5 important things happening in the UK today (12 May 2026)
Here are five important things happening in the UK on Tuesday (12 May 2026):
Starmer on the brink
Keir Starmer’s grip on power appeared to be slipping away on Monday as cabinet ministers urged him to set out a timetable for his departure and more than 70 Labour MPs publicly called for him to stand down. The Prime Minister warned the country would “never forgive” Labour for plunging into the chaos of a leadership election – and that he intended to prove his doubters inside and outside the party wrong. [Guardian]
Changes for learner drivers
From 12 May, there will be changes to how you book your driving test. The changes are aimed at reducing long waiting lists of up to six months, and preventing slots from being bulk-bought by bots and firms who resell them to learner drivers at inflated prices. From 12 May, only you will be able to book, change or swap your own driving test, not anyone else – including your driving instructor. Under the old rules, instructors could book tests on behalf of their students, but this is now banned. [BBC]
Banking industry races to fix growth
The UK’s industry body for banking has stepped up its lobbying efforts for the government to improve “anaemic” growth figures and bolster the financial services sector. A new report published by UK Finance – the body representing around 300 firms that provide UK banking services – has issued a nine-point plan, which calls for “clear sequencing, strong accountability, and sustained collaboration between government, regulators, and industry”. [CityAM]
TikTok launches £3.99 subscription for no ads in UK
TikTok is introducing a subscription charge for UK users who do not want to see adverts on the platform. From Monday, the social media giant will start notifying users aged 18 and over that they will be required to pay £3.99 a month for an ad-free experience. Users will be asked to decide whether they want to pay for no ads on TikTok or continue using the app for free – with personalised ads – by 11 November. [The Verge]
Financial news
Oil prices continue to remain above the $100 a barrel level, as prospects for a US-Iran peace deal fizzle out. On Tuesday, Oil was trading flat at $104.92. The pound is trading at $1.36, €1.16, and ¥9.23.
