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Britain

Britain
The latest breaking news and stories on the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland (UK), a constitutional monarchy in northern Europe which includes England, Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland, and the world’s sixth largest economy. Also covering the UK’s relationship with the European Union (EU) post Brexit, as well as with China, plus commentary and updates on the UK’s economy, politics, society and social issues.
Capital
London
Head of State
King Charles III
King Charles III
Head of Government
Prime Minister Keir Starmer
Hays found that 51 per cent of professionals in China also received no pay rise in 2025, a sign of wider pressures in the job market. Photo: Shutterstock
China jobs

Survey shows China’s professionals have high expectations – for low pay

As some Chinese workers switch jobs to boost salaries, many remain pessimistic about pay increases amid economic uncertainty.

Hong Kong economy

CK Hutchison vows to pursue ‘all legal remedies’ over seized Panama ports

Iran

2 men charged with spying for Iran on UK Jewish targets

Shanghai

Shanghai certifies 30 overseas offices amid China’s investment sales pitch

The city welcomed a batch of new regional headquarters and R&D centres this week, as China continues its campaign to win back overseas capital.

A view of the Lujiazui financial district in Shanghai’s Pudong district. Photo: AFP
Hong Kong property

Hong Kong’s CK Hutchison reports 7% gain in underlying profit

Diversified business mitigates impact of adverse developments including ‘legal conflict’ over Panama ports, chairman says.

Hong Kong society

Hongkongers on BN(O) pathway won’t face tougher English test, UK confirms

Minister for Migration and Citizenship Mike Tapp says current B1 English language requirement for settlement under BN(O) route will remain unchanged.

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European Union

Hundreds die crossing Mediterranean as 2026 already smashes records

At least 655 migrants died or went missing in January and February taking one of the deadliest migration routes in the world.

Migrants from Syria and Libya call for help as they are assisted by Spanish NGO Open Arms south of the Italian island of Lampedusa in 2022. Photo: AP
Disease

‘Unprecedented in spread’: UK races to contain deadly meningitis outbreak

Health officials target 5,000 students at the University of Kent after two deaths and a spike in MenB cases linked to a nightclub.

Wellness

World’s ‘happiest’ places revealed as social media weighs on us

Heavy social media use is undermining youth well-being in many countries, according to a UN-sponsored report.

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US, Israel war on Iran

Europe says no to Trump’s Iran demands: ‘not our war’

Some of the closest US allies say they don’t want to enter a conflict on which they were given no say ⁠and where they cannot see the endgame.

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People hold a banner with an image of US President Donald Trump during an anti-war protest in Malaga, Spain, on March 7. Photo: Reuters
Ukraine war

Zelensky urges EU to bypass Hungarian veto on vital US$103 billion loan

Putin ally Viktor Orban has been blocking the loan, in part because of a closed pipeline supplying his country with Russian oil in Ukraine.

Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez (right) receives Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky at the headquarters of the Spanish government on Wednesday. Photo: dpa
China manufacturing

Global EV uptake expected to accelerate as Iran war causes petrol price hikes

With more than half of Chinese new car sales being electric in 2025, the nation could save US$28 billion a year in avoided oil import costs.

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Middle East

Letters | Strait of Hormuz is Iran’s trump card

Readers discuss Iran’s best weapon in negotiations, and how the leaders of China and the US can change the course of events in the Middle East.

Human rights

Scottish lawmakers reject bill to let terminally ill people end their lives

A similar bill that would legalise assisted dying in England and Wales is currently bogged down in the British Parliament in London.

Liberal Democrat lawmaker Liam McArthur joins a rally of supporters ahead of MSPs debating his Assisted Dying for Terminally Ill Adults (Scotland) Bill, in the Scottish Parliament in Edinburgh, Scotland on Tuesday. Photo: PA via AP
Ukraine war

Ukraine’s Zelensky warns of ‘brothers in hatred’ as Iran war steals focus

Ukrainian leader visits London as the Middle East conflict overshadows the four-year war against Russia.

British Prime Minister Keir Starmer, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky and Nato Secretary General Mark Rutte at 10 Downing Street in London. Photo: Reuters
Crime

Northern Ireland’s Gerry Adams tells bombings trial he was never in IRA

The ex-Sinn Fein leader is being sued in a civil case at London’s High Court by 3 people injured in UK bombings during the 1970s and 1990s.

US, Israel war on Iran

Military escort for tankers in Strait of Hormuz not long-term fix: IMO head

The UN organisation head said an international naval operation, as suggested by Trump, would not be sustainable.

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Hong Kong politics

Hong Kong cannot extradite Tates without UK or Romania requests, lawmakers say

Videos show Andrew and Tristan Tate surrounded by crowds in Lan Kwai Fong, where onlookers are seen taking photographs and selfies with the influencers.

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Andrew Tate (right) with his brother Tristan outside a restaurant in Hong Kong. Photo: X/Andrew Tate
US-China relations

China ‘in communication’ with US after Trump seeks to delay trip by a month

Neither US president nor China’s foreign ministry can confirm timing of trip after Trump says he wants a delay ‘because of the war’.

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Ukraine war

Zelensky to visit UK as Starmer says it is ‘vital’ to support Ukraine

‘We cannot allow the war in the Gulf to turn into a windfall for Putin,’ Starmer said ahead of Tuesday’s meeting in London.

Donald Trump

BBC asks US court to dismiss Trump’s US$10 billion lawsuit

Documentary was ‘never aired in Florida – or the US’, the British broadcaster said, adding it was challenging the court’s jurisdiction.

Donald Trump speaks to his supporters at a rally on January 6, 2021 near the White House in Washington before they stormed the US Capitol to stop the certification of Joe Biden’s election victory. Photo: Abaca Press / TNS
Crime

‘Evil’ UK nursery worker who raped toddlers in his care jailed for 24 years

The recent cases of child sex abuse have prompted the UK prime minister to consider making security cameras mandatory in nurseries.

A young child huddles against a wall. Nathan Bennett sexually abused five boys at the nursery where he worked. Photo: Shutterstock
Hong Kong property

Hong Kong businessman expected to take loss on Peak sites he bought for US$255m

Tender for three Peak Road lots follows sale by Chan King-wai’s family of another Peak property last year at estimated 56 per cent loss.

China consumption

How record F1 crowds are accelerating Shanghai’s bid to be a global sports hub

Setting a near 20-year attendance record, this year’s race strengthened the city’s case as global event venue – and China’s efforts to spur consumption.

US, Israel war on Iran

Trump warns he ‘may delay’ China visit in demand for countries to secure Hormuz

Some allies say no to ships, after US president demands at least seven countries help secure the strategic waterway.

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US President Donald Trump and Chinese President Xi Jinping when they met in Busan, South Korea, October 30, 2025. Photo: Reuters
Israel-Iran conflict

Police arrest 12 as hundreds join banned pro-Palestinian march in London

Interior Minister Shabana Mahmood agreed to ban the march after police said it was organised by a group ‘supportive of the Iranian regime’.

Police arrest a protester for not removing a face covering during a protest held by pro-Palestinian group Al-Quds in central London on Sunday. Photo: AFP
Hong Kong society

Influencer Andrew Tate, facing rape charges in 2 countries, parties in Hong Kong

Andrew and Tristan Tate, who are facing rape and human‑trafficking charges in Romania and UK, visit Lan Kwai Fong and restaurant in Causeway Bay.

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Fame and celebrity

Meet Eddie Burns, Olivia Dean’s rumoured boyfriend

The Chicago native, who has worked with indie singer Clairo, keeps his romantic life private, although the pair was seen in matching outfits at Wimbledon.

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