China confirms death sentence for Briton

His lawyers have said his execution was due to take place at 10.30am (0230 GMT).

Foreign Office minister Ivan Lewis on Monday called on China to show clemency for Akmal Shaikh, who faces the death penalty on Tuesday, saying it was "not appropriate" to execute someone with a mental illness. Supporters say Shaikh suffers from bipolar disorder.

The Xinhua news agency, citing Supreme Court sources and the ruling approving the execution, said the evidence provided by the British side that Shaikh suffers from mental illness was "insufficient".

"The materials provided by the British side were insufficient in proving that Akmal has a mental illness and that Akmal's family has a history of mental illness. Akmal himself also did not provide such materials," the report said.
  
"The court investigation deems that there is no reason to suspect Akmal's mental situation; therefore, the request to establish the condition of mental illness in this case is unacceptable."

Executions are often carried out soon after the Supreme Court issues an order.

The report justified the use of the death penalty as a deterrent, and said Shaikh's nationality was not a factor.
  
"The criminal regulations of our nation are implemented for all crimes equally and in accordance with appropriate laws. Therefore, crimes are dealt with equally before the law no matter what nationality," it said.
  
"While our laws retain capital punishment, the use of the death penalty is strictly controlled," Xinhua said.
  
"To use the death penalty for extremely threatening and serious crimes involving drugs, is beneficial to instilling fear and preventing drug crimes."

If the death penalty is carried out, Shaikh would become the first national from a European Union country to be executed in China in 50 years, according to the charity Reprieve.