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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
The British government has proposed overhauling its migration model but pledged to carefully weigh the considerations of the Hong Kong community. Photo: Getty Images
Hong Kong society

Applications miss target as 670 Hongkongers settle in UK with BN(O) visa

Experts also suggest uncertainties over country’s long-term settlement of migrants could deter future applicants.

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Jeffrey Epstein

UK probes if Epstein used airbases for trafficking girls amid Andrew scrutiny

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Malaysia

Anti-corruption agency seeks Malaysians’ help to find Daim’s 4 children

Keir Starmer

Starmer reels as Greens seize Labour stronghold in UK special election

UK Green Party win Greater Manchester, pushing Starmer’s Labour Party to third place.

A poster promoting Britain’s Green party in Denton, Greater Manchester. Photo: AFP
Hong Kong stock market

Hong Kong stocks cap worst month since October on AI disruption angst

Concerns over AI’s disruptive impact on traditional industries continue to unsettle investors.

United States

Melania Trump to lead UN Security Council session, White House says

First lady will make history by chairing meeting titled ‘Children, Technology and Education in Conflict’ in New York on Monday.

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Peter Mandelson

UK government agrees framework on publishing Mandelson vetting documents

Material ‌about the screening of the former ambassador to the US is currently ⁠being ⁠received by the Cabinet Office from across government.

Former British ambassador to the US Peter Mandelson ouside his home in London on Thursday. Photo: PA via AP
United States

Hillary Clinton grilled on Epstein, demands Trump testify

Former secretary of state denies Epstein ties in an hours-long deposition, as her husband Bill Clinton is set to face questioning.

Human rights

Jersey votes to approve assisted dying as similar UK bill stalls in parliament

Opponents say disabled, elderly, ill and depressed people could be pressured to end their lives so they are not a burden on others.

World Economic Forum (WEF) in Davos

World Economic Forum CEO Brende resigns over Epstein revelations

The former Norwegian foreign minister had business dinners with the sex offender and communicated with him via email.

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World Economic Forum CEO Borge ​Brende. Photo: Reuters
Science

‘Father of graphene’ Andre Geim leaves Britain for chair professorship at HKU

British Nobel laureate who has kept close ties with Chinese researchers says he is drawn to Hong Kong’s distinctive East-West synergy.

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General view of The University of Hong Kong (HKU) campus in Pokfulam. Photo: Dickson Lee
Japan

‘Hostage diplomacy’ fears mount over arrest of Japanese journalist in Iran

The incident comes amid rising tensions between Washington and Tehran, with a large American military force positioned near Iran.

Ukraine war

China affirms ‘no nukes’ position amid claims of European plan to arm Ukraine

While Moscow accuses London and Paris of preparing to give nuclear weapons to Kyiv, Beijing doubles down.

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Mergers & Acquisitions

CK group to sell 100% stake in UK electricity operator for US$14.2 billion

Shares of group’s Hong Kong-listed entities rally on plan to sell UK Power Networks to French utility Engie.

Vehicles from electricity distributor UK Power Networks on an English street. Photo: Shutterstock Images
US-China trade war

US warns of deep distrust even as officials seek stable China ties for summit

Congressional hearings reflect bipartisan concern and highlight persistent advanced tech market tension as key Trump-Xi summit looms.

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The Trump administration wants stable relations with China but does not trust the country, a senior State Department ⁠official said. Photo: Reuters
SFC

SFC moves to freeze assets of 3 insider traders who have left Hong Kong

Former HKEX listing division staffer and two relatives used confidential information to trade shares between 2020 and 2025.

China-EU relations

EU too slow to act as China rewrites global trade rules, trade chief Sefcovic warns

Commissioner calls for faster trade probes and WTO reform as Brussels confronts overcapacity, subsidies and a US$424 billion deficit.

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Ukraine war

Russia accuses Ukraine of seeking nuclear arms with help from UK and France

Russia says the western allies believe Ukraine could end the war on more favourable terms if it had a dirty bomb, an allegation Kyiv denies.

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Ukrainian soldiers and partner forces attend a commemoration service marking the fourth anniversary of Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine at a British Army training camp in East Anglia, Britain, on Tuesday. Photo: Reuters
Jeffrey Epstein

UK eyes releasing files on ‘arrogant’ Andrew to clean away Epstein ‘stain’

The ex-prince is accused of sharing sensitive documents with the convicted paedophile during his time as trade envoy.

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Banking & finance

Why China’s rise as a ‘financial superpower’ could depend on Hong Kong

From the yuan’s growth as a global currency to IPO funding to tokenisation, the city is a linchpin in Beijing’s ambitions.

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Science

World-leading EV motor expert joins Hong Kong PolyU after 38 years in Britain

Permanent magnets scientist Zhu Ziqiang is continuing his globally renowned research in his new role.

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Zhu Ziqiang, who has joined Hong Kong Polytechnic University as chair professor of electrical machines and control systems. Photo: Handout
Banking & finance

Standard Chartered’s 2025 profit jumps 16% buoyed by wealth management growth

The London-based bank’s underlying pre-tax profit stood at US$7.9 billion last year, versus a gain of US$6.8 billion in 2024.

Standard Chartered Bank is one of Hong Kong’s three note-issuing banks. Photo: Nathan Tsui
London Fashion Week

London Fashion Week 2026: Burberry pays homage to its British heritage

Drawing in a star-studded audience from Stray Kids’ Seungmin to Olivia Dean and Kate Moss, the brand focused on its outerwear roots.

Hong Kong courts

Opinion | A speedy pardon in the Jimmy Lai case is unlikely

Foreign governments campaigning for the former media boss’ release should thoroughly look into the nuances of the case as the legal process plays out.

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Racism and other prejudice

Bafta and BBC apologise for racial slur during awards show

Tourette’s campaigner ‘mortified’ after he shouted a racial slur at the Bafta Film Awards on Sunday night.

From left, John Davidson, Dottie Achenbach and Robert Aramayo at the Baftas nominees’ party in London on Saturday. Photo: Reuters
Peter Mandelson

Former UK ambassador Mandelson arrested after Epstein leaks

Peter Mandelson is being probed over allegations that he sent sensitive documents to Jeffrey Epstein.

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Peter Mandelson being led away from his home by a police officer. Photo: BBC via Reuters
Crime in Hong Kong

Hong Kong protests: former young offenders sent on mainland China exchange tours

Head of correctional authorities says expansion of existing scheme aims to boost patriotism and understanding of Chinese culture.

Food and Drinks

These Korean cafes in London are exploding in popularity. Here’s why

High-concept design meets casual dishes and innovative hot drinks at London’s Korean cafes, a popular model fuelled by social media.

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