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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
Oli Higginson is an English actor known for his role as the footman John in Bridgerton. Photo: @oli_higginson/Instagram
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

Trip Inspiration

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

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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Art

2 must-see London exhibitions feature Tracey Emin and Lucian Freud

Freud’s work on paper is featured at the National Portrait Gallery, while Emin’s 40-year career is covered in a retrospective at Tate Modern.

Bella in Her Pluto T-Shirt by Lucian Freud. Photo: Handout
Keir Starmer

Defiant Starmer rejects calls to quit as crisis deepens over Epstein fallout

Despite losing two top aides in 48 hours and a demand to resign from the Scottish Labour leader, Britain’s prime minister vows to fight on for his ‘mandate’.

Jeffrey Epstein

UK king to ‘support’ police assessing Andrew’s Epstein communications

King Charles has ‘profound concern’ as British police assess if his brother passed sensitive reports to Jeffrey Epstein.

Jimmy Lai trial

Ex-media boss Jimmy Lai jailed for 20 years under national security law

Beijing hails punishment as a ‘powerful declaration’ against those who dare challenge the city’s national security law.

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Jimmy Lai (front row, third from right) at his sentencing hearing. Illustration: Victor Sanjinez
Hong Kong politics

UK expands BN(O) scheme to more Hongkongers following Jimmy Lai sentencing

Britain’s Home Office says those under 18 during 1997 handover to China will be eligible to apply for scheme.

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People walk past skyscrapers and office buildings in London. Photo: AFP
European Union

Prince William visits Saudi Arabia as UK seeks deeper economic ties

The visit comes as daily revelations from the Jeffrey Epstein files continue to put pressure on King Charles III’s disgraced younger brother, the former Prince Andrew.

India

‘Structural reality’: why US tariff deal cannot sever India-Russia defence ties

While the pact demands a halt to Russian oil imports, analysts say New Delhi’s military dependence on Moscow is non-negotiable.

The Philippines

Why Australia is picking up the tab for Philippine military upgrades

Canberra’s security interests are more closely aligned with Manila than those of Washington, observers say.

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Filipino and Australian troops fire a howitzer during a joint military exercise in Laur, Nueva Ecija province, Philippines, last August. Photo: Reuters
Jimmy Lai trial

Jimmy Lai sentenced to 20 years in prison for national security crimes

Hong Kong leader and Beijing office say sentence shows rule of law has been upheld, while UK pledges to engage with Chinese authorities over case.

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Cardinal Joseph Zen and Jimmy Lai’s wife Teresa Lai leave West Kowloon Court. Photo: Sam Tsang
Banking & finance

Will Hong Kong, Singapore capture Asia’s capital inflows? DBS CEO weighs in

The two financial hubs are best choices for global investors seeking to diversify their portfolios amid geopolitical risks, Tan Su Shan says.

Keir Starmer

Starmer’s chief of staff quits as Mandelson-Epstein scandal threatens premiership

Morgan McSweeney takes ‘full responsibility’ for advising to name Peter Mandelson as US ambassador despite known ties to Jeffrey Epstein.

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