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

China-EU relations

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

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US-China relations

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

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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.

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.

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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’.

British Prime Minister Keir Starmer delivers a speech on technology on Monday. Photo: dpa
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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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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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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DF-61 intercontinental ballistic missiles take part in a Beijing military parade last September to mark the 80th anniversary of Japan’s World War II surrender. Photo: AP
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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Chagos Islands is home to the ‌US-British Diego Garcia air base. Photo: US Navy via AP
Keir Starmer

Keir Starmer will be ‘part of’ any Labour leadership race, deputy says

British media cited unnamed MPs who said Prime Minister Starmer has been calling key supporters to say that if there is a leadership contest he would ‘fight it’.

United States

Editorial | US tariff threat over forced labour looks like old wine in a new bottle

With the latest escalation in Trump’s forever tariff war, Washington is alienating allies and adversaries alike.

Racism and other prejudice

My Take | Henry Nowak’s legacy should be bringing society together, not tearing it apart

Teen’s murder has fuelled debate about policing, claims of preferential treatment of minorities and concerns of a deepening community divide in the UK.

Demonstrators gather outside Southampton Central Police Station on June 2 following the conviction of Vikrum Digwa for the murder of student Henry Nowak, in Southampton, Britain. Photo: Reuters
European Union

In D-Day speech, Hegseth urges Europe to counter ‘invasion’ of migrants

The US defence chief also calls on European countries to do more to contribute to their defence, during a ceremony commemorating D-Day in France.

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US Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth (centre) attends a ceremony to commemorate the 82nd anniversary of the D-Day landings, in Colleville-sur-Mer, Normandy, France, on Saturday. Photo: AP
Medicine

First AI-designed ‘universal vaccine’ tested in humans

The experimental jab is intended to target a wide range of viruses, including those behind deadly outbreaks like Sars, Mers and Covid-19.

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Obituaries

Buffy the Vampire Slayer, Ted Lasso actor Anthony Head dies aged 72

Head was best known as monster-hunting librarian Rupert Giles in the cult US supernatural television series.

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US-China relations

How Chinese drink chains are testing the limits of soft power

New tea and coffee brands from China are winning customers across America, but their broader influence remains unclear.

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Illustration: Brian Wang
Russia

UK’s Keir Starmer says Russia could attack Nato within 4 years

His comments echo similar time frames expressed by other European leaders and Nato chief Mark Rutte.

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Hong Kong Monetary Authority (HKMA)

Mainland investors face uncertainty amid regulatory crackdown

Tighter overseas investment rules are leading some investors to shift to mainland-approved channels as Hong Kong brokers restrict access.

India

Is US wielding new tariff threat to secure big bargain in India trade talks?

Additional 12.5 per cent levy over forced labour supply-chain concerns seen as leverage in negotiations, analysts say.

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US President Donald Trump has expressed confidence that a trade deal with India is nearing completion. Photo: AP
Royalty

Auditors shine light on UK royal housing, disgraced Andrew’s ‘peppercorn rent’

National Audit Office offers the most ⁠detailed review ever of royal property arrangements in a new report.

Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor riding a horse in Windsor Great Park near Royal Lodge, an estate highlighted in a newly published property audit. Photo: Reuters
Keir Starmer

Rival confirms he will challenge Starmer to be UK prime minister

Manchester mayor targets June 18 parliamentary by-election before launching his bid for No 10.

Aviation accidents

Nose down: Lufthansa investigating Boeing 787 landing gear collapse

Several injured in ‘very unusual’ landing gear failure of parked Dreamliner jet at a terminal gate.

Hong Kong

Opinion | UK could take a leaf out of Hong Kong’s supply-side economics

Too much government interference, whether through subsidies or regulatory pressure, stifles the very growth that can better society.

A pedestrian walks along the River Thames and mudlarks during low tide, with the City of London financial district in the background on September 15, 2025. Photo: EPA
Hong Kong politics

7 taken away as police ramp up patrols around former site of Tiananmen vigil

Hong Kong police say they stopped and searched five men and two women in Causeway Bay for allegedly disrupting order.

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Victoria Park in Causeway Bay is currently hosting a five-day “Hometown Market”. Photo: Karma Lo
India

As India rises in critical minerals race, can it dent China’s dominance?

While India could become a valuable part of an alternative supply chain, analysts say it is unlikely to replace China any time soon.

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Nepal

Missing Everest guide feared dead crawls back to Base Camp after 6 days

Dawa Sherpa was found alive by a Nepali team that helps set routes on the world’s highest mountain.

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