Ahead of President Xi Jinping's planned Washington visit, US-China tensions escalate over Chinese AI models, advanced robotics, and forced labour claims.
Portugal's average home price hit €430,500 in May 2026, driven by a housing shortage, high construction costs, labor deficits, and government support schemes that critics argue have inflated market imbalances.
Conservative leader Kemi Badenoch has defended her party's decision to allow former neo-Nazi Joshua Bonehill-Paine to stand as a councillor in Somerset, citing his rehabilitation and counter-extremism work, drawing sharp criticism from his former target, Luciana Berger.
Prime Minister Andy Burnham faces the challenge of extending his devolution agenda beyond English regions to Scotland and Wales, where progressive nationalist parties hold power.
Farmers, landowners, and firefighters are urging a temporary ban on disposable barbecues in England and Wales due to extreme wildfire risks driven by dry weather and heatwaves.
A new ThinkLabour survey of 788 Labour members shows they rank health, the economy, cost of living and climate change as top issues, while expressing sceptical views on welfare spending and strong support for higher defence spending.
The Charity Commission in England and Wales has launched an official investigation into charities donating funds to illegal Israeli settlements in Palestine, initially focusing on eight unnamed organizations following complaints and media reports.
SCMP highlights key Latin American news from July 2026, including Chile's engagement with China, Brazil's rise as the top buyer of Chinese cars, and US claims regarding China-linked spy sites in Cuba.
Twenty-five US states sued the Trump administration over new 10% to 12.5% tariffs on goods from 60 trading partners, arguing the duties are unlawful and function as a tax on families.
Christopher Nolan's 'Odyssey' film faces right-wing backlash, led by Elon Musk, over perceived 'wokeness' and historical inaccuracies, particularly the casting of Lupita Nyong’o as Helen of Troy. The author argues critics miss the film's core message: an allegory for the necessity of a rules-based international order, rooted in the ancient concept of 'xenia'.
US President Donald Trump is imposing new tariffs, claiming to combat forced labor, but critics argue this is a pretext to continue his trade wars, violating international agreements and federal law. The tariffs target the EU and Canada, while largely sparing China, and ignore forced labor issues within the US.
Nigel Farage and Reform UK are experiencing a "perfect storm" of challenges, including a dip in poll ratings, a donation controversy, and a recovering Conservative Party, despite Farage's defiance and solidified core support.
An investigation reveals children as young as 10 performing hazardous tasks on cocoa farms in Ghana for minimal pay, despite two decades of industry pledges to eradicate child labor. Sustainability certifications are questioned as farmer poverty persists, highlighting a disconnect between corporate claims and on-the-ground reality.
Labour alleges a "stench of sleaze" at Reform UK following reports of Nigel Farage's secret deal to return as leader months before the general election, despite public denials. Farage faces inquiries over a £5m gift from a crypto billionaire and financial support from a convicted fraudster, raising questions about his financial backing.
Berlin's historic "Treehouse at the Wall," a garden and structure built by Turkish guest worker Osman Kalin in Cold War no man's land, faces potential demolition due to public safety concerns. Supporters are rallying to save the site, which symbolizes defiance, immigrant ingenuity, and the city's unique history.
Two migrant labourers were killed by terrorists in Kulgam, Kashmir, causing panic among co-workers and fears of an exodus. Political leaders condemned the attacks and discussed security, while some politicized the timing.
Beijing has condemned the White House's decision to add 43 Chinese companies to an import blacklist, citing alleged forced labour in Xinjiang. This move, described as "economic coercion" by China, marks the third set of US sanctions against China this week, expanding the entity list under the Uygur Forced Labour Prevention Act.
Ed Miliband, as the new UK Foreign Secretary, is preparing a distinct agenda focusing on EU relations, the UK's G20 chairmanship, and the climate crisis. He aims to shape the international order, address Palestine, and revive the G20's influence amidst global challenges.
Labour MPs and regional mayors, including Andy Burnham's allies, propose a mutualised model for UK water companies, turning them into not-for-profit entities run by local people. This 'third way' aims to avoid government debt from nationalisation, address company failings like sewage dumping, and could first be tested with financially struggling Thames Water.
Labour, under new Prime Minister Burnham, has experienced a "Burnham bounce" in opinion polls, confirmed by a convincing victory in the Greater Manchester mayoral by-election. This surge comes as the Reform party faces funding allegations and a significant drop in its own poll ratings.
Labour's Bev Craig secured a decisive victory in the Greater Manchester mayoral byelection, winning 66.3% of second-preference votes and reclaiming areas from Reform UK and the Greens. This outcome provides a significant boost for Labour and raises critical questions for Nigel Farage's party regarding its national standing and funding issues.
The White House added 43 Chinese companies to a blacklist under the Uygur Forced Labour Prevention Act, citing alleged forced labor in Xinjiang. Beijing condemned the move as a "classic act of economic coercion," marking the third US measure against China this week.
Andy Burnham's first two weeks as prime minister show a "Burnham bounce" in polls, with Labour gaining a 6-point lead over Reform UK, primarily from returning progressive voters. While Labour is ahead in seats, it's short of a majority, facing challenges in winning back Reform voters and in Wales/Scotland.
Diane Abbott and Joani Reid have been readmitted to the Labour Party, with their parliamentary whips restored, following independent disciplinary processes. Abbott received a formal warning for past comments on racism, while Reid's readmission follows her husband's arrest for alleged foreign intelligence links.
