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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
Migrants wade through the water near the border with Morocco as they attempt to enter Spain’s North African enclave of Ceuta on Friday. Photo: AFP
Spain

France, Italy tighten borders after 60,000 migrants enter Spain’s Ceuta

France is increasing its border police presence fivefold while Italy has suspended its Schengen agreement with Spain.

Singapore

Massive Attack barred from Singapore for unfurling Palestinian flag on stage

Hong Kong transport

Editorial | Hong Kong can act as a springboard for Chinese driverless technology

Google

Google rolls back new satellite image AI tool after backlash

Experts warn it could produce realistic geospatial fakes for misinformation, such as images of explosions, nuclear sites and militant bases.

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Google says it has seen cases of people sharing screenshots of generated imagery that appear to violate the company’s policies. Photo illustration: Reuters
European Union

Hungary braces for nuclear plant shutdown as Danube hits record lows

The power plant, producing nearly half of Hungary’s electricity, uses river water to cool reactors but heatwaves have affected water levels.

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Israel-Gaza war

UK singer Boy George pulls out of musical after pro-Israel song backlash

The artist, who rose to fame with Culture Club, had released a song supporting Israel with lyrics including ‘you say genocide, I say war’.

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Singapore

Singapore takes possession of Lee Kuan Yew’s 38 Oxley Road home for conservation

NHB will assess how the site can be developed even as Lee Hsien Yang says ‘no amount of sophistry’ can disguise his father’s demolition wish.

The front gate of 38 Oxley Road, the home of Singapore’s first prime minister the late Lee Kuan Yew. Photo: EPA
Hong Kong society

‘Fear and anger’ drive parents to seek review of city’s custody of baby Danny

Tsang Wai-bong and Kwan Pui-sin argue son should not be taken away from them because of their stance against vaccinations and prenatal check-ups.

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China-UK relations

Letters | Moving out of Hong Kong would be a bad idea for HSBC and StanChart

Readers discuss a proposal that two of Hong Kong’s note-issuing banks should relocate, and employment protections in the digital age.

China exports

China’s surgical robots break into Vietnam as Beijing targets US dominance

Shipments to Asean have surged 246% this year as cross-border healthcare platforms pave way for manufacturers to challenge US giants like Intuitive Surgical.

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A surgical robot during the 2025 China Medical Equipment Conference & Medical Equipment Exhibition held at Chongqing International Expo Centre in southwest China’s Chongqing, taken on March 14, 2025. Photo: Xinhua
International Property

Foreign US home buying down 14% as Chinese lead high-end market

The drop in foreign homebuyer activity mirrors the decline in international visitors and tourists to the US, says realty group.

An aerial view along Pompano Beach in Florida, the top US state for foreign homebuyers. Photo: TNS
US-China relations

Selection for next UN chief gets under way with Grynspan early front runner

United Nations Security Council started the process on Thursday to pick its new secretary general as successor to Antonio Guterres.

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China economy

Opinion | Can the West really decouple from China?

Instead of trying to ‘catch up’, Western economies should focus on boosting resilience in key sectors without disrupting global supply chains.

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Ant Group

Ant Group spin-offs pursue independent growth with strategic capital moves

The Chinese fintech giant’s three spin-off units are accelerating their capital-raising efforts after gaining operational autonomy in 2024.

The Ant Group booth at the World Artificial Intelligence Conference in Shanghai on July 17, 2026. Photo: Reuters
India

Can a Brics invite mark a new chapter in India-Bangladesh ties?

Analysts welcome the outreach, saying the summit will be an opportunity for both sides to work together if Rahman accepts the invitation.

India’s Prime Minister Narendra  Modi (fifth from right) with other Brics leaders at the summit in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, on July 6, 2025. Photo: Reuters
Singapore

Singapore Marmite fans salty as local distribution ends and online prices soar

The yeast extract spread has disappeared from local supermarkets after its distributor cited ongoing supply challenges.

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United States

Fauci’s refusals put spotlight on ‘pleading the Fifth’ right in US

Former top US Covid expert repeatedly invoked constitutional protection against self-incrimination during a combative Senate panel.

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Law

Legal Tales | Could you identify a criminal? It’s harder than you think

Eyewitness identification on trial: how cases of mistaken identity put the science of the brain in the dock.

Studies consistently reveal that we tend to overestimate our ability to recall past events accurately. Photo: Getty Images
China manufacturing

Why US might struggle to rein in Beijing’s growing 6G influence

24-country alliance aims to coordinate next-generation telecoms strategies, but analysts say China’s tech prowess provides clearer road map.

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UK economy

UK’s PM Burnham vows to fix Britain’s ‘unfair’ adult care system

Burnham did not rule out tax rises to fund a new scheme as part of efforts to overhaul Britain’s social care system.

Crime

Norwegian teen found guilty in UK murder plot tied to Iran-linked group

Prosecutors said Natland had been recruited by the Foxtrot Network, a Swedish organised crime group used by ⁠the Iranian state.

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People walk along the River Thames in London. Natland is ‌the latest young adult to stand trial in Britain and ‌elsewhere over serious criminal acts allegedly carried out after being recruited ⁠online for money. Photo: EPA
Hong Kong sports

On This Day | Windsurfer wins Hong Kong’s first Olympic gold in 1996 – SCMP archive

On this day 30 years ago, Hong Kong won its first Olympic gold. It would take almost exactly 25 years to win another one.

Lee Lai-shan raises her fist in triumph after winning a gold medal in the Olympic women’s windsurfing competition on July 29, 1996. Photo: David Wong
Bonds

Shanghai Clearing House targets global growth with expanded offshore yuan push

SHCH will broaden its clearing services across offshore yuan bonds, interest rates and foreign exchange products.

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US, Israel war on Iran

Iranian missile salvoes and US-Saudi strikes shatter brief Middle East lull

Joint air strikes hit Tehran-backed militia sites in Iraq after dozens of drone and missile attacks across the region.

United States

As I see it | America declares international law for thee but not for me

While the US is seeking to dismantle the International Criminal Court, it has signed a statement upholding the Hague tribunal’s South China Sea ruling.

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US Secretary of State Marco Rubio attends the 33rd Asean Foreign Ministers Meeting in Pasay, Metro Manila, Philippines, on July 23. Photo: AFP
United States

Tate brothers to remain in US jail as they fight extradition to UK

Influencers fight extradition over new rape and sex trafficking charges as their lawyer claims prosecution lacks evidence.

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Andrew Tate and his brother Tristan in 2024. Photo: AFP
Crime

Armed police officers to be deployed for UK’s biggest Pride festival

Following the deadly attack at Berlin’s Pride, police said officers would be stationed at Britain’s Brighton and Hove event this weekend.

Obituaries

Bill Oddie, wildlife champion and Goodies star, dies at 85

The British comic actor built a beloved second career as a bird expert, conservationist and nature presenter.

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