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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
Containers at the Manila North Harbour Port in Manila, Philippines. Development of the Luzon Economic Corridor will involve eight more countries. Photo: AP
The Philippines

Western powers ramp up support for Philippines’ Luzon economic hub

Eight more countries will invest in the project as they accelerate regional trade diversification in sectors ranging from AI to energy.

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Energy

Turning over a new leaf: why UK’s green mandate is a win for Asia

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Keir Starmer

‘King of the North’ takes first step to challenge UK’s Starmer

Japan

Why Japan’s ruling party is pushing for 5% military spending

The ruling party is expected to debate raising outlays to as much as 5 per cent of GDP, in line with that of many Nato members.

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Japan Ground Self-Defence Force soldiers fold a US flag during a Balikatan drill in the Philippines on May 6. Photo: Reuters
Keir Starmer

UK health minister quits, calls for leadership contest to oust PM Starmer

Health Minister Wes Streeting is the first senior minister to quit after days of calls by Labour lawmakers for Starmer to step down.

Crime

Bodies of 3 women recovered from the sea off UK city

The coastguard is completing an ‘extensive search of the water’, but the force is not searching for anyone else.

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France

France lifts cruise lockdown after outbreak scare, as stomach bug blamed

Authorities rule out a link to the deadly hantavirus as asymptomatic passengers are cleared to disembark in Bordeaux.

The Ambition docked on the Garonne river waterfront in Bordeaux on Wednesday. Photo: EPA
Keir Starmer

UK PM’s biggest political challenge overshadows King’s speech

According to reports, Health Minister Wes Streeting was preparing to resign as early as Thursday to challenge Starmer.

Keir Starmer

Who could replace Starmer as UK prime minister?

As rebellion reaches a fever pitch, here’s some names in the frame if Keir Starmer is forced out.

On Our Radar

Explore art’s future at Hong Kong’s Affordable Art Fair this May

Discover affordable art, Cantopop-inspired installations, British talent and hands-on workshops at Affordable Art Fair Hong Kong 2026 – where accessibility meets creativity.

A visitor takes in Kristina Sretkova’s 3D-effect Universal Love at last year’s edition of the Affordable Art Fair Hong Kong Photo: Dickson Lee
Keir Starmer

UK’s Starmer to ‘get on with governing’, defies calls to quit

At a meeting of his cabinet, there was no official move to trigger a leadership contest even as three junior ministers quit.

Britain’s Prime Minister Keir Starmer talks to journalists onboard a plane to Washington DC in 2024. He has promised to press on with a premiership that has been dogged by scandal and policy ​U-turns since he won a large majority at a national election in 2024. Photo: via AP
Fame and celebrity

Meet Adewale Akinnuoye-Agbaje, who plays Alamo in Euphoria

The British actor had a turbulent upbringing that included joining a skinhead gang and making a suicide attempt, before achieving Hollywood stardom.

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US, Israel war on Iran

Opinion | Trump has few cards to play against Iran and in China

The impasse over the Strait of Hormuz is a long chess game across multiple arenas, not easily solved by a naval blockade or a mere poker bluff.

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Keir Starmer

Starmer is fighting to stay in power. Here’s what could happen

Unlike the Conservative Party, which has a history of getting rid of leaders, Labour does not have that muscle memory. Could that change soon?

Larry the cat outside No 10 Downing Street in London. While the 'Chief Mouser' remains a permanent fixture, Prime Minister Keir Starmer’s own future is in doubt. Photo: Reuters
Japan

Japan’s ‘cutest’ envoy shows Britons how to love Britain

‘He has made me feel more proud to be British than any politician or any figure since I was born,’ a content creator says.

Hiroshi Suzuki, Japan’s ambassador to Britain, attends a football match in London. Photo: X/AmbJapanUK
Banking & finance

Investors bet CK Hutchison is exiting a mature sector at right time – once again

Disposal of VodafoneThree adds to Li family’s record of cycle-savvy moves, with investors weighing where war chest will flow next.

European Union

UK targets Russian ‘information warfare’ with new sanctions

Sanctions package hits 85 people and entities, two-thirds of them related to alleged Russian propaganda operations.

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China-UK relations

Will Starmer’s election woes force a shake-up in the UK’s ties with China?

British prime minister’s dwindling authority may see him come under pressure to shift policies, Chinese experts say.

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British Prime Minister Keir Starmer visits the Forbidden City during his visit to China on January 29. Starmer has pursued a reset in China-UK relations, hoping that Beijing’s economic clout can bolster his country’s sluggish economy. Photo: Pool via Reuters
Keir Starmer

UK’s Starmer under renewed pressure to quit as revolt grows

Home secretary and deputy PM reportedly join calls for a leadership transition as several aides resign.

Hantavirus

More passengers from hantavirus-hit cruise ship test positive

Two passengers, French and American, test positive as governments take extensive precautions for evacuees.

Hong Kong property

Hong Kong’s Tsim Sha Tsui tops Asia luxury retail rents – but loses global crown

City’s luxury retail shows resilience with rising tourist arrivals and new store openings despite global slowdown, according to Savills.

Shoppers queue and snap photos in Tsim Sha Tsui in early May. Photo: Jelly Tse
Artificial intelligence

China ranks third in global index for AI competitiveness in life sciences

China listed behind only the US and UK, reflecting the country’s ‘major scale’ in AI, biotechnology and talent, says data consortium.

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Visitors experience AI-powered traditional Chinese medicine healthcare during the 6th China (Gansu) TCM Industry Expo in northwest China. China and Hong Kong have ranked third on a global AI life sciences index. Photo: Xinhua
Disease

UK paratroopers jump onto remote Atlantic island for hantavirus mission

UK forces carry out first-ever deployment of medical personnel via parachute to reach isolated Tristan da Cunha.

China-EU relations

Could Spain’s ‘compliment sandwich’ approach to China work for the EU?

Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez’s recent visit to Beijing illustrates ‘delicate equilibrium’, analyst says as others voice scepticism.

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US, Israel war on Iran

Iran responds to US proposal, as Qatari tanker crosses Strait of Hormuz

The response, sent via Pakistan, focuses on ending the war on all fronts, especially Lebanon, and on the safety of shipping in the waterway.

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An Iranian walks past an anti-US and Israel mural in a street in Tehran on Friday. Photo: EPA
Hong Kong-UK spying row

Diplomatic row over Hong Kong-linked spying convictions in UK heats up

Beijing disputes UK’s version of diplomatic meeting as ambassador warns of ‘firm countermeasures’ over ‘political manipulation’.

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Chinese Ambassador to the UK Zheng Zeguang. Photo: Handout
Keir Starmer

Ex-minister tells UK cabinet to boot Starmer or she’ll challenge him herself

Catherine West’s ultimatum comes amid calls for his resignation after Labour’s crushing defeat in local elections.

Hantavirus

Hantavirus outbreak: UK to isolate cruise ship passengers in ex-Covid hospital

There are around 24 British passengers and crew, as well as two people from Ireland, on board the MV Hondius.

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