Ten Things You Need to Know Today: Wednesday 2 Oct 2019

1. Meghan sues Mail on Sunday over letter to father

The Duchess of Sussex is suing The Mail on Sunday for publishing a private letter that she wrote to her father. Lawyers for Meghan Markle have filed a High Court against the newspaper and its parent company over the alleged misuse of private information, infringement of copyright and breach of General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR). Prince Harry has also issued a statement accusing the press of “bullying” his wife, saying: “I lost my mother and now I watch my wife falling victim to the same powerful forces.”

Why Meghan Markle is suing the Mail on Sunday

2. Johnson to set out Brexit plans in conference speech

Boris Johnson will today make his keynote speech to the Tory conference in Manchester – and is expected to set out his plans for a new Brexit deal, before submitting proposals to Brussels. The prime minister yesterday said that his plans included keeping Northern Ireland in EU customs zones for agri-food and goods until at least 2025.

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

3. Alleged Tate Modern pusher named

The identity of a man accused of throwing a French six-year-old boy off the viewing platform at London’s Tate Modern gallery has been revealed. Jonty Bravery was 17 at the time of the incident, in August, and could not be named until his 18th birthday. The young victim is still in hospital, after suffered a “deep” bleed to the brain and a fractured spine.

4. Hong Kong: protester shot and 180 arrested

An 18-year-old pro-democracy demonstrator was shot in the chest with a live round in Hong Kong yesterday, amid the worst violence since protests against Chinese totalitarianism began earlier this year. The shot man, said to be a student, is in hospital in a stable condition. More than 100 people were treated for injuries, and a total of around 180 protesters were arrested.

What is happening in Hong Kong?

5. More rain on the way following flood chaos

Forecasters expect England and Wales to enjoy some respite from the recent heavy rainfall today – before the downpour resumes tomorrow. Nearly 300 flood alerts were issued yesterday and a third of train operators reported disruptions. A major incident was declared on the Isle of Man after a river burst its banks, trapping local residents in their homes.

6. Tesco boss Dave Lewis announces departure

Dave Lewis has shocked investors by announcing that he is stepping down as chief executive of Tesco. The news comes as the supermarket giant reveals a 6.7% rise in first-half profits. The 54-year-old, who has been at the helm since since 2014, said the decision was a “personal one”. Lewis will be replaced by Ken Murphy.

7. UK expresses ‘regret’ for Maori killings but no apology

The UK is to express “regret” in private meetings between the British high commissioner to New Zealand and local Maori tribes for the killing of indigenous people by early settlers after Captain Cook arrived there - but is stopping short of an apology. The statement from Laura Clarke comes ahead of 250th anniversary of Cook’s landing.

8. Burger King milkshake tweet criticised by watchdog

Fast-food chain Burger King has been censured by the Advertising Standards Authority over a tweet that appeared to encourage people to throw milkshakes at Nigel Farage. In May, it emerged that police had asked a McDonald’s in Edinburgh not to sell shakes amid fears that protesters might throw them at a nearby rally led by the Brexit Party boss. The following day, Burger King tweeted: “We’re selling milkshakes all weekend. Have fun.” The watchdog launched an investigation after receiving 24 complains from members of the public.

9. Man gored by bison sees date suffer same fate months later

A US man who was gored by a bison in a Utah state park in June took a date to the same spot last week - only to see her gored as well. Kayleigh Davis and Kyler Bourgeous were running on the same trail in Antelope Island State Park when a bison was startled by cyclists and charged at Davis. She was released from hospital on Monday after suffering a broken ankle and leg wound.

10. Briefing: how a vote of no confidence works

MPs have ruled out a proposal to call a vote of no confidence in the Government this week, as opposition parties continue to disagree about the best way forward in their bid to prevent a no-deal Brexit.

But is a no-confidence vote likely to be called in the coming month and how will it work?

Vote of no confidence: how it works and why Labour is shying off