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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
Labour MPs have called on the UK government to protect Hongkongers from stricter residency rules under the proposed BN(O) visa overhaul. Photo: EPA-EFE
Hong Kong politics

Labour MPs urge UK to protect Hong Kong BN(O) migrants from residency reforms

Lawmakers voice ‘significant concerns’ that tighter residency criteria could undermine efforts to safeguard Hongkongers’ settlement pathway.

US-China relations

China cuts US Treasury holdings to lowest level since 2008

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Jimmy Lai trial

Beijing, Hong Kong slam G7 over criticism of Jimmy Lai trial verdict

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Hong Kong courts

Legal Tales | Despite lapses behind Tai Po fire, Hong Kong’s unity shows in a time of crisis

Catastrophic fires in other places offer lessons in the administration of justice, but Hongkongers’ care and resilience will carry them through.

The buildings of Wang Fuk Court in Tai Po. Last month’s catastrophic fire at the housing estate killed at least 160 people and displaced nearly 5,000. Photo: Sam Tsang
Accidents and disasters in China

How will Jimmy Lai’s conviction affect China-UK ties, Starmer’s planned visit?

Outcome of ex-media tycoon’s Hong Kong trial poses stern test for Labour government’s balancing act with Beijing, observers say.

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European Union

‘Big step forward’: UK rejoins Erasmus exchange programme in post-Brexit reset

After a five-year absence, the UK returns to the EU study abroad scheme, with 100,000 people estimated to benefit in the first year alone.

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Tourism

Why knitters around the world love visiting Scotland’s Shetland Islands

Events like Wool Week and a deep passion for all things knitting make Scotland’s Shetland Islands a paradise for knitters and crafters.

Knitwear is seen at a shop in Scotland’s Shetland Islands. The Shetlands are famous for knitwear, and people from around the world visit to learn knitting techniques and patterns, exchange ideas with like-minded people, and, of course, to see the Shetland Islands. Photo: Verena Wolff/dpa-tmn
SCMP Highlights

US ‘seizes’ Chinese cargo, Mexico stands by tariffs: SCMP daily highlights

From US reportedly confiscating Chinese cargo bound for Iran to support for returning overseas students, here’s a round-up from today’s coverage.

Jimmy Lai trial

‘Despicable’: Hong Kong slams Western ‘smears’ as US calls for Jimmy Lai release

‘These biased statements and malicious smears from external forces precisely reflect that the national security risks we face are real,’ government says.

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European travel

The quiet English landscapes that shaped Jane Austen’s world

An exploration of southern England in the footsteps of Jane Austen, born 250 years ago this month.

People dressed in period costume attend the Jane Austen Regency Country Fair, on July 6, in Steventon, Hampshire. Photo: Getty Images
Jimmy Lai trial

Hong Kong court’s verdict in Jimmy Lai trial sheds light on law, experts say

Judges stress that Lai’s actions before enactment of national security law were not the subject of any charges, serving only as background.

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Jimmy Lai, 78, was found guilty on all three charges he faced under the Beijing-imposed national security law. Photo: Winson Wong
China-EU relations

Trump appeals to Xi over Jimmy Lai as Britain summons China’s ambassador

US president says he asked Chinese leader to consider freeing Lai, describing the jailed media executive as ‘an older man’ who is ‘not well’.

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Donald Trump

BBC vows to fight Trump’s US$10 billion defamation suit

The UK broadcaster has apologised but will fight the US president’s defamation claim over a misleading edit of his January 6 speech.

Espionage

UK spy and military chiefs give threat assessment in ‘age of uncertainty’

Head of MI6 says ‘we are now operating in a space between peace and war’, as defence chief urges ‘whole nation’ prepare for evolving threats.

The new head of Britain’s MI6, Blaise Metreweli makes her first public speech in London on Monday. Photo: AFP
Jimmy Lai trial

Jimmy Lai’s conviction in Hong Kong becomes flashpoint between China, West

Western nations unlikely to hit city with more sanctions as they need Beijing’s cooperation to offset unfair US trade practices, experts say.

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The ruling could send Jimmy Lai to jail for life. Photo: AP
Hong Kong courts

Hong Kong’s Jimmy Lai used personal ties to seek foreign sanctions: court ruling

Former media boss tapped into vast political network for intervention against Beijing and Hong Kong, according to 857-page judgment.

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Banking & finance

Hang Seng Bank shareholders to vote on HSBC buyout proposal on January 8

Hang Seng Bank’s independent financial adviser recommends that shareholders vote in favour of HSBC’s proposal to privatise the lender.

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Japan

Japan’s retreat from global health funding hands China diplomatic opening

Tokyo’s over 52 per cent funding cut to a global body fighting Aids and malaria risks damaging its hard-won reputation as a ‘peace nation’.

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Mothers wait for their babies to receive a malaria vaccine in Malawi in 2019. Japan has slashed funding to a global health agency fighting infectious diseases. Photo: AFP
Jimmy Lai trial

Hong Kong’s Jimmy Lai found guilty on all charges in national security trial

City leader John Lee welcomes conviction, calls it an upholding of justice and a safeguard for Hong Kong’s core values.

Australia

World leaders express horror at Bondi Beach attack as vigils held for victims

Israel’s Herzog condemned the ‘cruel attack on Jews’ by ‘terrorists’; Trump branded the shooting that killed 15 people ‘purely antisemitic’.

My Take

My Take | The emerging axis of lawlessness – the European Union, United States and Israel

From Ukraine to the Caribbean and Middle East, we are witnessing the application of the law of the jungle by the West and its ally.

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Ukrainians hold placards during a protest demanding the use of frozen Russian assets, on the sidelines of the Economic and Financial Affairs Council (ECOFIN) meeting in Brussels, Belgium, December 12, 2025. Photo: EPA
Indonesia

‘Did you think I’d face jail time?’: deported porn star Blue mocks Bali arrest

The adult content creator returned to the UK, saying it cost her less than ‘US$20 to get out of prison’ in Indonesia.

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British adult content creator Bonnie Blue arrives at Denpasar court for her trial in Indonesia’s Bali on Friday. Photo: AFP
Racism and other prejudice

‘Make Christmas Great Again’: hundreds join far-right Robinson’s London rally

UK bishops express grave concern over the use of Christian symbols to ‘justify racism and anti-migrant rhetoric’.

Sexual harassment and assault

UK police won’t investigate ex-prince Andrew over Virginia Giuffre allegation

Giuffre, one of the women at the centre of the Epstein scandal, had accused the British royal of asking his bodyguard to dig up dirt on her.

My Take

My Take | What Hong Kong can learn from deadly London flats blaze

Grenfell Tower fire eight years ago shows why we must ensure justice for Tai Po victims, as well as timely, effective reforms.

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A general view of the Grenfell Tower apartment block fire on 14 June 2017, in which 72 people died. File photo: EPA-EFE
China consumption

Forging ahead: China’s copper heartland vows to build US$28 billion empire

Shandong province plans to create a world-class smelting hub by 2027 to secure supply chains for the strategic metal as prices sizzle.

Employees wind copper rods in July at a workshop that recycles copper in China’s Anhui province. Photo: AFP
King Charles III

King Charles shares ‘good news’ that his cancer treatments can be reduced

The British monarch credited early diagnosis, effective intervention and advances in medical care.

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United States

Trump, Clinton and ex-prince Andrew seen in new photos from Epstein’s estate

Larry Summers and Bill Gates also appear, as well as sex toys, and a condom emblazoned with both Trump’s image and the phrase ‘I’M HUUUGE!’.

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