5 top UK news stories today (31 March 2026)

Here’s your UK news roundup for Tuesday (31 March 2026):

Doctors put on notice

Prime Minister Keir Starmer has threatened to withdraw an offer of thousands more NHS jobs should resident doctors go ahead with strike action next week. The medics – formerly known as junior doctors – are planning to walk out for six days from 7 April, just after the Easter bank holiday weekend. It will be the 15th round of strikes by resident doctors in England since 2023, in an ongoing row over pay and jobs. [Sky News]

Shop prices creep up as Iran war inflation hits

Shop price inflation edged up in March as cost rises related to the Iran war began to take effect. The cost of shop items increased by 1.2% year on year in March, up from 1.1% in February, according to data compiled by NIQ for the British Retail Consortium (BRC). The BRC warned that supply chain disruption caused by the war in the Middle East is beginning to feed into supply chains in the UK, and called on the government to listen to the concerns of retail bosses. March’s 1.2% rate of shop price inflation stood slightly below the 1.3% average of the last three months. [CityAM]

Millions of drivers to receive an average of £829 in compensation

Millions of drivers who were mis-sold motor finance agreements should receive compensation this year, averaging around £829 per person, under plans by the regulator. The Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) has set out its proposal for a redress scheme, costing lenders a total of £9.1 billion, which will see fewer loan agreements eligible for compensation. Some 12.1 million motor finance deals will meet the new criteria, down from initial estimates of 14.2 million. The vast majority of new cars, and many second-hand ones, are bought with finance agreements. [BBC]

New recycling rules to be introduced

Recycling rules across England have long been inconsistent – but that will change from Tuesday when the government’s Simpler Recycling legislation comes into effect. Under the simpler recycling requirements for household waste collections, which come into force from 31 March, councils in England must provide separate collections for food and garden waste; paper and card; all other dry recyclable materials including glass, metal and plastic and cartons; and non-recyclable waste. The requirements apply to all households including flats and communal properties. [Guardian]