Ten Things You Need to Know Today: Saturday 19 Nov 2011

1. CAMERON AND MERKEL AT ODDS

David Cameron failed to convince German Chancellor Angela Merkel to scrap a planned transaction tax he fears will harm the UK economy. Merkel also rejected his call for a central role for the European Central Bank in bailing out troubled economies. Germany's Finance Minister claims Britain will scrap the pound and join the euro.

2. DUGGAN 'NOT ARMED' WHEN SHOT

The investigation into the killing of Mark Duggan - whose death sparked some of the worst rioting in modern British history - has found no forensic evidence that he was carrying a gun when he was shot dead by police, says The Guardian. The official police story had claimed Duggan was armed and fired at police first.

3. GPs SHOULD NOT SIGN OFF SICK

Sick people should be signed off long-term work by an independent panel rather than their GP, a government review says. The review also suggests tax breaks for firms which employ people who suffer from long-term conditions. The changes could send 20% of those off sick back to work, saving the state £60 billion per year.

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4. CLARKE TARGETS HUMAN RIGHTS LAWS

Justice Secretary Kenneth Clarke is on the brink of reaching a deal which would allow British judges to overrule European human rights legislation, he tells the Daily Telegraph. Clarke wants to prevent individuals repeatedly challenging deportation rulings, after a man said he could not be deported "because he had a pet cat".

5. US DRONE KILLS BRIT TERROR SUSPECTS

Two British terror suspects have been killed in a US drone attack in Pakistan. One of the men, Ibrahim Adam, had been on the run from the UK authorities for four years after absconding from a control order. Meanwhile, four men arrested in Birmingham earlier this week have been charged with terrorism offences.

6. PROUT LEADS POLICE TO WIFE'S BODY

Adrian Prout, serving life for murdering his wife, has led detectives to the spot where he buried her after finally confessing to her murder. Prout was taken handcuffed and under armed guard to the farm the couple once shared. His fiancée, who had protested Prout's innocence, is said to be 'devastated' by his admission.

7. 50% DISCOUNT FOR COUNCIL HOUSES

Millions of council house tenants will be allowed a discount of up to 50% to buy their homes, says The Times. The discount, double the existing amount, is a government strategy to generate revenue for 450,000 new homes. First-time buyers will be eligible for 95% mortgages, similar to those available during the 2007 boom.

8. HAGUE TO MEET SYRIAN REBELS

Foreign Secretary William Hague will meet Syrian rebel leaders in London on Monday, the Foreign Office says. Mr Hague will meet members of the Syrian National Council and the National Co-ordination Committee for Democratic Change. Syria has conditionally accepted an Arab League monitoring plan aimed at ending violence.

9. CONMAN FOSTER ARRESTED DOWN UNDER

Conman Peter Foster - who helped Cherie Blair buy cut-price flats in Bristol - was arrested in Australia yesterday after being chased through the corridors of a hospital where he was visiting his elderly mother. Foster was wanted for contempt of court relating to a consumer case against his 'miracle' diet nasal spray.

10. MAN CITY POSTS RECORD LOSS

Manchester City has reported an annual loss of £194.9m, the biggest in English football history. City could fall foul of Uefa rules which will exclude from European competition clubs that post losses of more than £38.5m in total between this season and the end of the 2014/15 campaign. The club has spent £460m on players during the last three years.