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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 night charity running event co-organised by Inclufit and Wazup Running Club starting from Tai Ping Shan Street. Photo: Elson Li
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

Keir Starmer

Starmer’s woes worsen as 2 UK ministers quit over military spending

Protests around the world

Belfast reeling as street violence and online ‘hit lists’ terrify minorities

UK minister says violence in Northern Ireland is ‘racist thuggery’ as ethnic minorities are targeted.

Masked rioters clash with police blocking their way to a hotel housing asylum seekers in Glengormley, north of Belfast, on Wednesday night. Photo: AFP
SCMP Highlights

Tokyo Sézanne’s missing stars; beating arthritis at 68: 7 Lifestyle highlights

From a little-known haven on Hokkaido island to how optimism make you live longer, here are seven stories from SCMP’s recent reporting.

Protests around the world

Police fire water cannon in Belfast as stabbing sparks second night of unrest

Masked crowds clash with riot police as a Sudanese man is charged in a brutal knife attack that has left the city reeling.

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Food and Drinks

Dish in Focus: Scotch egg at Avalon

Jarrod Verbiak refines a British classic into a polished comfort dish, marrying Cumberland sausage, charred leek mayonnaise and crisp pickles.

Culinary director Jarrod Verbiak in the process of making the Scotch egg at Avalon. Photo: Jocelyn Tam
US-China relations

FBI disables 13 Chinese suspected spying websites targeting US officials

Chinese intelligence allegedly used internet domains to blackmail Americans with security clearances into divulging sensitive information.

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Fifa World Cup

Photo book This is Football celebrates the game as the Fifa World Cup kicks off

As the biggest tournament in world football kicks off, this lavish book looks back at seminal moments involving Lionel Messi, David Beckham, Cristiano Ronaldo, Pelé and more.

Artificial intelligence

Opinion | China-UK cooperation vital in ensuring the AI era puts people first

With their combined strengths, China and Britain can advance an artificial intelligence age defined by safety, inclusion and prosperity.

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People watch a humanoid robot showcase its capabilities at the World Intelligence Expo 2026 in Tianjin on May 28. Photo: Xinhua
Elon Musk

Elon Musk accused of stoking tensions, ‘weaponising fear’ in Belfast

Musk, who shared lists on social media of locations where protests could take place, blamed ‘uncontrolled immigration’ for the unrest.

Vehicles set on fire by protesters burn on a street in east Belfast on Tuesday. Photo: PA via AP
US-China relations

How will the Pentagon’s expanded blacklist of Chinese firms affect Xi’s US visit?

Washington’s latest move tests fragile ‘stability’ reached at leadership summit in Beijing and highlights intense competition, analysts say.

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Fifa World Cup 2026

Gold-laden World Cup trophy’s value surges 157% – how much is the bullion worth?

While priceless to players, all that shimmers in the iconic Fifa statue has seen its intrinsic value skyrocket amid a historic rally since the last tournament.

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Banking & finance

New York leads, but Asia-Pacific’s financial hubs are on the rise

The centre of gravity is shifting east in the financial services world, but New York remains the global benchmark, says Colliers report.

Singapore ranked third in a Colliers report on the world's leading financial centres, behind New York and London. Photo: AFP
Keir Starmer

‘I’m scared’: Belfast violence after knife attack keeps residents on edge

Sudanese man Hadi Alodid appeared in court over the stabbing that sparked unrest and torching of homes and vehicles.

People watch as firemen arrive to extinguish a burning vehicle that was set alight during a protest in east Belfast on Tuesday. Photo: AP
United States

The US$4.25 trillion question: who will face off for California governor?

California’s next governor will succeed Gavin Newsom and take charge of ‌one of the world’s biggest economies.

Crime

Protesters torch buildings and vehicles, block roads over Belfast stabbing

A suspect from Sudan has been arrested for the brutal attack that was captured in a graphic video.

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Keir Starmer

Appeals for calm in Belfast after man arrested over ‘sickening’ stabbing

A Sudanese man was arrested in connection with the incident in Northern Ireland as British PM Starmer appealed for calm.

Police officers secure the area around the scene of a stabbing in Belfast, Northern Ireland, on Tuesday. Photo: AP
China-EU relations

Opinion | China’s EV giants are breathing new life into Europe’s ailing car industry

From Chery in Britain to SAIC in Spain, Chinese carmakers are investing in new plants and revitalising old ones as they localise production.

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US-China relations

Exclusive | US official confirms Chagos talks amid reports Trump may buy strategic islands

Washington in ‘active talks’ to secure Diego Garcia base as White House weighs options, including making an offer to Mauritius.

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Royalty

Who is Kate Middleton’s university boyfriend, Rupert Finch?

Both were spotted this past weekend at the wedding of Prince William’s cousin Peter Phillips – the pair dated in university and remain on good terms.

Kate Middleton and Rupert Finch dated in university, and their romance was portrayed in Netflix’s The Crown. Photo: Getty Images , AFP
SCMP Highlights

India’s rise in critical minerals; ‘involution’ and Malaysia: 7 Asia highlights

From RedNote’s advice on ‘involution’ to a refugee’s journey to Malaysia, here are a few highlights from SCMP’s recent Asia reporting.

A pile of minerals extracted from a rare-earth mine. Photo: Shutterstock
Fashion

9 fashion-forward collabs for the 2026 Fifa World Cup, from Nike to Loewe

From Jacquemus working with Nike and the France national team to Drake’s Nocta tracksuit for Canada, these are the hottest football fashion collabs this season.

Keir Starmer

UK’s Starmer gives Apple, Google 3 months to stop kids sending nude images

If firms do not act, the PM said, ‘we will change the law … when it comes to the safety of our children, standing by is not an option’.

China-Japan relations

Has a diplomatic feud prompted China to press pause on Japanese film and music?

This week’s Shanghai film festival doesn’t include any movies from Japan – the latest sign of an unofficial boycott.

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China has imposed official restrictions on tourism and trade with Japan since a row erupted in November. Photo: AFP
Ukraine war

European powers back Zelensky’s call for summit with Putin

UK, France and Germany endorse face-to-face ceasefire talks, but the Kremlin has so far ruled out a meeting.

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Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky with British Prime Minister Keir Starmer, French President Emmanuel Macron and German Chancellor Friedrich Merz. Photo: Reuters
China's military weapons

China’s nuclear stockpile growing as disarmament era ends: SIPRI

Swedish think-tank says Beijing now has 620 nuclear warheads and may be increasing deployment as New Start’s expiry ends arms control era.

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Donald Trump

US considers ‘buying’ Chagos Islands from Mauritius

Reported proposal outlines direct deal with Mauritius after the US criticised the UK’s plan to cede sovereignty.

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