5 top UK news stories today (8 April 2026)

Here’s your UK news roundup for Wednesday (8 April 2026):

Oil plummets as US and Iran agree to provisional ceasefire

The US and Iran agreed to a two-week conditional ceasefire on Tuesday evening, which included a temporary reopening of the strait of Hormuz, after a last-minute diplomatic intervention led by Pakistan, canceling an ultimatum from Donald Trump for Iran to surrender or face widespread destruction. In response, global oil prices have fallen sharply and stock markets have jumped after the US and Iran agreed to a conditional two-week ceasefire deal that includes the reopening of the key Strait of Hormuz waterway. [Guardian]

Badenoch calls for a ban on strikes for doctors as walkout enters second day

Resident doctors, formerly known as junior doctors, began their 15th strike since 2023 on Tuesday, while hundreds of British Medical Association (BMA) staff also began a 48-hour walkout on Monday in an ongoing row over pay. Conservative leader Kemi Badenoch said the BMA was “betraying the patients that its members swore to serve”. “If the BMA refuses to act reasonably, the Government must step in to ensure the safety of patients,” she said. “That’s why I will ban resident doctors and consultants from going on strike – as we already do for the police and armed forces.” [LBC]

The incidents that almost triggered UK emergency alerts

The Southport riots, a falling Chinese rocket and parasitic water all almost caused the UK government to use its emergency alerts system. Launched in 2023, the alerts warn people of a danger to life in their area. Testing has seen mobile phones play siren-like sounds with messages displaying on screens. Now, research from the PA news agency has uncovered when the alerts were almost sent for real. The most notable of these was the Southport riots in the summer of 2024. Widespread unrest erupted following the murder of three young girls at a Taylor Swift-themed dance class in July of that year. After the killings, and following online rumours that the perpetrator was a small boat migrant, violent rioting broke out in several locations. [SkyNews]

Price of first-class stamp rises to £1.80

The price of stamps has risen again, as the postal service faces criticism for failing to hit delivery targets. A first class stamp now costs £1.80 – an increase of 10p – while a second class letter has risen by 4p to 91p. Royal Mail has said the increases are necessary because people are sending far fewer letters while the number of addresses continues to increase. Many businesses and consumers are unhappy the price rise is going ahead despite the company’s performance. [BBC]