Here’s your UK news roundup for Monday (13 April 2026):
UK won’t join Strait of Hormuz blockcade
Donald Trump has launched another attack on Keir Starmer as it emerged the UK will not be involved in his plan to blockade the Strait of Hormuz. The US president announced on Sunday that America and “other countries” will stop ships coming in and out of the vital waterway. Around one-fifth of the world’s oil and liquid gas supply usually passes through the key shipping lane. But it has been effectively closed since the start of the war, with Iran targeting tankers which try to sail through it unless they agree to pay a toll. [Huffington Post]
Britain could adopt single market rules without MPs’ vote as part of UK-EU reset
Ministers are planning to fundamentally reshape Britain’s relationship with the European Union, with new legislation that could result in the UK signing up to EU single market rules without a normal parliamentary vote. In a major development in the prime minister’s push for closer ties with the continent after the Iran war, the Guardian understands ministers are bracing to face down opposition to “dynamic alignment” with the EU from those who “scream treason” over the powers in a new EU-UK reset bill. [Guardian]
British Steel will need to be nationalised by the summer
British Steel needs to be brought into public ownership by the summer if a deal between its Chinese owner and the government fails, an MP has said. Labour MP Nic Dakin told the BBC that was “the best outcome” for the business to move forward and get investment while talks with firm Jingye are ongoing, as the tenure remains unresolved a year on. The government took control of the Scunthorpe plant, which employs 2,700 staff – about three-quarters of the company’s workforce – on 12 April 2025 to prevent the last two remaining blast furnaces from closing. [BBC]
Overhaul planned for school menus
Foods that are high in sugar or deep-fried will be off the menu in schools across England as the government sets out new plans to tackle childhood obesity. The changes, subject to a nine-week consultation from Monday, will see schools barred from offering “unhealthy” foods like sausage rolls and pizza every day, desserts restricted, and fried foods banned. [Sky News]
Financial news
On Monday, Oil was trading higher at $102.25. The pound is trading at $1.34, €1.15, and ¥9.15.
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