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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
Illustration: Craig Stephens
Diplomacy

Opinion | American allies are finally hedging against American risk

As US policy becomes more self-centred and unpredictable, traditional allies realise their best bet lies with diplomatic diversification.

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Fame and celebrity

Who is Daniel Francis, aka Lord Marcus Anderson on Bridgerton?

Fashion

6 sleek Winter Olympics and Paralympic Games fashion collaborations in 2026

Fame and celebrity

Who is Lily Allen’s new boyfriend, Jonah Freud?

Jonah comes from an influential family indeed: his mother was once married to Princess Diana’s brother, Charles Spencer, and his father is an Oscar-winning producer.

Jonah Freud and Lily Allen arriving at the Valentino after-party at Paris Couture Week last month. Photo: Getty Images
Jeffrey Epstein

Belfast university cuts ties with former US senator over Epstein links

University says it is no longer appropriate to be linked to George Mitchell, whose name appears in files released by the US Justice Department.

China-UK relations

UK’s Starmer faces backlash over China trip amid claims he was ‘tricked’

Conservative leader Kemi Badenoch accused the UK prime minister of adopting a ‘supine and short-termist approach’ to China.

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Donald Trump

Iran plans nuclear talks with US as Trump warns of ‘bad things’

Facing threats of potential US military action, Tehran agrees to a Friday meeting in Istanbul on its nuclear programme.

Protesters at an anti-US and anti-Israeli rally in support of the Iranian government, outside the US consulate in Istanbul on Sunday. Photo: AP
China-Latin America relations

China’s Chalco, Rio Tinto buy Brazil’s CBA for US$886 million to secure minerals

Acquisition of Brazilian flagship aluminium firm reinforces China’s growing footprint in the country’s strategic mineral assets sector.

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Russia

Russian captain found guilty in fatal North Sea tanker crash

Vladimir Motin, 59, will be sentenced on Thursday for 2025 crash that caused the death of crew member and sparked a massive fire.

Jeffrey Epstein

UK’s former US ambassador faces scrutiny over Epstein ties, leaked briefing

UK police review reports of alleged misconduct by Peter Mandelson after the latest Epstein files release by the US Justice Department.

Peter Mandelson, Britain’s former ambassador to the US. Photo: BBC via Reuters
Jeffrey Epstein

Fergie called Epstein ‘brother’ and ‘legend’, new emails reveal

Ex-wife of UK’s former prince Andrew asked late sex offender for rent money and joked ‘just marry me’ in 2009 exchanges, documents show.

Sarah Ferguson leaves St. George’s Chapel at Windsor Castle after the Easter Mattins Service on March 31, 2024. Photo: AFP
Jeffrey Epstein

Epstein files reveal ‘embarrassing’ friendship with another royal

Crown princess’ name appears hundreds of times in the millions of new Epstein documents released by the US Department of Justice.

China economy

Opinion | US-China rivalry: great powers that don’t make things won’t be great for long

As globalisation falters, it is countries that focus on building productive capacity, not financial excess, that will come out on top.

Jeffrey Epstein

Former UK ambassador quits Labour Party after latest Epstein files revelations

Peter Mandelson is facing questions over several payments allegedly received from Jeffrey Epstein in the early 2000s.

Peter Mandelson, Britain’s former ambassador to the US. Photo: BBC via AFP
China-Africa relations

How China’s plan to internationalise yuan has quietly taken a step forward

Decision to repay loans and import costs directly to China in Chinese currency is practical rather than political, experts say.

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Zambia is collecting taxes and royalties from Chinese mining firms in yuan, and repaying loans and import costs back to Beijing in the same currency. Photo: AP
Fame and celebrity

Meet Finn Bennett, who plays Prince Aerion in A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms

The Irish-British actor plays Aerion in HBO Max’s new Game of Thrones spin-off, but did you know he was in True Detective and Warfare, too?

Jeffrey Epstein

UK PM says ex-prince Andrew should explain all Epstein ties in US Congress

The prime minister’s tougher stance is likely to ratchet up the pressure on Andrew, who was stripped of his royal titles by the king last year.

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Sexual harassment and assault

New Epstein photos show ex-prince Andrew on all fours over woman on the floor

The British royal also discussed potentially meeting a ‘beautiful’ Russian woman in her 20s in emails with the late sex offender.

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Britain’s former prince Andrew is seen with an unidentified woman in a photo released on Friday. Photo: US Justice Department
Sundance Film Festival

Film on Scottish community resisting immigration raid wins Sundance award

Documentary ‘Everybody To Kenmure Street’ is about the day hundreds of people in Glasgow gathered to prevent two neighbours being detained.

Pop Mart

Labubu toymaker Pop Mart picks London as European headquarters in overseas push

CEO Wang Ning reveals firm’s latest expansion plan at Friday’s closed-door meeting with UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer.

Japan

Japan, UK agree outer space, critical mineral supply chains collaboration

PMs Sanae Takaichi and Keir Starmer also said they’d work together in other areas, including cybersecurity, trade and defence.

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British Prime Minister Keir Starmer shakes hands with Japan’s Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi during a press conference after their bilateral meeting in Tokyo on Saturday. Photo: via dpa
China-EU relations

Full pivot or anxious hedge? Europe’s leaders flock to China

In Brussels, a form of transactional pragmatism has taken root as bloc seeks to weather US hostility.

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Prime Minister Keir Starmer of Britain, a non-EU state, pictured in Shanghai on Friday, becoming the latest European leader to make a beeline for China. Photo: Pool via Reuters
China travel

Here are 5 ways to enter China without a visa – by land, sea or air

With more countries joining the visa exemption list and more points of entry for other passport holders, travel to China has never been easier.

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US-China relations

As Canada and UK hit refresh on China ties, is this the end of Five Eyes?

The White House’s ‘America first’ strategy is prompting alliance members to take another look at their relationship with Beijing.

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Diplomacy

Editorial | Starmer’s visit to China highlights benefits of dialogue over confrontation

While several deals were struck on the UK prime minister’s trip, the most important outcome is the willingness of the leaders of both countries to work constructively together.

British Prime Minister Keir Starmer with Chinese President Xi Jinping in Beijing on January 29. Photo: AP
China-UK relations

China lifted sanctions on British lawmakers after Starmer–Xi meeting, UK says

Prime minister says Beijing has removed 2021 curbs on MPs as part of a wider reset, though sanctions on others appear to remain.

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UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer addresses Chinese and UK business delegations at a reception in Shanghai on Friday. Photo: AFP
China's military weapons

Has China’s game-changer PL-17 long-range missile finally been seen up close?

Photo on Chinese social media appears to show full-size model of missile that may pose threat to US air dominance in Pacific, analysts say.

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China trade

What has UK PM Starmer achieved in China – and what next for Sino-British ties?

The British leader’s trip has so far yielded tariff cuts and agreements on trade and investment.

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