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5 top UK news stories today: Reeves pushes closer EU ties for growth, Starmer demands Ratcliffe apology, hospitality bosses call to scrap holiday tax & more (12 February 2026)

Ryan Brothwell 12 February 2026 3 min read

Here’s your UK news roundup for Thursday (12 February 2026):

UK should have closer EU ties, says Reeves

Rachel Reeves has insisted Labour can win the political argument for a closer relationship with the EU, calling it the “biggest prize” for UK economic growth. Some Labour strategists have been wary of making the case for stronger alignment with the EU, believing it could alienate pro-Brexit voters. But Reeves said on Wednesday: “I am confident this is a political argument, as well, that we can win.” She pointed to the recent agreement to rejoin the Erasmus student exchange scheme, calling it “one of the most popular things that we’ve done.” [Guardian]

Starmer calls on Ratcliffe to apologise

Prime Minister Keir Starmer has told Sir Jim Ratcliffe to apologise after the billionaire claimed Britain had become “colonised” by immigrants.
The co-owner of Manchester United, who also owns chemicals empire Ineos, called on the country’s politicians to “show some courage” by tackling immigration, welfare dependence, and the weak economy, which he said was costing too much money. The Prime Minister wrote in a post on X that the comments were “offensive and wrong”.
“Britain is a proud, tolerant and diverse country,” Sir Keir said. “Jim Ratcliffe should apologise.” [Financial Times]

Call to scrap holiday tax

Plans for a tax on people taking holidays in England should be scrapped, 200 hospitality and leisure bosses have urged. The government is considering allowing mayors and other local leaders in England to introduce a “modest” tourist tax, or visitor levy, to raise revenue. A version of the measure is already in place in some English cities, but it is something local businesses voluntarily add to bills rather than a local authority tax. [BBC]

Proposal to shift UK’s school summer holidays

The academic calendar needs ‘a good old look at’ to stop children sitting exams at the hottest time of year and parents fretting about a long summer break, the head of Ofsted has advised. Experts say children lose momentum, while working parents face increased childcare costs to cover the holidays. The majority of state schools in England have a six-week break over the summer, two weeks at Christmas and Easter, and a one-week half-term holiday for each of the three terms. Some schools offer a longer two-week break in October. But the timings of the holidays may not be in the best interests for either parents or children, according to Ofsted chief Martyn Oliver. [The Times]