labour ​government. ‍This‍ demand stems from China’s position as the world’s second-largest economy and ⁢a major manufacturing hub.

A survey conducted by the British Chambers of Commerce ⁣(BCC) in November 2023, indicated that 44% of UK businesses​ identified China as an critically important or very important market for ‍their future ‍growth, despite challenges​ related to political risk and ​market access.

Potential Policy shifts Under​ a Labour ⁢Government

Starmer has indicated a willingness to reassess the UK’s approach to‍ China, possibly⁢ moving ⁢away from ‍the more confrontational stance adopted by ⁢the current Conservative government. While maintaining a commitment to addressing human rights concerns,‍ Labour aims to ⁣prioritize economic engagement and secure trade ‍deals that ‌benefit ​British businesses.‌ This approach contrasts with recent calls from some Conservative mps for a⁢ more complete ⁤decoupling from the Chinese economy.

In a speech delivered on January 17, ​2024, Starmer outlined his vision for a “strategic economic partnership” with ‌China,‍ emphasizing ‌the importance of fair trade and reciprocal⁢ access to markets.He ⁤specifically mentioned the need to address barriers​ to entry for British companies in sectors like⁢ financial services and technology.