This Week Unpacked is your weekly briefing from the heart of the Hongkonger diaspora—now arriving every Sunday. Each episode, we unpack the biggest stories shaping Hong Kong and the wider world—politics, culture and community affairs—through a distinctly Hong Kong‑in‑the‑UK lens. Tune in each Sunday for clear analysis, candid interviews and the context you need to make sense of the week’s headlines.
Tune into This Week Unpacked, the essential podcast from ”Bridging Hongkongers. Reporting Truth.”. We connect Hongkongers worldwide through independent journalism, standing for truth, integrity, and the right to be heard.
Each episode provides insightful analysis on the week's most significant stories, bridging events from the UK to Hong Kong and beyond. We delve into critical issues such as:
The profound changes and shrinking freedoms in Hong Kong five years after the National Security Law's implementation, including its impact on protests, elections, the justice system, and press freedom. This includes the dissolution of pro-democracy parties like the Social Democratic League and the implications for its imprisoned or exiled members.
The end of a cultural era in Hong Kong with the passing of Chua Lam, the last of the ”Hong Kong Four Talents,” and the lasting legacies of these influential figures.
Pressing challenges facing the UK, such as the breaking point of the graduate job market where youth, including high achievers, struggle to find employment amidst economic uncertainty and skills mismatches.
The exodus of staff in UK 999 emergency services, highlighting the threats to public safety due to work pressure, staff shortages, and resource deficits.
Major legislative shifts in the UK, including the passing of the Assisted Dying Bill in the House of Commons and the ongoing debate over its strict safeguards and ethical implications.
The delicate diplomatic tightrope the UK government faces amid rising Chinese espionage concerns, balancing national security with economic ties.
Government policy U-turns, such as the Labour Government's reversal on welfare reform due to internal party pressure and public opinion.
Intriguing incidents and cultural events, from escaped brown bears causing a ”honey heist” at a UK wildlife park, prompting safety reviews, to the controversial ”redecorating” of RAF Brize Norton by pro-Palestinian activists, sparking debates on terrorism and security, and the cultural and environmental concerns raised by record crowds at UK Summer Solstice celebrations at Stonehenge.
Join us for a comprehensive look at the week's headlines, offering details, insights, and a commitment to reporting the truth.