5 important things happening in the UK today (11 May 2026)

Here are five important things happening in the UK on Monday (11 May 2026):

Plane carrying passengers from hantavirus-hit ship lands in the UK

An aeroplane carrying 20 passengers who were evacuated from a cruise ship hit by the hantavirus has landed in the UK. The passengers landed in Manchester and have been transported to Arrow Park Hostpital to isolate for 72 hours. While hantavirus is significantly dangerous to those infected, the risk of a general outbreak is very low, and none of those on the flights have reported symptoms. [BBC]

Rayner calls on Starmer to deliver change

Following the Labour Party’s sound defeat in the local elections last week, Angela Rayner has called on Prime Minister Keir Starmer to adopt left-wing policies and open the way for the return of Manchester Mayor Andy Burnham to Westminster. Burnham is touted as the ‘King in the North’ by many Labour MPs and is seen as a popular figure who is a favourite to replace Starmer. Starmer is set to make a speech outlining his strategy going forward later today. [Financial Times]

First Great British Railways station to open

The Cambridge South Station, the first train station in the UK to be operate under Great British Railways branding, is set to open on Sunday 28 June. The Department of Transport said the station will open up access to jobs for people across the region, and would see 1.8 million passengers transported annually. [The Guardian]

Questions over Zack Polanski’s Ministry of Justice claim

An investigation by the Telegraph has raised questions of Green Party leader Zack Polanski’s work history, accusing him of falsely claiming to have worked at the Ministry of Justice. While he was campaigning for elected office, Polanski’s official campaign website claimed he was working on training and diversity programmes at the Ministry of Justice. Polanski has since clarified that he had been hired to participate in mock courtroom exercises at a Justice-linked quango through an agency. [The Telegraph]

Financial news

Oil prices surged higher over the weekend following Trump’s rejection of the peace terms offered by Iran. On Monday, Oil was trading flat at $105.3. The pound is trading at $1.36, €1.16, and ¥9.24.