Despite reservations from China skeptics, Starmer’s trip — the first such visit by a British prime minister since 2018 — was peppered with warm words and a smattering of deals, some more consequential than others. Britain’s haul from the trip may be modest, but it’s just the beginning, Business and Trade Secretary Peter Kyle — who joined Starmer on the trip — told a traveling pack of reporters in Beijing. “This visit is a springboard,” the minister said. That’s not to say Starmer and his team don’t have a few tangible wins to write home about. The provisions are similar to those extended to 50 other countries including France, Germany, Italy, Australia and Japan.