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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
A green and gold, emerald-encrusted Faberge egg, which was stolen from a London pub in 2024. Photo: Metropolitan Police/AFP
Crime

US$3 million Faberge egg heist at London pub ends in jail for thief

The rare item remains missing as police continue their investigation, urging anyone with information to come forward.

US, Israel war on Iran

No let-up in Israeli attacks on Lebanon as US-Iran ceasefire teeters

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Science

China team introduced plant-based photosynthesis in sick animals. They recovered

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SCMP Highlights

Gingle Wang’s rise, Hong Kong chef’s Canadian bakery: 7 Lifestyle highlights

From a colon cancer survivor’s fitness to an exhibition on Chinese-British exchanges, here are seven stories from SCMP’s recent reporting.

Taiwanese actress Gingle Wang takes part in an interview with the SCMP in Tsim Sha Tsui on April 2, 2026. Her journey from a novice actress to a star highlights her approach to acting. Photo: Karma Lo
Malaysia

Malaysian corruption watchdog secures arrest warrant for tycoon Daim’s sons

The move marks the latest development in a years-long probe into the ex-finance minister’s wealth.

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Banking & finance

Barclays boosts Hong Kong presence to tap thriving IPO market

C.S. Venkatakrishnan said the bank is increasing its outlay on talent and technology across its investment banking and trading units.

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Fame and celebrity

Festival cancelled after UK government bans Kanye West from country

The British Home Office said his presence in Britain would not be ‘conducive to the public good’.

Ye had been expected to perform in front of around 150,000 revellers July 10-12 at the open-air festival in London’s Finsbury Park. Photo: AFP
Singapore

Singapore’s Shanmugam slams Bloomberg’s ‘venomous’ emails in defamation hearing

Cabinet ministers K. Shanmugam and Tan See Leng are suing Bloomberg over an article mentioning their personal property deals.

Keir Starmer

Pressure mounts on UK government to ban Kanye West after festival backlash

Promoter defends plan for US rapper to headline London festival as sponsors pull out.

Keir Starmer

Major sponsors drop out of London festival headlined by Kanye West

Pepsi and Diageo pull out of Wireless Festival as PM Starmer weighs in on US rapper who has praised Nazism in the past.

Ye, formerly known as Kanye West, after arriving at Shanghai Pudong International Airport in 2025. Photo: AFP
Hong Kong economy

Move over, Easter bunny: cats are the stars in Hong Kong this holiday

Seasonal cat-themed artworks are stealing the limelight this Easter, tapping into the city’s booming ‘cat economy’.

‘A Moment to Purr’, a giant interactive cat art installation, is located at the arrivals hall of Terminal 1 at Hong Kong International Airport. Photo: Eugene Lee
International Property

How changes in home rental laws in England impact Hong Kong, mainland investors

Hong Kong-based investors own about 19 per cent of foreign-owned homes in London, while mainland Chinese account for about 12 per cent.

London

London mayor’s bodyguards relieved of duties after bag of guns ‘misplaced’

A pregnant passer-by found the bag, containing guns, a taser and ammunition, on a road outside Sadiq Khan’s home.

South Korea

Softly, softly: why South Korea, France prefer diplomacy over force in Hormuz

Presidents Lee and Macron have agreed to cooperate on safety in the strait but they are likely to wade in only after the war, analysts say.

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South Korean President Lee Jae Myung (right) toasts with Emmanuel Macron during a luncheon for the French leader at the presidential office in Seoul on Friday. Photo: Yonhap/dpa
Scams and swindles

Cambodia’s high-stakes war on online scam compounds

Cambodia has vowed to stamp out the scam compounds on its soil by month’s end – but perpetrators remain drawn to the potential for huge profits.

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Illustration: Davies Christian
China-EU relations

China, Europe and why Beijing took a swing at Iran over the Strait of Hormuz

Beijing takes a stand at the United Nations at the closure of shipping lanes.

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Crime

After car crash, Tiger Woods told officer he was ‘talking to the president’

It wasn’t clear if the golfer, who is dating Vanessa Trump, was talking about US President Donald Trump.

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US, Israel war on Iran

Immediate reopening of Strait of Hormuz demanded at 40-nation talks

Iran is trying to hold the global economy hostage via its blockade of the waterway, said the UK’s foreign minister, who hosted the meeting.

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British Foreign Secretary Yvette Cooper hosts a virtual meeting with foreign ministers. Photo: EPA
US, Israel war on Iran

How Trump’s plan to take Iran’s Kharg Island could come unhinged

US President Donald Trump has repeatedly threatened to seize the key Iranian oil hub, with latest speech heightening fears.

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Japan

Why Japan’s advanced fighter project may get Canadian tailwinds

With Ottawa’s interest in the stealth fighter, Tokyo hopes the multinational project for its air force’s modernisation can regain momentum.

Sexual harassment and assault

BBC defends action in new sex abuse scandal involving DJ Scott Mills

The BBC has been rocked by multiple sexual scandals involving top personalities in recent years.

Anti-BBC protesters in 2024 as former BBC news presenter Huw Edwards (not pictured) arrives at Westminster Magistrates’ Court for his sentencing hearing in London. Photo: EPA-EFE
Malaysia

Malaysian anti-corruption body offers to pay for witness’s flight in chips probe

Ex-government aide James Chai, who is in London, said he was a ‘nobody’ who did not influence the US$250 million deal with Arm Holdings.

Malaysia’s anti-corruption agency is seeking the help of former government aide James Chai as a witness over a US$250 million deal with Arm Holdings. Photo: Facebook/James Chai
Indonesia

Indonesia to deport Scottish crime boss wanted by Spain

Steven Lyons is wanted in Spain and Britain in connection with organised crime, drug trafficking and money laundering.

Hong Kong-UK spying row

Hong Kong trade office manager in London denies running spy network

Bill Yuen is accused of hiring UK Border Force officer Peter Wai to gather information about politicians and Hong Kong activists.

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Banking & finance

Hong Kong’s anticipated stablecoin licence by end-March does not materialise

Analysts say the delay is most likely administrative and that the overall plan is still on track.

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Hong Kong’s stablecoin initiative is part of efforts to become a global digital-asset hub. Photo: Getty Images
United States

King Charles to visit US in late April amid Iran war concerns

The decision comes despite calls for the trip to be cancelled or delayed in light of the Iran war.

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US President Donald Trump (right) and Britain’s King Charles inspect the Guard of Honour during Trump’s state visit at Windsor Castle on September 17, 2025. Photo: Reuters
Middle East

Trump urges countries seeking oil to go to Strait of Hormuz and ‘just take it’

Amid high prices of fuel during the Iran war, the US leader urged nations to buy American oil or ‘just take it’ from the Strait of Hormuz.

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Art

A legendary opera singer on playing the ‘bad boy’ on stage

Bryn Terfel’s journey as one of opera’s most commanding voices, from singing at King Charles’ coronation to Verbier Festival’s inaugural China edition.

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