The world needs a strong, vibrant media. Yet press freedom is declining in many places amid war, state crackdowns and climate change.
Enthusiasm was low for recent local elections in the UK, even though they came as political parties prepare for a national election. I voted for the only candidate I’d met. So what if he is a Conservative?
If the national security law is not a sufficient deterrent, it is doubtful the threat of civil contempt proceedings will have offenders quivering.
Providing personal details is part of modern life, but we expect them to be secure. Instead, government departments are leaking like a sieve.
Watching two Hong Kong students help win the UK’s long-running University Challenge TV quiz show, Cliff Buddle recalls the challenges of viewing British TV favourites in Hong Kong in the 1990s.
Official use of blunt propaganda and well-worn phrases does nothing for city’s cause, but return to reasoned argument may be on the way.
From bees and butterflies to birds and badgers, much of Britain’s wildlife is in disturbing decline resulting from development, climate change, pesticides and pollution. And then there’s the roadkill.
The government response to a ruling on gender changes on ID cards for transgender people has requirements at the strict end of the spectrum.
The fire alarm has sounded. The city with its crowded tower blocks, tiny subdivided flats and outdated safety measures is one big fire risk.
Hong Kong saw its highest ever March temperatures, while the UK awaits the end of winter – but climate change is bringing earlier signs of spring in Britain, causing a sense of renewal and revival.
Whatever form the often-evoked Hong Kong spirit takes, the rugby tournament that is the city’s original mega event is very much part of it.
The city has come a long way from the darkest days of the Covid-19 pandemic in 2022. But the needed recovery remains challenging.
It might be a pipe dream, but hosting the finals of one of the world’s biggest sporting events would be a huge coup and a true ‘mega event’.
Having lived in Hong Kong from the 1990s until recently, our columnist shares his collection of paintings gathered during his time in a city often derisively referred to as a cultural desert.
Working out what is seditious and what is not under the law is the problem. People need to know so they can live their lives accordingly.
Visits to see London’s skyline, while impressive, don’t compare to Hong Kong’s stunning array of buildings and lights. It’s one of things I miss most about the city, and one of its biggest assets.
The danger of the broad wording is that Hongkongers may shun international engagement at time when the city needs more not less.
Sufficient safeguards are needed in the legislation to ensure rights are protected and conduct essential to Hong Kong’s way of life continues.
Kent is becoming the Wine Garden of England, with more and more vineyards offering tastings and tours. In Cliff Buddle’s early days in Hong Kong, a decent drop was hard to find – but worth the effort.
Latest tragedy involving bamboo scaffolding at Kai Tak project once again highlights city’s poor safety record and the need for change.
For the city, this was a mega event, a chance to show the world it was back. For Messi and teammates, it was just another preseason match
Lionel Messi sitting out the Inter Miami vs Hong Kong exhibition game was because of an injury and not his fault, and the idea he should have addressed fans to explain the situation is misconceived.
Hongkongers must be given adequate time and confidence to freely express their views on the legislation. Thirty days is far too short.
The Hong Kong marathon is a wonderful event. But competitors must, as I know from personal experience, ensure they are free from health concerns
When the world still relied on snail mail and the internet didn’t exist, a visit to the Poste Restante counter at Hong Kong’s General Post Office was eagerly awaited.
Allowing cameras in the court can be transformative and the judiciary should now press ahead so that justice is – literally – seen to be done.
Why is it that drivers of German car marques treat the UK speed limit as a minimum, not maximum requirement? And don’t get me started on potholes. Oh for Hong Kong, where most people don’t need a car.
The government has since the civil unrest placed much emphasis on protecting privacy. It is important but so is freedom of expression.
Policy change aimed at deterring postgrads from overseas is nothing to celebrate in a Britain that badly needs the money and skills post-Brexit.
Cliff Buddle has joined in with the ‘wahs’ of Hong Kong’s New Year’s Eve fireworks and survived a chaotic night in London when two women died – though this year he’ll probably be asleep by midnight.