Here are 5 important things happening in the UK today, Wednesday (21 January 2026):
- Driving test cheating soars in the UK: Cheating cases during practical and theory driving tests rose by nearly 50 per cent last year in England, Scotland and Wales, new figures show. The cheating methods varied, according to freedom of information data from the Driving and Vehicle Standards Agency (DVSA), with more than 1,100 cases involving the use Bluetooth headsets. Overall, nearly 100 offenders were prosecuted for trying to cheat themselves or for impersonating driving test candidates. [BBC]
- Controversial Chinese mega-embassy gets the go ahead in London: The communities secretary, Steve Reed, has given permission for China to build a vast new embassy near the Tower of London after spy chiefs told him that the risks to UK national security could be controlled and dealt with. The decision paves the way for Keir Starmer to visit Beijing in the coming weeks – though local residents plan to legally challenge the decision, potentially delaying the development by months or years. [Guardian]
- Keir Starmer faces leadership questions as Rayner and Burnham speak out: Keir Starmer is facing fresh questions over his leadership after interventions from senior Labour figures on the left of the party, Angela Rayner and Andy Burnham. The Prime Minister was urged by his former deputy, Rayner, who allies say is plotting a comeback, not to capitulate on an election pledge to end “unaffordable” ground rent charges for freeholders. While Burnham, the Greater Manchester mayor, believed to be eyeing up a return to Westminster to mount a leadership challenge, said that Britain was still “stuck in a rut”. [Times]
- Risky hedge funds propping up UK borrowing, warns Bank of England: Risky hedge funds are propping up Britain’s government debt markets and creating fresh dangers to financial stability, Andrew Bailey has warned. The Bank of England Governor said on Tuesday that traders now “dominate” the ownership of the UK’s £3tn market for bonds – known as gilts – increasing the risk of rapid sales if they seek quick profits. [Telegraph]
- On Wednesday, Oil was trading higher at $62.91. The pound is trading at $1.34, €1.15, and ¥9.35.
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