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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
British far-right activist Tommy Robinson, whose real name is Stephen Yaxley-Lennon. Photo: AFP
Tommy Robinson

UK anti-Islam activist Tommy Robinson says he was detained under terrorism laws

Police said a man in his 40s had been arrested under the Counter Terrorism and Border Security Act as he flew back to Britain from Russia.

Ukraine war

Putin and Zelensky hold calls with Trump as US president marks 80th birthday

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Russia

British commandos board Russian shadow fleet tanker, Zelensky grateful

Fashion

8 collabs between star Western athletes and Asian sportswear brands

Labels like Asics, Li-Ning and Uniqlo are gaining global traction by signing on Western athletes like Emma Raducanu, Stephen Curry and Dwyane Wade.

Western athletes like Emma Raducanu are increasingly open to signing with Asian sportswear labels. Photo: AFP
Hong Kong courts

Opinion | Why executive branches are best placed to gauge national security risks

Courts the world over sit on national security cases but defer to executive judgment on national security issues. Hong Kong is no different.

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Donald Trump

Trump to discuss Strait of Hormuz demining efforts at G7

Trump also plans to meet on the sideline of the summit with the leaders of Egypt, Qatar and UAE to discuss efforts to wind down the Iran war.

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Fifa

My Take | The World Cup will not solve the globe’s problems, but it can bring us together

After months of controversy, the tournament has finally kicked off, and it may just live up to its billing as the greatest show on earth.

Singers Elyanna and Jessie Reyez perform during the opening ceremony of the 2026 Fifa World Cup. Photo: Reuters
Chinese overseas

Being Chinese | When a Chinese auntie met the right uncle

We work well together because we enjoy discovering a version of ourselves in each other, and new things and new ways of being.

Asean

Asean at 60: peace, prosperity and polite paralysis

Non-interference bought decades of stability, but now breeds inaction. Is Asean due an overhaul?

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Fame and celebrity

Everything to know about Jessie Mei Li, star of revenge thriller The Season

The Shadow and Bone star’s rise to fame, from college dropout to sharing the screen with A-listers like Tom Hardy and Anna Taylor-Joy.

Jessie Mei Li (centre) plays protagonist Cola in revenge drama series The Season. Photo: @studiovo.official/Instagram
Fashion

Bridal wear, unbridled: what to wear for the unconventional summer bride

Go for Silvia Tcherassi if you’re planning a traditional or beach wedding, or be subversive in black with Susie Cave’s help, while ‘brides of all genders’ should look to Harris Reed.

Cecilie Bahnsen has dresses that range from the traditional to bespoke creations that can be as avant garde as you like. Photo: Handout
Art

Britain’s David Hockney, a giant of contemporary art, dies aged 88

A major artist of the 20th and 21st centuries, he continued painting, experimenting and exhibiting right up until his death.

Keir Starmer

Starmer says he won’t ‘walk away’ after UK defence chief’s resignation

The PM also rejected the defence minister’s criticism, saying the UK’s security was his top priority and would remain ⁠so.

Doing Good

Doing good: in celebration of those making the world a better place

From an epic walk in aid of mental-health charities to helping those with special needs get fighting fit and rescuing Hong Kong’s four-legged friends, here we mark more unsung heroes.

A night charity running event co-organised by Inclufit and Wazup Running Club starting from Tai Ping Shan Street. Photo: Elson Li
Crime

Belfast stabbing victim ‘improving’ and may soon wake from coma

Stephen Ogilvie lost his left eye and suffered deep head and back wounds in a brutal attack that sparked violent unrest in Northern Ireland.

Police attempt to disperse protesters in Belfast, Northern Ireland, on Wednesday. Photo: AP
Keir Starmer

Starmer’s woes worsen as 2 UK ministers quit over military spending

The sudden exits of John Healey and Al Carns leave the UK prime minister’s authority reeling with challengers in the wings.

Protests around the world

Belfast reeling as street violence and online ‘hit lists’ terrify minorities

UK minister says violence in Northern Ireland is ‘racist thuggery’ as ethnic minorities are targeted.

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SCMP Highlights

Tokyo Sézanne’s missing stars; beating arthritis at 68: 7 Lifestyle highlights

From a little-known haven on Hokkaido island to how optimism make you live longer, here are seven stories from SCMP’s recent reporting.

Sézanne at Four Seasons Hotel Tokyo at Marunouchi, Japan. The restaurant has been quietly stripped of its three Michelin stars. Photo: Sézanne
Protests around the world

Police fire water cannon in Belfast as stabbing sparks second night of unrest

Masked crowds clash with riot police as a Sudanese man is charged in a brutal knife attack that has left the city reeling.

Food and Drinks

Dish in Focus: Scotch egg at Avalon

Jarrod Verbiak refines a British classic into a polished comfort dish, marrying Cumberland sausage, charred leek mayonnaise and crisp pickles.

US-China relations

FBI disables 13 Chinese suspected spying websites targeting US officials

Chinese intelligence allegedly used internet domains to blackmail Americans with security clearances into divulging sensitive information.

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Thirteen internet domains used to target Americans with access to classified and sensitive US government information were seized on Wednesday by federal authorities. Photo: Shutterstock
Fifa World Cup

Photo book This is Football celebrates the game as the Fifa World Cup kicks off

As the biggest tournament in world football kicks off, this lavish book looks back at seminal moments involving Lionel Messi, David Beckham, Cristiano Ronaldo, Pelé and more.

Pelé in action for Brazil against Bulgaria during a Fifa World Cup 1966 match in Liverpool, England. Photo: Rolls Press/Popperfoto via Getty Images
Artificial intelligence

Opinion | China-UK cooperation vital in ensuring the AI era puts people first

With their combined strengths, China and Britain can advance an artificial intelligence age defined by safety, inclusion and prosperity.

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Elon Musk

Elon Musk accused of stoking tensions, ‘weaponising fear’ in Belfast

Musk, who shared lists on social media of locations where protests could take place, blamed ‘uncontrolled immigration’ for the unrest.

US-China relations

How will the Pentagon’s expanded blacklist of Chinese firms affect Xi’s US visit?

Washington’s latest move tests fragile ‘stability’ reached at leadership summit in Beijing and highlights intense competition, analysts say.

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Chinese robotics company Unitree, whose G1 Humanoid Robot was displayed during London Tech Week on Monday, has been added to the Pentagon's updated list of Chinese military-linked companies. Photo: Reuters
Fifa World Cup 2026

Gold-laden World Cup trophy’s value surges 157% – how much is the bullion worth?

While priceless to players, all that shimmers in the iconic Fifa statue has seen its intrinsic value skyrocket amid a historic rally since the last tournament.

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The Fifa World Cup trophy is seen on display in the US state of New Jersey earlier this month. Photo: IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect
Banking & finance

New York leads, but Asia-Pacific’s financial hubs are on the rise

The centre of gravity is shifting east in the financial services world, but New York remains the global benchmark, says Colliers report.

Keir Starmer

‘I’m scared’: Belfast violence after knife attack keeps residents on edge

Sudanese man Hadi Alodid appeared in court over the stabbing that sparked unrest and torching of homes and vehicles.

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