I was thinking of replacing my lounge ceiling light + 2 wall lights. There is no earth wire. If I bought metal light fittngs with the double insulation symbol is this within regs

Technically yes, although it shows that the wiring in your home is pre-1967 and so is now life expired and really should be rewired for safety! Also worth installing an RCD on the lighting circuit as well, as if there is any electrical/fault or fire your house insurer is unlikely to pay out due to the absence of an earth wire on the lighting circuit.

hello, there is a need to have the facility to earth at all points on an electrical system even if there is no need for it with the fitting you are installing not requiring it. so not really the safest option,i wouldnt take the job on to be honest unless there is earth present. thanks,ben.@b.r.h.

There is no need to rewire the whole house just because there is no earth on the lighting system The way to do it is to carry out an Electrical Installation Condition report which would highlight any problems and if the only fault found is the lighting circuit just rewire that and upgrade the consumer unit to give RCD protection across the whole system and reduce the cost and disruption of a full rewire