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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
China is now in third place among foreign US Treasury holders, behind Japan and the United Kingdom. Photo: dpa
US-China relations

China cuts US Treasury holdings to lowest level since 2008

The stockpile has now fallen to nearly half its November 2013 peak, financial data shows, as long-term sell-off continues.

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

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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British Prime Minister Keir Starmer is expected to visit Beijing and Shanghai in late January. Photo: EPA
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.

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.

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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.

An Iranian medium-range ballistic missile is seen next to a large banner depicting the country’s Supreme leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, in the capital Tehran. Photo: EPA
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.

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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Police officers keep watch as a van transporting media tycoon Jimmy Lai leaves the West Kowloon court on Monday in Hong Kong. Photo: AFP
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.

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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Jimmy Lai holds talks with then US vice-president Mike Pence in the White House in 2019. Photo: Handout
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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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.

A Correctional Services Department vehicle carrying Jimmy Lai is escorted by police to the court. Photo: Karma Lo
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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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’.

British far-right activist Tommy Robinson addresses supporters in central London on Saturday. Photo: Reuters
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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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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Britain’s King Charles speaks about his cancer recovery during a pre-recorded message filmed at Clarence House, London, and released on Friday. Photo: Bango Studios/PA Wire via Reuters
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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UK economy

UK ‘super flu’ crisis and doctors’ strike spark ‘worst-case’ Christmas fears

Flu cases hit record highs with a 55 per cent weekly jump as the NHS faces a planned doctors’ strike next week.

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