The Latest Breaking News from Britain

Downing Street leaves door open to Xi Jinping UK visit

The Government is seeking to strengthen relations with China, whose president’s last state visit to Britain was in 2015.

Evening Standard · Jan 29

Russian ship loitering near transatlantic data cables chased off by Royal Navy attack helicopter — sat within three quarters of a mile of five undersea data cables, including two linking Britain to New York

A Russian cargo vessel loitering near transatlantic data cables was chased away by the Royal Navy.

Tom’s Hardware · Jan 29

‘Unjust and inhuman’: how royal family ignored a Black abolitionist’s plea to end the slave trade

In this adapted extract from The Crown’s Silence, which examines the royal family’s links with slavery from Elizabeth I to the present, Ottobah Cugoano directly appeals to the monarchy – but is met with silence

The Guardian - UK · Jan 29

Golden hour and ancient stones: my 5 tips for capturing Britain’s prehistoric monuments

Head for the Neolithic part of town to discover how to photograph henges, burial chambers and hillside carvings

Digital Camera World · Jan 29

‘Like it or not’: UK’s Keir Starmer calls for ‘sophisticated relationship’ with China as tensions with Trump simmer

Calling for a long-term, consistent and comprehensive strategic partnership, UK PM Keir Starmer said engagement with Dragon is firmly in Britain’s national interest, even as differences remain. ​​Starmer is the first British prime minister to visit China in eight years and is accompanied by a 60-member delegation of business and…

The Times of India · Jan 29

Trump backed Chagos deal after review by US intelligence agencies – Keir Starmer

The Prime Minister insisted his deal to hand over the islands to Mauritius had the US president’s blessing, despite his subsequent criticism.

Evening Standard · Jan 28

Keir Starmer in Beijing as PM Seeks to Ease Strained Relations While Pushing for UK Trade Deals

Prime Minister Keir Starmer arrives in Beijing for the first UK visit in eight years, attempting to rebuild trade ties with China and unlock £billions in economic opportunities whilst navigating geopolitical tensions with the US and security concerns over espionage.

International Business Times UK · Jan 28

UK-China Spying Fears: Keir Starmer Delegation Used Burner Phones Amid Beijing Security Concerns

Prime Minister Keir Starmer arrives in Beijing with burner phones and disposable laptops, amid mounting espionage concerns, as the UK seeks to rebuild trade relations with China whilst protecting its national security interests.

International Business Times UK · Jan 28

‘You’d be ashamed to bring someone here’: The struggling billionaire-owned high street that shows Reform’s road to No 10

Newton Aycliffe was meant to be a model town for a fairer postwar Britain. But unaffordable rents on a high street amounting to 0.12% of its property tycoon owner’s holdings have made it a symbol of decline – and a warning for Labour

The Guardian - UK · Jan 28

How has your local high street changed since 2019? Check your postcode

The makeup of Great Britain’s high streets has changed dramatically. See what the data says about where you live

The Guardian - UK · Jan 28