5 important things happening in the UK today (17 June 2026)
Here are five important things happening in the UK on Wednesday (17 June 2026):
Streeting would ‘be prepared’ to trigger a leadership contest as early as next week
Wes Streeting has said he would “be prepared” to trigger a Labour leadership contest to replace Sir Keir Starmer as prime minister as early as next week. The former Health Secretary told BBC Newsnight that “uncertainty and paralysis” in the Labour leadership would have to be resolved if the party wins Thursday’s Makerfield by-election. [BBC]
Healey condemns Reeves over Defence spending
John Healey has delivered a stinging criticism of Rachel Reeves’ handling of defence spending, warning that the UK’s enemies “do not follow timetables set by the Treasury”. In his resignation speech in parliament, the former defence secretary took aim at Prime Minister Keir Starmer and Reeves for failing to fully fund the Defence Investment Plan (DIP), with the draft not containing a commitment to the date for raising defence spending from 2.6% of GDP to 3%. [CityAM]
Lib Dems to urge Labour to rejoin the single market
The Lib Dems will urge Andy Burnham to end Labour’s “torpor and timidity” towards the EU as they call for the UK to rejoin the single market, in a notable strengthening of their own position. Ahead of the 10th anniversary of the Brexit vote next week, Ed Davey will challenge Burnham to scrap Labour’s red lines on the customs union and single market if he becomes prime minister and immediately begin talks on a more ambitious deal with the EU. [Guardian]
Limits planned for VPNs in the UK
Ministers are considering putting age limits on virtual private networks to stop children circumventing the forthcoming social media ban, as the UK’s regulator warned of serious practical problems checking users are over 16. Starmer on Monday announced the UK would impose a ban on under-16s accessing social media sites. The restrictions, which seek to go further than a pioneering ban introduced in Australia, are due to come into force in early 2027. [Financial Times]
Financial news
Brent fell toward $78 per barrel on Wednesday, sliding for the fifth straight session and reaching its lowest level since early March, as expectations of increased supply continued to weigh on prices ahead of the signing of a peace agreement between the US and Iran. On Wednesday, Oil was trading lower at $75.03. The pound is trading at $1.34, €1.16, and ¥9.08.
