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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 man looks at an EV from a Chinese carmaker at an auto expo in Shanghai. Photo: AP
US, Israel war on Iran

Iran war oil shock shifts Asia’s EV revolution into overdrive

From Nepal to Vietnam, soaring fuel costs are making petrol cars a luxury as Asia outpaces Europe in the race to go electric.

Iran

UK investigating Iran link to arson attacks on Jewish sites in London

Africa

Pope prays at Catholic shrine in Angola that was a centre of African slave trade

Keir Starmer

Allies back Starmer as Mandelson decision leaves UK leader fighting for his job

Deputy PM David Lammy said if Starmer had known of Mandelson’s Epstein ties, ‘he would never, ever’ have appointed him US ambassador.

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Britain’s Prime Minister Keir Starmer in the House of Commons in London. Photo: PRU / AFP / Handout
China technology

My Take | Is China just an emerging electro-state or an electro-civilisation state?

Like every advancing society in the past, it sees the future by seizing new energy sources and their associated technologies.

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Hong Kong sports

Hong Kong Sevens a treat for fans but local restaurants hungry for more trade

Over three action-packed days of rugby, a record 113,000 fans pass through the turnstiles.

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Crime

UK’s counterterror police probe another London arson attack

The fire in Hendon on Friday follows another arson attack on a synagogue in nearby Finchley on Wednesday.

Police on Saturday cordon off the area outside of the business following an arson attack in Hendon, north London. Photo: AFP
Japan

Japan, Australia finalise contracts to deliver first 3 of planned frigates

This comes as Japan is set to ease rules on defence equipment exports, which have strict limits on exporting weapons with lethal capability.

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US, Israel war on Iran

Iranians fear ‘pressure will 100% increase’ after US, Israeli strikes stop

Iranians are worried that an agreement with the US will free the regime to return to asserting control over its people.

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Banking & finance

Hong Kong wants to be a global gold vault. Does the Iran war create an opening?

Geopolitical risk is driving a rethink of where bullion is stored – and Hong Kong’s unique status is drawing attention.

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The Hong Kong Gold Exchange kicking off the Year of the Horse with its traditional Chinese New Year opening ceremony in Sheung Wan. Photo: SCMP
Japan

Japan ditches decades of arm export curbs as US reliability wavers

From drones for Ukraine to warships for Australia, ‘peace-loving’ Japan is fast pivoting towards arming the world.

Japanese Type 10 battle tanks operate during a military drill in Funabashi, east of Tokyo, in January. Photo: Reuters
China manufacturing

Iran war energy shock sees Chinese firms recalibrate overseas expansion plans

Businesses are rethinking short-term strategies as they adapt to rising costs and slowing growth across major economies.

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US, Israel war on Iran

Iran war: France and UK to lead ‘defensive’ force for Strait of Hormuz

Trump, meanwhile, says he received a Nato offer to help secure the key waterway but told the alliance to ‘STAY AWAY’.

Hong Kong society

Gloomy weather can’t take shine off Hong Kong Sevens for visiting rugby fans

Rugby tournament kicks off 50th anniversary edition with spectators in party mood.

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The Hong Kong Sevens got under way on Friday at Kai Tak Stadium. Photo: Karma Lo
Keir Starmer

UK’s Starmer faces calls to resign as Mandelson scandal reignites

Crisis deepens as the UK government admits Starmer’s former ambassador to US was appointed despite failing security vetting.

British Prime Minister Keir Starmer (right) and his then-ambassador to the US, Peter Mandelson, in February 2025. Photo: Reuters
US, Israel war on Iran

Europe tests ‘third way’ on Hormuz without the US, Israel and Iran. Will it work?

Coalition of more than 30 nations to meet in Paris for a summit to find a ‘credible proposal’ to restore shipping through the strait.

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US-China trade war

Why the biggest threat to US dollar dominance may well be Washington itself

Economic sanctions, access to US-led banking systems are powerful tools, but overuse reduces their effectiveness over time, Congress told.

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Keir Starmer

Epstein scandal: UK foreign ministry chief out over Mandelson vetting failure

PM Starmer is also facing calls to resign after it was revealed that his US envoy was appointed despite a failed security check.

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Britain’s Prime Minister Keir Starmer speaks to the media at the airport in Doha, Qatar, on April 10. Photo: Reuters
Science

10,000 suns: mind-blowing power of black hole jets measured for the first time

The jets can help scientists understand how black holes help shape galaxies and other cosmic structures.

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Foreign exchange market

China trims US Treasury holdings as global ownership hits record

Beijing slightly pares its sovereign US debt position as private investors and certain financial hubs drive demand up.

BBC

BBC to slash 2,000 jobs in biggest redundancy drive in 15 years

The British broadcaster will axe 10 per cent of its workforce as it navigates ‘financial pressures’.

The viewfinder of a camera outside the offices of the BBC in London. Photo: AFP
My Life

Former Hong Kong rugby team captain reflects on the first Sevens tournament in 1976

The former England international rugby player tells Annemarie Evans about his turn as captain of the Hong Kong team at the inaugural Sevens tournament here in 1976.

Bob Lloyd poses for a portrait at the Hong Kong Football Club, Happy Valley, Hong Kong. Lloyd served as the captain of Hong Kong team during the first Hong Kong Sevens in 1976. Photo: Alexander Mak
Keir Starmer

UK PM Starmer says ‘not going to yield’ to Trump’s Mideast war threats

Keir Starmer insists the UK will not be dragged into the Iran war despite Trump’s threats to scrap a bilateral trade deal.

2026 Trump-Xi summit

Xi Jinping meets foreign leaders: tracker 2026

World leaders are flocking to Beijing this year as Trump’s trade war spurs US allies to look for new ties.

Banking & finance

Global funds fuel Hong Kong IPO rebound as investors rebalance China portfolios

AI, robotics and energy storage firms make up most of the record-high IPO pipeline in Hong Kong, says Chan.

HKEX CEO Bonnie Chan Yiting speaks at the Chinese New Year Market Open Celebration at HKEX in Central, on February 20. Photo: Karma Lo
Hong Kong economy

Paul Chan backs Hong Kong to be world’s No 2 financial hub within 15 years

Finance chief says city’s strengths are its stable environment and strong growth.

Hong Kong retained its position as Asia’s top financial centre and ranked third globally. Photo: Jelly Tse
Donald Trump

King Charles to charm Trump on state visit overshadowed by US-UK rift

The British king’s first US state visit later this month takes on far greater significance amid tensions between Trump and Starmer.

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Science

Zhang Kai: why I left Yale for China at the peak of my career in life science

‘I started to rethink where I should do my research … so that I can fulfil my dreams and give more young people the chance to grow’.

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