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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 Russian navy frigate, the Admiral Grigorovich, is seen in an undated image. Photo: UK ministry of defence via PA/dpa
Russia

Russian warship fires warning shots at UK yacht in English Channel

UK ministry of defence is investigating reports of the incident involving a civilian vessel and the Russian frigate Admiral Grigorovich.

US-China tech war

China’s AI outpaces global rivals but trails in trust, survey shows

China economy

Opinion | The real danger in Western peddling of the China overcapacity myth

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US, Israel war on Iran

No victory, no defeat: Iran war pauses with a fragile freeze

Thousands dead, hundreds of billions lost and an agreement many analysts expect to collapse. The Iran ceasefire, explained.

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Smoke rises behind the Azadi Tower in Tehran following a US-Israeli military strike on Iran in early March. Photo: ISNA/AP
Japan

Takaichi’s G7 mission: bridge Trump-bloc divides, polish ‘Iron Lady’ image

The Japanese leader also proposed a strategic mineral stockpiling plan during the summit to counter China and boost Tokyo’s global role.

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Taiwan

Taiwan’s website for intelligence tips from mainland China spurs debate

‘Contact window’ launched for political, military, economic and social intelligence but critics say disinformation will be a challenge.

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China economy

Opinion | Can Hong Kong break London’s maritime insurance grip?

An alternative system is needed to end Washington and London’s ability to weaponise maritime insurance for their geopolitical ends.

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Illustration: Craig Stephens
War and conflict

UK charges Indian captain of suspected Russian shadow tanker seized in Channel

Ajay Pant is alleged to have contravened sanctions by supplying or delivering ‘prohibited oil / oil products from Russia to a third country’.

Banking & finance

The View | What Japanese outbound investment says about Asia’s top property market

While the drivers behind Tokyo’s outbound capital flow accentuate challenges in the domestic market, Japanese real estate still shows signs of promise.

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Japan

Japan, Italy to boost tech, critical minerals cooperation

The nations seek closer ties, particularly on supply chains amid concerns about over-reliance on China for critical minerals.

Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi (right) shakes hands with her Italian counterpart Giorgia Meloni at a welcoming ceremony in Rome on Monday. Photo: Kyodo
Keir Starmer

London court convicts 2 men of plot to torch houses and car linked to UK PM

A Russian-speaking figure who went by the name ‘El Money’ offered one of the men money through Telegram to torch the properties.

A person walks to a police officer at a cordoned off street, where a fire broke out at Britain’s Prime Minister Keir Starmer’s home in May 2025. Photo: Reuters
Social media

UK bans under 16s from social media apps including TikTok, YouTube

The move makes the UK part of a growing global movement to tighten online safety for children.

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US, Israel war on Iran

The US and Iran have signed a ‘great deal’. So what happens now?

Memorandum of understanding expected to open pathway for talks on most contentious issues, including nuclear programme and sanctions.

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Tommy Robinson

UK anti-Islam activist Tommy Robinson says he was detained under terrorism laws

Police said a man in his 40s had been arrested under the Counter Terrorism and Border Security Act as he flew back to Britain from Russia.

British far-right activist Tommy Robinson, whose real name is Stephen Yaxley-Lennon. Photo: AFP
Ukraine war

Putin and Zelensky hold calls with Trump as US president marks 80th birthday

Trump said ending the Ukraine war could open the door to a ‘new quality of US-Russian relations’, according to a Russian presidential aide.

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From left, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, US President Donald Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin. Photo: Ukrainian Presidential Press Service / AFP
Russia

British commandos board Russian shadow fleet tanker, Zelensky grateful

The UK has sanctioned almost 600 Russian oil tankers, as part of Western governments’ efforts to disrupt revenue that funds Russia’s war in Ukraine.

Fashion

8 collabs between star Western athletes and Asian sportswear brands

Labels like Asics, Li-Ning and Uniqlo are gaining global traction by signing on Western athletes like Emma Raducanu, Stephen Curry and Dwyane Wade.

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Hong Kong courts

Opinion | Why executive branches are best placed to gauge national security risks

Courts the world over sit on national security cases but defer to executive judgment on national security issues. Hong Kong is no different.

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Chief Executive John Lee Ka-chiu attends the opening ceremony of National Security Education Day at the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre on April 15. Photo: Nora Tam
Donald Trump

Trump to discuss Strait of Hormuz demining efforts at G7

Trump also plans to meet on the sideline of the summit with the leaders of Egypt, Qatar and UAE to discuss efforts to wind down the Iran war.

Fifa

My Take | The World Cup will not solve the globe’s problems, but it can bring us together

After months of controversy, the tournament has finally kicked off, and it may just live up to its billing as the greatest show on earth.

Chinese overseas

Being Chinese | When a Chinese auntie met the right uncle

We work well together because we enjoy discovering a version of ourselves in each other, and new things and new ways of being.

Mixed-race couples often adapt to each other’s culinary traditions and cultural habits. Photo: Shutterstock
Asean

Asean at 60: peace, prosperity and polite paralysis

Non-interference bought decades of stability, but now breeds inaction. Is Asean due an overhaul?

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Illustration: Huy Truong
Fame and celebrity

Everything to know about Jessie Mei Li, star of revenge thriller The Season

The Shadow and Bone star’s rise to fame, from college dropout to sharing the screen with A-listers like Tom Hardy and Anna Taylor-Joy.

Fashion

Bridal wear, unbridled: what to wear for the unconventional summer bride

Go for Silvia Tcherassi if you’re planning a traditional or beach wedding, or be subversive in black with Susie Cave’s help, while ‘brides of all genders’ should look to Harris Reed.

Art

Britain’s David Hockney, a giant of contemporary art, dies aged 88

A major artist of the 20th and 21st centuries, he continued painting, experimenting and exhibiting right up until his death.

Artist David Hockney poses for a picture at the Los Angeles County Museum of Art in April 2018. Photo: TNS
Keir Starmer

Starmer says he won’t ‘walk away’ after UK defence chief’s resignation

The PM also rejected the defence minister’s criticism, saying the UK’s security was his top priority and would remain ⁠so.

Keir Starmer departs for Prime Minister’s Questions at Downing Street in London, Britain, on Wednesday. Photo: EPA
Doing Good

Doing good: in celebration of those making the world a better place

From an epic walk in aid of mental-health charities to helping those with special needs get fighting fit and rescuing Hong Kong’s four-legged friends, here we mark more unsung heroes.

Crime

Belfast stabbing victim ‘improving’ and may soon wake from coma

Stephen Ogilvie lost his left eye and suffered deep head and back wounds in a brutal attack that sparked violent unrest in Northern Ireland.

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