The Chancellor Rachel Reeves is travelling to China in a bid to boost trade and economic ties, as she faces pressure over government borrowing costs hitting their highest level in years. The three day-visit has been criticised by some Conservatives who claim she should have cancelled the trip to prioritise dealing with economic issues at home.

Rachel Reeves is facing her first major test since becoming Britain's finance minister after a jump in the government's borrowing costs this week and a deepening of the pound's losses on Thursday, potentially forcing her to cut future spending.

Chancellor of the Exchequer Rachel Reeves will become the most senior British official to visit Beijing in 7 years this weekend as she embarks on a mission to deepen economic ties with China against the backdrop of UK market turmoil that threatens to undermine her plans to spur growth domestically.

Rachel Reeves is facing her first major test as Britain's finance minister after the government's borrowing costs climbed for a third day on Thursday and the pound's losses deepened, potentially forcing her to cut future spending.