5 top UK news stories today (20 March 2026)

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

Labour MPs threaten vote to show opposition to Mahmood’s migration plans

Labour MPs opposed to the government’s immigration reforms are threatening to expose the party’s divisions by forcing a symbolic vote in Parliament unless ministers back down. Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood plans to double the length of time that it will take for migrants to gain indefinite leave to remain (ILR) – or permanent residency – in the UK, in most cases from five to 10 years. Care workers and refugees would have to wait longer. The Home Office has said these changes do not require legislation – and therefore would not need to be put to a vote – but opponents are considering using parliamentary procedure to force a non-binding vote to highlight their concerns. [BBC]

Interest rate cuts not on the horizon

The Bank of England’s Andrew Bailey has ruled out the prospect of any interest rate cuts in the near future, warning that the sustained conflict in the Middle East constitutes a major shock to energy supply that could leave long-term scars on the British economy. In an interview with LBC set to air on Thursday evening, the governor of Britain’s central bank said previous signals that the Monetary Policy Committee would continue to reduce its headline interest rate through this year were no longer the case, and that the “message has changed” in the wake of the cuts. [CityAM]

The Observer offers voluntary redundancy to all staff

The Observer has offered its entire workforce voluntary redundancy as the world’s oldest Sunday newspaper grapples for direction following its sale by The Guardian. The Telegraph has learned that the weekly title has offered voluntary redundancy to all 140 staff, with bosses warning that the cuts could become compulsory. The redundancy has been offered on the same terms as the scheme presented to staff before its takeover by start-up Tortoise Media just under a year ago. At the time, around a third of the Sunday title’s 70 journalists either took redundancy or jobs at The Guardian instead of working for The Observer under new ownership. [The Telegraph]

Shrinkflation takes a bite out of Easter eggs

Shoppers are shelling out for smaller eggs again this Easter as shrinkflation takes another bite out of the favourite seasonal treat. The price of popular branded chocolate eggs has risen by more than 40% in some cases, while some have also shrunk in size, according to research by the consumer champion Which?. At Asda, this year the Galaxy milk chocolate extra-large Easter egg is £5.97 and weighs in at 210g. That compares with £4.98 for a 252g egg in 2025 – a 44% increase in the price per 100g. Tesco is selling the same egg at the higher price of £7, £1 more than last year. [Guardian]