World · 31 January 2026
Pop Mart opens seven UK shops following Prime Minister's China visit
Chinese toy manufacturer Pop Mart confirmed plans to open seven new UK locations, including a London flagship, following Prime Minister Keir Starmer’s recent diplomatic visit to Beijing. The expansion creates 150 jobs and forms part of a broader £2.2 billion trade package involving various sectors. While the viral Labubu dolls have gained celebrity popularity, the deal faces scrutiny regarding China's human rights record and security concerns raised during the Prime Minister's first trip there in eight years.
Reported by BBC · How we write briefs