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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
The Chinatown area of Melbourne, Australia. Photo: Shutterstock
SCMP Highlights

Psychiatric clinic scams, top vacation spot for Lunar New Year: 5 weekend reads

From the Munich Security Conference to Star Cruises fiasco, here are five stories you may have missed over the weekend.

Munich Security Conference

In Munich, US urges ‘collective strength’ among allies to deter China

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Marco Rubio

Rubio says US not disputing report of Navalny’s fatal poisoning by frog toxin

Animals

Purrfect? Larry the cat marks 15 years – and 6 PMs – as UK’s chief mouser

Many cats have occupied the post since the 1920s with historical records even showing them in government residences in the era of Henry VIII.

Larry, the official 10 Downing Street cat. File photo: AP
Australia

Australia unveils billions for nuclear submarines under Aukus security pact

The vessels, under agreement with the UK and the US, are at the heart of a major strategy to improve long-range strike capabilities.

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Gender

Social media ‘weaponises’ children, says UK expert on gender healthcare

The ‘tiny’ number who will ‘never be comfortable’ with their biological sex need support as well as those who will ‘grow out of this’.

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Russia

Russia poisoned Alexei Navalny with dart frog toxin, European nations say

Epibatidine, a deadly chemical not found naturally in Russia, was detected in samples taken from the body of the late Putin critic.

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A worker paints over graffiti of jailed Kremlin critic Alexei Navalny in St Petersburg in April 2021. The inscription reads: “The hero of the new times.” Photo: AFP
Australia

My Take | Social media’s ‘becoming Chinese’ trend can only be a force for good

Respectful experimentation with Chinese lifestyle habits can further understanding and engagement between people of different cultures.

Hong Kong politics

Beijing slams US, UK, Australia and EU over Jimmy Lai sentencing remarks

Commissioner’s office says it summoned representatives from the countries and bloc in Hong Kong to voice ‘strong dissatisfaction’.

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Pop Mart

Pop Mart balances boom and bust: can Labubu’s leap match Molly’s momentum?

As Labubu’s meteoric rise cools, Molly’s longevity highlights the challenge Pop Mart faces in turning hype into stable intellectual property.

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Illustration: Brian Wang
Hong Kong courts

As I see it | Western media criticism of the Jimmy Lai case verdict needs a fact check

While some critiques of the former media boss’ sentencing come down to different standards of governance and journalism, others are steeped in hypocrisy.

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A Hong Kong Correctional Services vehicle carrying former media tycoon Jimmy Lai leaves the Lai Chi Kok Reception Centre and heads to the West Kowloon Court on February 9. Photo: Dickson Lee
Fame and celebrity

Who is Oli Higginson, the actor who plays footman John in Bridgerton?

He is married to Disney alum Meaghan Martin, who was in Camp Rock with Demi Lovato and the Jonas Brothers.

SCMP Highlights

Free Disneyland tickets for helpers; Chen Zhi’s extradition: 7 highlights

From free Disneyland tickets for Hong Kong’s helpers to China’s link to Southeast Asia, here are highlights from SCMP’s recent reporting.

Trip Inspiration

Why the Year of the Fire Horse calls for travel on horseback

Saddle up for some thrilling horse-related spectacles and experiences with our top picks from around the world.

Torres del Paine, in Chile, is known for its granite peaks and turquoise lakes. Photo: Shutterstock
Ageing society

Opinion | Hong Kong should see the ‘silver economy’ as a golden opportunity

The city could reframe its ageing trend by working to become a global capital for ‘longevity finance’ and supporting East-West healthcare innovations.

An elderly woman sits on a chair on the road in front of a fruit and vegetable seller in a market in Causeway Bay in December 2024. Photo: Antony Dickson
Jeffrey Epstein

UK’s top civil servant quits as PM Starmer tries to calm Epstein storm

Cabinet Secretary Chris Wormald is the third senior aide to depart in recent days.

Sexual harassment and assault

‘Every parent’s nightmare’: UK nursery worker Vincent Chan jailed for sex crimes

Nursery worker in London sentenced to 18 years for abusing young children in his care.

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Donald Trump

Trump vs BBC: US$10 billion defamation suit headed for 2027 trial

Florida judge sets a February trial date over claims the broadcaster ‘deceptively’ edited the US president’s January 6 speech.

Donald Trump has sued over a misleading edit in a documentary. Photo: AFP
Hong Kong economy

Bookings up but bottom lines flat for Hong Kong reunion dinners

Seafood chain says bookings for reunion dinners have risen 10 per cent but overall year-on-year earnings for Lunar New Year period could ‘just about balance out’.

Fame and celebrity

Everything you need to know about Wuthering Heights director Emerald Fennell

The multihyphenate, whose bold take on the Emily Brontë novel is drawing controversy, also directed the critically acclaimed Saltburn.

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Law

Legal Tales | How Hong Kong law deals with the complicated matter of divorce

While it is relatively easy filing for divorce under today’s laws, the court must still consider complex factors of needs and matrimonial assets.

Even if both parties agree, without a “fault-based ground” such as adultery or unreasonable behaviour, they must live apart for at least a year before they can obtain a divorce. Photo: Getty Images
Nato

Nato launches Arctic Sentry mission to ease Greenland tensions with Trump

The mission brings efforts by various alliance members under a single command, as Russia and China take a greater interest in the region.

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A P-3C Orion maritime patrol aircraft stands on the grounds of the Nordholz naval air base in January. Nato is increasing its presence in the Arctic and the surrounding area. Photo: dpa
Australia

Australia demands answers from Laos over methanol poisoning ‘injustice’

While 10 were convicted of destroying evidence, not a single person has been charged in connection with the deaths of two Melbourne teens.

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Jeffrey Epstein

‘Strong and united’: UK’s Starmer defiant as Epstein fallout dogs leadership

Senior ministers shore up Keir Starmer’s position as indirect fallout from the Jeffrey Epstein scandal threatens the British prime minister.

BN(O) passport

China’s UK embassy slams BN(O) expansion for ‘manipulating’ Jimmy Lai case

Embassy spokesman condemns ‘malicious’ move to expand migration pathway and accuses Britain of interfering in China’s domestic affairs.

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Hongkongers born between 1979 and 1997 whose parents did not apply to the BN(O) scheme on their behalf before the handover are now eligible. Photo: Fung Chang
Cambodia

UK, US cybercrime cooperation ‘continues’ after Chen Zhi extradition to China

A senior Cambodian official tells SCMP that Phnom Penh is collaborating with Beijing, Washington and London in the investigations.

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Billionaire businessman Chen Zhi arrives in Beijing under armed police escort on January 7 to face cybercrime accusations. Photo: AFP
Hong Kong society

Being Chinese | I feel for young Hongkongers who say they are ‘from the UK’

Instead of mocking those who adopt a superficial Western identity, we might pause and ask: what pressure made them feel this was necessary?

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Diplomacy

Trump official says US to fund ‘free speech’ initiatives in Europe

State Department eyes funding efforts it sees as being aligned to the Trump administration’s views.

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