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The FTSE 100 closed lower after President Donald Trump signed into law a bill that favours the Hong Kong protesters.
President Trump's signing of the Human Rights and Democracy Act is likely to stir tensions with China just as the two countries hope to secure a deal to end the long-running trade war.
At 1630, the FTSE 100 was down 0.2%, 16.29 points lower to 7,413.49.
Among the biggest fallers were James Fisher & Sons, shedding 2.1% to £18.9 after it said it expected profit to fall short of expectations, but above that of last year amid improved market conditions in the oil and gas sector.
Virgin Money UK soared 19.7% to 171.2p despite reporting a statutory loss after tax of £194m for the full year to 30 September 2019, as it took additional PPI provisions of £385m in the second half of the year.
The Go-Ahead Group tumbled 2.9% to £22.1 after it reported slower regional bus segment passenger volumes and revenues growth on-year, and lowered expectations for its new bus company in Manchester.
Premier Asset Management descended 3% to 163.4p as it revealed net outflows of £233m for the year ended 30 September 2019, following a 'more difficult year for the business'.
Phoenix Group, the pensions and life consolidator, nudged up 1.6% to 745.3p, after it reported £707m of cash generation in 2019, exceeding the upper end of its 2019 cash generation target range of £600m to £700m.
Guarantor loans provider Amigo shook off a fall in first-half profit to ascend 16.3% to 69.8p.
The company reported pre-tax profit fell to £42.3m from £48.4m on-year and revenue increased to £145.4m from £130.1m.
Rathbone Brothers closed up 0.2% at £21.5, despite being buoyed by Rathbone Investment Management's acquisition of the personal injury and Court of Protection business of Barclays.
Ocado Group rose 3% to £12 on the news its first mini customer fulfillment facility will be located in Bristol.
PayPoint was lifted 1% to 992.5p following an increase in net revenue of 3% to £57.3m on a reported basis and by 4% on