Ten Things You Need to Know Today: Sunday 13 Nov 2011

1. TORY MP 'CALLS CAMERON A DESPICABLE CREATURE'

A Conservative MP has been taped describing PM David Cameron as "the worst politician in British history since William Gladstone", reports the Sunday Mirror. Patrick Mercer MP also allegedly said Cameron is "a despicable creature" and vowed that the party will "get rid of him". Mercer denies making the comments.

2. JEERS FOR QUITTING BERLUSCONI

Technocrat Mario Monti is expected to be named the new Prime Minister of Italy, following Silvio Berlusconi's resignation. Berlusconi was jeered by crowds as he brought his 17-year reign to an end. Monti, a former European Commissioner, is set to be handed the task of forming an administration to manage Italy's escalating financial crisis.

3. CABLE SYMPATHISES WITH OCCUPY DEMO

Business Secretary Vince Cable says he sympathises with the feelings of protesters outside St Paul's Cathedral. He told the BBC's Politics Show the ongoing demonstration reflected feeling that a small group of people have prospered from the economic crisis, while many more have suffered. Cable says legislation could be introduced to curb executive pay.

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4. DISGRACED UDIN CAN RETURN TO LORDS

The House of Lords does not have the power to bar disgraced peer Baroness Uddin from returning to her seat, even though she has not paid back a penny of the £125,000 she was fined for an expenses fiddle. A Lords committee ruled it would be illegal to prevent Udin's return when her 18-month suspension ends in April.

5. OSBORNE'S £50 BILLION GROWTH PLAN

The government is planning a £50billion housing and road-building programme in a bid for private sector money to boost the flagging economy. Chancellor George Osborne's plan comes amid fears of a double-dip recession, as the Bank of England prepares to slash its growth forecasts for 2011 and 2012.

6. ISRAEL SNUBS US OVER IRAN INTENTIONS

Israel has refused to reassure US President Barack Obama that it would warn him in advance of a strike on Iran's nuclear capabilities, heightening suspicions that it may be planning a unilateral attack within months. Meanwhile, 17 soldiers were killed in an explosion at a military base near Iran's capital Tehran yesterday.

7. NEW BORDER SCANDAL AT DOVER

Millions of people have been allowed into Britain without full passport checks. After complaints from France about congestion at Calais, staff at Britain's busiest port of Dover stopped electronically scanning passports in 2007, meaning they were not checked against a computer database to establish if the holder was a wanted terrorist or offender.

8. ARAB LEAGUE SUSPENDS SYRIA

The Arab League has voted to suspend Syria and called on its army to stop the killing of civilians. The 22-nation body has also threatened political and economic sanctions against Damascus unless it stops its violent crackdown on anti-government protesters. Syria, Lebanon and Yemen voted against the move, while Iraq abstained.

9. REDKNAPP TO FACE TAX TRIAL

Tottenham Hotspur manager Harry Redknapp will face trial for tax evasion next year. The 64-year-old has been charged with two counts of cheating the public revenue between 2002 and 2007 when he was manager of Portsmouth. Former Portsmouth chairman Milan Mandaric has also been charged with tax evasion. Both deny the charges.

10. DOUBLE VICTORY FOR ENGLAND

England's football and rugby league sides enjoyed significant triumphs yesterday. A Frank Lampard header handed Fabio Capello's men victory over World and European champions Spain at Wembley. Meanwhile, England's rugby league side sailed to the Four Nations Final after a 28-6 demolition of reigning champions New Zealand.