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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
Britain is eyeing measures aimed at protecting children online. Photo: Reuters
Social media

My Take | Putting the social media genie back in the bottle will not be easy to do

The determination around the world to crack down on the use of these platforms by children is a response to the mounting evidence of the harm it can do.

Hong Kong politics

Rise in elite civil servants leaving prompts calls for hiring rethink

Banking & finance

Macroscope | Can Andy Burnham fix Britain’s essential services and debt problem?

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Hong Kong transport

Cathay Pacific says sorry to actor Wu Chun over 3-day luggage delay ordeal

Online posts by the Mandopop star, who was earlier featured in the airline’s promotional campaign, trigger backlash against carrier.

Actor and singer Wu Chun was a former Taiwanese boyband member. Photo: Getty Images
Hong Kong International Film Festival

On This Day | Hong Kong hosts its first International Film Festival in 1977 – SCMP archive

The first Hong Kong International Film Festival was held in 1977. This year marked its 50th iteration.

Fifa World Cup 2026

Meet Katie Goodland, England captain Harry Kane’s wife and childhood sweetheart

The all-time highest goalscorer for the men’s national football team is leading his country’s challenge at the 2026 World Cup – but what do you know about his wife?

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Donald Trump

Trump threatens 100% tariff on countries that impose digital services tax

The US president singled out European nations in a push against foreign efforts to tax or regulate American tech giants.

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US President Donald Trump speaks during a Rose Garden Club dinner at the White House on Thursday. Photo: AFP
US, Israel war on Iran

When geography is destiny, Gulf states must diversify their defence, expert says

World Economic Forum meeting also told Iran’s leadership now views economic survival – not geopolitical ambition – as primary priority.

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France

‘New normal’: European hospitals overwhelmed by heatwave

Extreme London heat led to the highest ever number of life-threatening emergency calls in a day. French hospitals were also inundated.

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Extreme weather

Asia’s ‘dangerous’ humid heatwaves push human body to its limits

Parts of Southeast Asia are set to experience at least six months of dangerous humid heat days annually, a report says.

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Pedestrians use portable fans while walking on a street in Bangkok, Thailand, on Tuesday. Photo: Xinhua
Fame and celebrity

Meet Ewan Mitchell, who plays Prince Aemond Targaryen in House of the Dragon

Before finding himself at the centre of the Game of Thrones prequel’s shocking kiss, the actor was in Saltburn with Jacob Elordi and Barry Keoghan.

Prince Aemond Targaryen (Ewan Mitchell) and Alicent Hightower (Olivia Cooke) share a disturbing mother-son kiss in the season three premiere of House of the Dragon. Photo: @hbomax/Instagram
Defence

US and allies flex military muscle on China’s doorstep with multi-front drills

Analysts say the near-simultaneous exercises reflect a shift in US strategy that enables allies to play a greater role in regional security.

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Singapore

Singapore’s Lee Kuan Yew seen as cool guy amid Europe’s deadly heatwave

In the midst of record-breaking temperatures, social media users are praising the late statesman’s foresight in embracing air conditioning.

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Electric & new energy vehicles

Banking on it: Chinese EVs expand their global footprint

With a boost in global exports offsetting domestic dips, banks forecast significant growth in overseas markets – especially western Europe.

Chinese-made MG Cyberster electric vehicles wait to be loaded onto a ship for export at a car yard in Yantai, China's eastern Shandong province on Thursday. Photo: AFP
King Charles III

UK’s King Charles breaks tradition to reveal US$17 million tax bill

Tax details disclosed as it is announced the British monarch will not live at Buckingham Palace after costly refurbishment.

Britain’s King Charles paid £12.9 million (US$17.04 million) in tax in 2024/25. Photo: AFP
Taiwan

Beijing slams US, European concerns over coastguard patrols near Taiwan

Mainland Chinese authorities reject criticism, saying deployments are necessary response to maritime border talks between Manila and Tokyo.

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Donald Trump

Trump shrugs off Britain’s incoming leader: ‘I hear he’s extremely liberal’

US president’s remarks about Andy Burnham set the stage for a potentially rocky start between the two men.

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Hong Kong’s Tai Po fire tragedy

Exclusive | ‘No limits’ to accountability over Tai Po fire, security chief Chris Tang says

Secretary for security says committee investigating blaze will deliver results in a timely manner and commission of inquiry not needed.

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Secretary for Security Chris Tang. Photo: Dickson Lee
Brexit

Opinion | UK’s revolving door of prime ministers reveals a deeper malaise

Britain’s democratic institutions can endure instability, but this does not translate into an ability to deliver sustained national renewal.

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Donald Trump

New poll shows eroding global trust in Trump and America

Pew survey across 36 nations found just 23 per cent of respondents had confidence in Trump to do the right thing in world affairs.

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Extreme weather

‘Health impacts likely’ as Europe bakes in early heatwave

France hits record-breaking June heat as soaring temperatures put the UK and other nations under red alert. Tens of millions are affected.

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A woman walks past shops during a heatwave in England’s northern city of York on Wednesday. Britain’s meteorological office has issued a very rare red heat warning - only issued once before - for Wednesday and Thursday, as temperatures could soar to 40 degrees. Photo: AFP
Artificial intelligence

Milestones for China’s medical AI as robot wins EU nod and model tops benchmark

Medbot’s teleoperated robot gains EU clearance as Baichuan-M4 clinical AI outshines global rivals in OpenAI’s HealthBench.

[Shutterstock] Medical technology concept with 3d rendering surgery robot in surgery room. Photo: Shutterstock Images.
Stock Illustration ID: 1701322531
Diplomacy

Editorial | Even as Starmer goes, Britain’s pragmatic China stance likely to stay

Andy Burnham, tipped to succeed Starmer, is not an outspoken critic of Beijing and engagement is set to continue despite broader geopolitical tensions.

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Hong Kong economy

Editorial | Why it matters that Hong Kong is surging in global rankings

The city cannot afford complacency if it is to remain unrivalled as a bridge between China and the world.

Ukraine war

Ukraine war: Russia says US hasn’t delivered on Trump-Putin ‘understandings’

With Kyiv claiming to be turning the tide of the conflict, Moscow’s comments signal a growing frustration with Washington.

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Smoke billows behind an Orthodox church following a reported Ukrainian drone attack, in Moscow, Russia, on Thursday. Photo: EPA
Australia

Plenty to shout about: Australian town crier crowned as world’s loudest person

Guinness World Records said the 58-year-old recorded the loudest shout, in the range of an aircraft taking off and an ambulance siren nearby.

Joseph McGrail-Bateup demonstrates his loud voice in Canberra, Australia, on Tuesday, after being recognised by Guinness World Records as the world’s loudest person. Photo: via AP
China-UK relations

Will Andy Burnham shake up the UK’s China policy if he becomes prime minister?

Outgoing Starmer stabilised ties, but analysts say the UK’s economic problems will be the next leader’s top priority.

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Crime

Former Scottish National Party chief jailed for 5 years for embezzling party funds

Peter Murrell, the estranged husband of ex-SNP leader Nicola Sturgeon, admitted spending US$540,000 on items including a motorhome and cars.

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