Britain's Prime Minister Keir Starmer speaks during Ministerial Statement on the Middle East at the House of Commons in London, Britain, April 13, 2026. © House Of Commons | Via Reuters LONDON — European stocks are expected to open higher Thursday as investors keep an eye on political developments in the U.K. and U.S. President Donald Trump's trip to China. The U.K.'s FTSE index is seen opening 0.3% higher, Germany's DAX and France's CAC 40  both up 0.5%, respectively, and Italy's FTSE MIB up 0.3%, according to data from IG. Earnings come from National Grid , 3i Group , Aviva and Telefonica . Data releases include U.K. first-quarter GDP data. The U.K.'s political turbulence is expected to stay high up on the news agenda in Europe on Thursday as Prime Minister Keir Starmer's leadership remains vulnerable to challenges. Reports on Wednesday suggested Health Secretary Wes Streeting could be prepared to launch a leadership bid on Thursday.…