5 top UK news stories today (26 March 2026)

Here’s your UK news roundup for Thursday (26 March 2026):

UK armed forces authorised to board Russian tankers in British waters

British military will be able to board shadow fleet vessels transiting UK waters as the UK steps up its pressure on Putin. The Prime Minister has agreed that the UK Armed Forces and law enforcement officers will now be able to interdict vessels that have been sanctioned by the UK and are transiting through UK waters. It follows the Royal Navy supporting allies with the monitoring and tracking of several shadow fleet ships to enable interdiction in European and Mediterranean waters in recent weeks. [Gov]

Starmer backed to stay as Labour leader

Wes Streeting has said he does not want Keir Starmer to be challenged as Labour leader after the May elections as it would undermine the party’s election promise to voters to avoid more chaos. The health secretary, who is widely regarded as a prospective candidate in any contest, urged voters to “give the guy a chance” as he said that none of his colleagues would attempt to oust the prime minister. But while he played down the prospect of a leadership race being triggered, he did not rule out throwing his hat in the ring should one take place in the wake of catastrophic results. [Guardian]

House of Lords pushes for social media again

The House of Lords has again supported a proposal to ban under-16s in the UK from social media platforms, as the government was urged to act quicker to protect children. Peers voted 266 to 141 in favour of Conservative former minister Lord Nash’s amendment to the Children’s Wellbeing and Schools Bill. It is the second time peers have defeated the government over the proposal, which would give ministers 12 months to decide which social media platforms should be unavailable to under-16s. [BBC]

Museums set to charge foreign tourists

Museums may charge tourists for entry under plans being considered by Labour. In a reversal of a commitment to universal free entry first made under Tony Blair, the Department of Culture, Media and Sport (DCMS) has announced that it would “work with the museum sector to explore options for charging international visitors”. It follows a review of Arts Council England led by Baroness Hodge, the Labour peer, which raised concerns about a “bleak” financial situation in the culture sector. Currently, national museums receive £484 million each year in government funding and are obliged to offer free entry to all visitors, regardless of nationality. [Telegraph]