5 top UK news stories today (10 March 2026)

Here’s your UK news roundup for Tuesday (20 March 2026):

Reeves to look at how to help households with heating oil bills

Chancellor Rachel Reeves has promised to explore options to address the “unique challenges” faced by households reliant on heating oil amid the US-Israeli war with Iran. The global oil price reached nearly $120 (£89) a barrel on Monday, a four-year high, though it has since fallen. The jump was sparked by fears of a lengthy disruption to supplies caused by the war. Those who use heating oil often store it in a tank outside their property and are among the first to feel the impact of rising prices. Reeves promised meetings between the Treasury and rural and Northern Ireland MPs on Wednesday to look at “action we can take” to support those using heating oil. [BBC]

UK inflation likely to rise because of the Middle East war

Britain is likely to be hit by rising inflation because of the US war with Iran, the chancellor has said, as she suggested a “rapid de-escalation” would be the best protection against a jump in energy prices. Reeves stopped short of setting out any new relief for people who could be hit by rising prices, rebuffing calls to ditch a planned 5p rise in fuel duty in September. The Conservatives plan to force a Commons vote on Tuesday over the rise, but Reeves said the competition watchdog had been ordered to keep a close eye on fuel pump prices and domestic heating oil costs to prevent wartime profiteering. [Guardian]

MPs vote down social media ban for under-16s

MPs have voted against a proposal to ban under-16s from using social media. The Conservatives had pushed for the move via an amendment to the government’s flagship education legislation currently going through parliament: the Children’s Wellbeing and Schools Bill. It had been backed by the House of Lords, but was defeated in the Commons on Monday night by 307 votes to 173. Calls for a ban have gained traction after Australia became the first country in the world to enforce one back in December. Since then, other nations – including in Europe – have been flirting with the idea. [Sky News]

First three V-level subjects revealed ahead of launch next year

The first of the Government’s new vocational qualifications, announced as part of reforms to the curriculum and post-16 system, will be in education, finance and digital. Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer set a new target to see two-thirds of young people in higher education, technical or vocational training, or doing a “gold standard” apprenticeship by the age of 25. V-levels will sit alongside A-levels and T-levels, and are equivalent to one A-level. Students will be able to combine A-levels and V-levels. Students currently in year nine will be the first group able to take V-levels. [LBC]