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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
Ann Widdecombe in central London in 2019. UK prosecutors have charged Joshua Kerry, 28, with murder after the death of veteran right-wing former MP Widdecombe, who was found dead in her home this month. Photo: AFP
Reform UK party

Ann Widdecombe death: UK ex-minister was struck with hammer 21 times

Widdecombe, a prominent figure in the populist Reform UK, was found dead in her home on July 9.

Keir Starmer

UK’s Burnham eyes lower energy bills in first move as PM

Education in Hong Kong

Hong Kong retains 17th spot among top cities for students but high costs hurt

US, Israel war on Iran

Iran and US trade more attacks as Houthis threaten blockade

US completes 10th consecutive night of strikes as tankers are targeted in the Strait of Hormuz and Yemeni rebels threaten broader war.

An explosion at an unknown location during what the US military says are strikes on Iran. Photo: US Central Command via Reuters
Celebrity Families

Meet England footballer Jude Bellingham’s parents, Denise and Mark

Mark is a retired non-league footballer, while Denise was an HR professional – but now they’re both involved in their 2 sons’ football careers.

Australia

Australian politician barks ‘sit down’ at dog during live interview

When the journalist asks him to ignore the dog and answer her question, former deputy prime minister Barnaby Joyce tells her not to be rude.

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United States

Tate brothers to fight extradition from US to UK following Miami arrests

Social media influencers appear in Miami court in handcuffs as lawyer claims arrests were politically motivated.

Andrew Tate (right) and his brother Tristan in Miami in April. Photo: AP
Li Qiang

China’s Li congratulates Andy Burnham on becoming Britain’s new prime minister

Li said strengthening dialogue and cooperation between ⁠China and the UK will benefit ‌the nations and ‘inject stability into global ‌peace’.

Crime

Man charged with murder of former British minister Ann Widdecombe

Joshua Kerry, 28, to appear in court as police investigate potential motives behind targeted attack.

Keir Starmer

UK’s new PM Andy Burnham vows to end years of instability

After being formally appointed by King Charles, Burnham promised a 10-year plan to restore political stability and revive the economy.

Britain’s new Prime Minster Andy Burnham delivers a speech as he arrives at Downing Street on Monday. Photo: EPA
Ukraine war

Lockheed Martin launches cheaper Patriot missile as air defence demand surges

The new missiles will cost less than half that of the current ones, which are about US$4 million each, the US defence contractor says.

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A man looks at a PAC-3 MSE model by Lockheed Martin at an international military fair in Kielce, Poland, in September 2017. Photo: Reuters
Donald Trump

Trump’s new Air Force One to be ‘maxed out’ following missile defence fears

The upgrades were completed ⁠so quickly that some experts expressed concern that the plane might not be as secure as the previous one.

China-UK relations

Chinese company demands compensation from UK over British Steel nationalisation

Jingye Group said the move tarnished the UK government’s credibility, spooked international investors and caused losses to the operation.

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Donald Trump

Trump welcomes reports Andy Burnham could open up North Sea oil drilling

People in the Scottish city of Aberdeen will be ‘dancing in the streets’, Trump said. Britain’s incoming PM has not confirmed the reports.

US President Donald Trump speaks to reporters in flight on Air Force One after landing at US Air Force Base at RAF Mildenhall, in Suffolk, England on July 8. Photo: AP
European Union

France and Germany reach nuclear deal as Europe builds up defences

France is the only nuclear power in the 27-member EU, while Germany plans to build Europe’s strongest conventional military by 2039.

German Chancellor Friedrich Merz (right) and French President Emmanuel Macron after the 26th Franco-German Ministerial Council at Augustusburg Palace in Bruehl, Germany, on Friday. Photo: EPA-EFE
The Philippines

‘Something beyond science’: Philippine school for exorcists draws Asia’s priests

A priest from the Michael Centre for Spiritual Liberation and Exorcism says he can tell if cases are possessed by ‘a change in behaviour’.

Hong Kong economy

Opinion | Hong Kong’s 5-year plan must focus on what the city does best

Integration, connectivity and contribution to the national economy are the city’s tried and tested ingredients of success.

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Japan

Helicopters and hashtags: Japan’s mounting problem with unprepared hikers

Locals make up the vast majority of Japan’s mountain rescues, yet internet anger is largely reserved for ill-equipped tourists.

A traveller walks past an image of Mount Fuji in the arrivals terminal at an airport in Tokyo in May. Photo: AFP
Crime

Influencers Andrew and Tristan Tate arrested in Miami as UK seeks extradition

The brothers, who were arrested in Romania in 2022, face rape and human trafficking charges.

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European Union

Opinion | As the UK discusses an EU return, Hong Kong offers lessons

Like Hong Kong, which functions as a special administrative region of China, could the United Kingdom rejoin the European Union with a special administrative name?

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Religion

My Take | Churches must ensure that complaints of sexual abuse are taken seriously

As the city prepares for a sex crime legislation overhaul, every community sector should work to ensure that people are free from harassment.

St Peter’s Basilica in Vatican City, regarded as the heart of Catholicism. File photo: Reuters
Education in Hong Kong

Where can DSE students turn if they don’t get into a public university?

The SCMP looks at the options for DSE students whose exam results fall short of university entry requirements.

Students receive their results for the DSE exams. Photo: Jonathan Wong
US, Israel war on Iran

UK’s Burnham faces test as Trump seeks British bases for Iran attack

The incoming PM said that he planned to be ‘upfront’ with the US president, who has threatened to target Iran’s civilian infrastructure.

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Japan

Officials’ lavish travel sparks scrutiny of political spending in Japan

The Fukuoka prefectural government admitted it spent more than US$2 million on the excursions, triggering public anger.

Fame and celebrity

Meet Emma Thomas, Christopher Nolan’s wife and producer of The Odyssey

The power couple went from their US$6,000 first film in 1998 to Oppenheimer, Dunkirk, Interstellar and Inception ... and received a knighthood and damehood from King Charles in 2024.

Christopher Nolan and his wife, Emma Thomas, have been working together on film projects for almost three decades. Photo: AP
China’s military

Opinion | China’s missile test from a submarine is no guarantee of regional stability

Beijing’s ICBM test from a nuclear-powered submarine is a win from a defence perspective but comes with greater responsibilities.

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Illustration: Mario Cameira
Human rights

J.K. Rowling condemns Amnesty for branding her women’s crisis centre anti-rights

The ‘Harry Potter’ author, who has spoken in the past of being a survivor of domestic violence, set up Beira’s Place in 2022.

Keir Starmer

UK’s next prime minister Andy Burnham vows to ‘give hope back’ to Britons

The ex-Manchester mayor will become the UK’s seventh prime minister in a decade when he takes office on Monday.

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