5 important things happening in the UK today (15 June 2026)
Here are five important things happening in the UK on Monday (15 June 2026):
Allies ‘stressed’ about Starmer’s future as he returns to world stage at G7
Keir Starmer will seek out his comfort zone as he arrives in the French Alps for his latest foray on the world stage, but allies are already exchanging nervous glances as they ask how much longer he’ll be in the job. The Prime Minister sets out for France in the wake of a devastating double resignation by his defense secretary, John Healey, and armed forces minister, Al Carns, that has sharpened the sense that Starmer’s days are numbered.
He was already facing an active threat to his position as leader of the Labour Party and as prime minister. He has lost the confidence of at least 100 of his own MPs, and Andy Burnham — the Greater Manchester mayor who is seeking to return to Westminster — has confirmed he will bid for the top job if he wins a Thursday by-election. [Politico]
Starmer to announce ‘Australia plus’ ban on social media for under-16s
Starmer is to ban under-16s from major social media apps such as TikTok, Instagram, and X in sweeping restrictions described as “Australia plus”, the Guardian understands. In a major policy shift far tougher than previously briefed, the Prime Minister will announce that teenagers will be banned from all the main social platforms. Online products that are not covered by the ban, such as gaming apps, will face new restrictions such as having the option to chat to strangers removed. [Guardian]
Questions around train nationalisation
Nationalisation of one of the rail companies which runs services in Surrey has “no long term ambition” and is not equipped to deal with day-to-day challenges, a campaign group has claimed.
South Western Railways (SWR) became the first company to be re-nationalised by the government in May 2025, but Transport Secretary Heidi Alexander admitted services had so far not been good enough just over a year on. Jeremy Vance, of the SWR Watch campaign group, also told BBC Radio Surrey that the infrastucture was continuing to “creak at the seams” amid mounting frustration from passengers. [BBC]
Trump and Iran reach an agreement that includes opening the Strait of Hormuz
The US and Iran say they have reached an agreement that will take effect on Friday. President Donald Trump said the US is lifting its naval blockade on Iranian ports, and that the Strait of Hormuz will reopen after the agreement is signed. The full text has not yet been released. [CNN]
Financial news
Brent plunged over 4% toward $83 per barrel on Monday, touching a two-month low after the US and Iran reached a peace agreement aimed at ending the Middle East conflict and reopening the Strait of Hormuz by the end of the week. On Friday, Oil was trading lower at $80.78. The pound is trading at $1.35, €1.16, and ¥9.11.
