The British leader, whose centre-left Labour government has struggled to deliver the economic growth it promised, has made improving relations with the world's second-largest economy a priority, despite misgivings about espionage and human rights. "We can deliver a result that can withstand the test of history," the Chinese leader told Starmer, flanked by his top ministers, at their summit at the Great Hall of the People. The British leader told reporters he had made progress in discussions with Beijing to reduce tariffs on whisky, while Xi said China would consider waiving visas for British nationals. "I made the promise 18 months ago, when we were elected into government, that I would make Britain face outwards again," Starmer told Xi at the summit talks. British security services have said China routinely spies on the government.