Ten Things You Need to Know Today: Tuesday 3 Sep 2019

1. MPs in last-ditch bid to block no-deal Brexit

MPs opposed to a no-deal Brexit will try to introduce an emergency bill in the Commons today designed to stop the UK leaving the EU without an agreement for future relations. Prime Minister Boris Johnson has threatened to throw Tory rebels out of the party and is expected to seek a 14 October election if the bill passes.

Today’s newspapers: ‘Bullish Boris ready to walk away’

2. Corbyn: ‘I’ll be delighted to fight general election’

Jeremy Corbyn has responded to speculation that Boris Johnson is planning a snap general election by telling Labour supporters that he would “be delighted” and “we will win”. Addressing a Labour rally in Salford on Monday, Corbyn said he would back the call for an election even if it came from the PM himself.

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Jeremy Corbyn wants election as speculation mounts

3. At least five dead as Dorian pummels Bahamas

Hurricane Dorian has killed at least five people in the Bahamas as the deadly storm stalls over the island after sweeping across the Caribbean. Up to 13,000 houses have been destroyed or severely damaged by 120mph winds, and floodwaters have left many residents trapped in their homes or stranded on roofs. Bahamian Prime Minister Hubert Minnis has described the storm as a “historic tragedy”.

Hurricane Dorian reaches historically catastrophic status

4. At least 25 killed in California boat fire

Rescuers have located the bodies of 25 people, with a further nine still missing, after a fire broke out on a dive boat off the coast of California. The Conception commercial scuba diving boat was anchored near Santa Cruz Island, 90 miles off Santa Barbara, when the fire broke out at 3am local time on Monday. The 75ft ship had been on a three-day scuba diving excursion to the Channel Islands, northwest of Los Angeles.

At least 25 dead in California boat fire

5. HS2 rail project to be delayed by three years

The launch of the first phase of the HS2 high-speed rail project will be delayed by up to three years and come in £24bn over budget, Transport Secretary Grant Shapps will announce today. The initial leg of the new high-speed rail line between London and Birmingham was due to open in 2026 but is now expected to be put back until 2028 or 2029. The budget for the whole project - including phase two from Manchester to Leeds - is expected to rise from £56bn to £80bn.

6. Junk food diet left teenager blind and deaf

A teenager in Bristol who lived off chips, crisps, white bread and processed meat for years has lost his hearing and sight because of a lack of vitamins and minerals, doctors say. The boy, who has not been named, first went to his doctor complaining of tiredness when he was 14. By the age of 17, his vision had deteriorated to the point of blindness.

7. Justine Greening to stand down at next election

Former Conservative education secretary Justine Greening told BBC Radio 4’s Today programme this morning that she intends to stand down as an MP at the next election. She said that the Tory party was “becoming the Brexit party” and that she would need to be “outside Parliament” to “make a difference on opportunity and social mobility”.

8. Hong Kong leader Lam: I never offered to quit

Hong Kong leader Carrie Lam has denied offering to resign, after a private audio recording was released in which she says she would quit if she could. She did not deny that the recording was authentic. There have been months of protests in the Chinese-ruled territory after Lam tried to introduce a new extradition bill.

What is happening in Hong Kong?

9. UK drivers in Ireland ‘will need GB sticker’

UK-registered cars will need to display a GB sticker in the Republic of Ireland after Brexit, according to new government guidelines. British motorists are currently advised to display the sticker in all EU countries but the recommendation is not enforced. The rule applies to Northern Ireland even though it is not a part of Great Britain, which is made up of England, Scotland and Wales.

Can MPs still block a no-deal Brexit?

10. Briefing: what people are stockpiling for Brexit

One in four Britons is taking special precautions to prepare for a no-deal Brexit as the clock ticks down until the 31 October deadline, according to a recent poll.

So should we be worried about shortages - and if so, of what?

Brexit stockpiling: what people are gathering before 31 October