5 important things happening in the UK today

Here are 5 important things happening in the UK today, Wednesday (7 January 2026):

Learner drivers may have to wait six months before taking test: Learner drivers in England and Wales could face a minimum period of up to six months between sitting their theory and practical tests, the BBC can reveal. The government will unveil the measure, which will be subject to consultation, as part of its wider road safety strategy launched on Wednesday. The strategy will include proposals for a lower drink-driving limit in England and Wales, to bring them in line with Scotland. [BBC]
Government lacks emotional link with voters, cabinet ministers warned: The government must find ways to reconnect emotionally with voters, Keir Starmer’s chief of staff, Morgan McSweeney, is said to have warned cabinet ministers, in a meeting where the prime minister said they were in “the fight of our lives”. The Prime Minister sought to rally his cabinet on Tuesday, telling them to ignore the polls and to prepare to take on Nigel Farage’s Reform UK. [Guardian]
Revolt brewing over business rates hike: A cabinet revolt is brewing over the upcoming business rates increase – as hospitality has been warned not to protest. In November’s budget, Chancellor Rachel Reeves announced a shake-up to how business rates are calculated, with a new band for retail, hospitality and leisure – bringing an end to the relief scheme first introduced in 2020 during the pandemic. The sector argues the new business rates, while lower than before COVID, do not go far enough. [SkyNews]
Push for new Bakerloo extension and West London train line: London will struggle to build its target figure of 88,000 new homes every year for the next decade unless two major rail projects are given the green light, the Deputy Mayor for Housing has said. Tom Copley said the next London Plan will factor in the government’s request – part of a wider target for 1.5million new homes in the UK by 2029 – but may fall short if enough infrastructure isn’t built. He told the London Assembly Budget and Performance Committee that a “huge amount of infrastructure and funding” is needed to reach the 88,000 figure. [MyLondon]
On Wednesday, Oil was trading lower at $59.39. The pound is trading at $1.35, €1.16, and ¥9.44.