The Latest Breaking News from Sir Keir Starmer

For more than a decade, China has been one of the most important growth engines for western luxury brands. From fashion and watches to fine wines and spirits, rising incomes and global exposure have fuelled an extraordinary appetite for premium products.

I had so many conversations with people fed up with all the chaos, deceit and U-turns. Politics must respond to this disenchantment, says Guardian columnist Owen Jones

Ditching plans to delay votes in 30 English councils gives Nigel Farage chance to capitalise on Labour unpopularity

British and Canadian citizens can now enjoy visa-free travel to mainland China for up to 30 days for tourism, business, or family visits, effective February 17th. This significant policy shift, initially lasting until year-end, aims to boost people-to-people exchanges and follows recent high-level discussions.

THE INDEPENDENT VIEW: Editorial: Restoring the democratic right of 4 million people is the correct decision, but it cannot erase the impression of a flailing government lacking both consistency and some of the most basic political instincts

Editorial: The high court was right to rule that ministers stretched terror laws in proscribing direct action. Protest should be policed by criminal law

Government agrees to pay Reform UK’s legal costs in further humiliation for prime minister

Competing domestic priorities, Treasury borrowing limits and already nervous lenders are among the many obstacles

Defence stocks were higher after Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer said Britain must ‘go faster’ on defence spending.