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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
US President Donald Trump walks off stage at a midterm campaign rally at Crossroads Arena in Corinth, Mississippi, on Sunday. Photo: AFP
US midterm elections 2026

Why Indian-American support for Trump is slipping before midterms

Visa restrictions, rising prices and right-wing rhetoric are driving once-supportive voters back towards the Democrats.

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My Life

From Hong Kong to Olympic dreams: swimmer Yvette Kong’s journey of resilience

King Charles III

UK King Charles lands in the Bahamas, faces demands for slavery reparations

Yuan

In Focus | How Hong Kong went from a yuan gateway to a complete currency ecosystem

Yuan can now be used in a wide variety of scenarios in the city, from multi-asset investments to hedging and consumption.

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Illustration: Brian Wang
China-EU relations

German leader’s China visit highlights foreign diplomatic pivot beyond Beijing

Dignitaries increasingly choosing China’s regional hubs to forge direct trade, technology and investment ties with local firms.

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Iran

2 men charged in UK with helping Iran over air force base incident

RAF Fairford had been used by US bombers to attack Iran, but they were withdrawn after five Britons were arrested outside the base.

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South Korea

1 in 6 Gen Z South Koreans took GLP-1 slimming drugs last year: survey

A new survey shows appearance drives slimming drug use among young South Koreans, while regulators battle scams and misinformation.

Wegovy weight-loss medication pictured. About one in six South Korean Gen Z adults were prescribed or used GLP-1 drugs in 2025, leading nationwide uptake, according to a report by KB Financial Group. Photo: Getty Images
US, Israel war on Iran

Why 4 Muslim-majority nations are suddenly pooling their military capabilities

The four-nation Badr defence pact seeks to shed dependence on Western arms sales and the political strings that come with them.

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Australia

USS Colorado named as first US nuclear submarine to be based in Australia

The Aukus pact, seen as a response to China’s military build-up, aims to equip Australia’s navy with a fleet of nuclear stealth submarines.

Fame and celebrity

Macklemore launches ‘Free Palestine Tour’ after Ed Sheeran fallout

Defiant US rapper sells out Dublin arena after being dropped from pop star’s tour for onstage political speeches.

Macklemore on stage in Bern, Switzerland last year. The US rapper launched his Free Palestine Tour in Ireland on Monday. Photo: Keystone via AP
European Union

Burnham rules out UK return to EU free movement without referendum

Prime minister vows to honour manifesto red lines during this parliament as he prepares for a November summit with the bloc.

Britain’s Prime Minister Andy Burnham. Photo: AFP
Crime

US singer Chris Brown avoids jail over UK nightclub incident

He was given an eight-month suspended sentence, meaning that he does not immediately go to prison unless he ‌commits another offence.

Art

Landmark Chinese diplomatic exhibition reinvented in Hong Kong 91 years on

The ‘commemorative tribute’ to the Royal Academy’s 1935 show of Chinese art includes a book launch and the reuniting of 15 objects.

Extreme weather

Storms batter northern Europe, grounding flights and cutting power

Back-to-back hits from Boelo and Austen leave hundreds of thousands without electricity and disrupt travel.

Waves crash over the breakwater lighthouse at Newhaven Harbour during Storm Austen on the southern coast of England. Photo: Reuters
The Philippines

Philippines plans ‘appropriate legal action’ against Thomas Markle

Philippine police are investigating a laptop found alongside images of child abuse at the former home of Meghan Markle’s estranged father.

Meghan Markle (left), former actress and wife of Britain's Prince Harry, and her estranged father Thomas Markle Snr. Photo: EPA
Middle East

Saudi strikes kill 11 in Yemen as Houthi missiles target Saudi cities

Houthi media reported a series of ‘Saudi enemy air strikes’ targeting Sanaa, shortly after the Saudi-led coalition said it intercepted two missiles.

Hong Kong society

How Operation Santa Claus grew from Christmas donations to ‘engine’ of change

Fundraising drive has evolved over its nearly 40 years from simply disbursing funds to building sustained relationships with NGOs.

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Education in Hong Kong

Private secondary sector expands as Hong Kong universities’ reputation grows

Education Bureau says stronger economy and shifting parental preferences drove 56.3 per cent growth in private secondary schools sector since 2021-22.

A rendering of the campus planned for St Bees (Anchors) Sixth Form College HK. Photo: Handout
The Philippines

Meghan Markle ‘distressed’ as Philippines probes father over child abuse images

Prince ⁠Harry’s wife said she had known about the allegations against Thomas Markle since 2018.

China and climate change

China, Europe should form ‘climate club’ for joint carbon pricing: energy expert

Adair Turner urges Beijing and Brussels to unite on emission fees as the US pulls back from climate commitments.

China trade

Could Europe’s cost-of-living protests sharpen EU-China trade tensions?

Unrest over economic hardship could strengthen calls to protect industry and jobs, though direct impact on trade talks is uncertain.

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A man walks past a burned-out car in Paris, France, on Tuesday following protests against the high cost of living. Photo: AP
Banking & finance

Former HSBC insurance veteran joins AIA in latest senior talent move

Appointment follows Mark Tucker’s return to AIA last year, as insurers compete for affluent clients seeking wealth and succession solutions.

Edward Moncreiffe will join AIA Group as regional CEO from November 2. Photo: Jonathan Wong
France

France braces for more unrest as police face scrutiny over weapons and tactics

Authorities deploy reinforcements ahead of Saturday rallies while defending the use of ‘intermediate-force’ weapons.

Myanmar

Rare Suu Kyi phone call to son signals shift in Myanmar junta strategy

Kim Aris, who lives in the UK, says his 81-year-old mother sounded “fairly healthy” but he remains concerned about her well-being.

Donald Trump

Judge gives Trump deadline to sit for deposition in BBC defamation suit

The order came as lawyers for the UK broadcaster complained that the US president had delayed his appearance.

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The BBC logo is seen outside the BBC Broadcasting House in London in December 2025. Photo: Reuters
Hong Kong politics

Hong Kong, Beijing slam UK report’s ‘smears’ over national security law

UK urged to stop interfering in China’s affairs after report says Hong Kong’s openness has been further diminished by national security law.

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Security and the rule of law are being effectively upheld in Hong Kong, Beijing has said. Photo: Dickson Lee
China-EU relations

Who blinked first? Fragile EU-China trade peace sparks new war of words

As European officials flag more trade restrictions, Beijing bristles at the idea it can be pushed into yielding to Brussels’ demands.

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India

Why does India need 4 large amphibious warships?

While the vessels would be useful in humanitarian missions, their deployment in military operations would also be crucial, analysts say.

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