Ten Things You Need to Know Today: Wednesday 7 Dec 2011

1. UK THREATENS VETO ON EU REFORM

The Prime Minister may veto plans for a new EU treaty unless leaders agree to British demands. Writing in The Times, he vows to make his support conditional on safeguards for the City of London. Justice Secretary Ken Clarke warns eurosceptics not to expect a power grab from the summit.

Cameron walks tightrope with threat to veto EU treaty

2. ASSAD TELLS ABC HE'S NOT TO BLAME

Syrian president Bashar al-Assad has told American TV that he is not responsible for the violence in his country and feels no guilt over the brutal 10-month suppression of anti-government protests. Interviewed by Barbara Walters of ABC, he said that security forces had made "mistakes" but added that he did not own the army or the country.

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Experts incredulous at Assad's denial of responsibility

3. BRITAIN RISKS ARGENTINE FURY

Tensions between Britain and Argentina are rising after Westminster announced plans for a large marine protection zone near the Falkland Islands. The UK says it is seeking to protect penguins, walruses and killer whales that live in the area. Buenos Aires recently restated its claim to the territory.

UK's South Georgia marine reserve fuels Falklands row

4. OVER 40% OF CANCERS DUE TO POOR LIFESTYLE

Nearly half the instances of cancer in the UK by are caused by smoking, alcohol and poor diets, research has revealed. The report, published in the British Journal of Cancer, found tobacco to be the biggest culprit, followed by dietary issues such as a lack of fruit and vegetables.

5. BALDWIN THROWN-OFF FLIGHT FOR IPAD GAME

Actor Alec Baldwin was removed from a plane after failing to turn off his iPad as it prepared for take-off. The ejection of Baldwin, who was playing the popular Scrabble-style game Words With Friends, delayed the early morning American Airlines flight from LAX airport to New York.

Up, up and away: six starry passengers kicked off planes

6. GORBACHEV CALLS FOR NEW ELECTIONS

Former Soviet leader Mikhail Gorbachev has called for the results of Russias elections to be anulled because the results do not "reflect the will of the voters". Vladimir Putin's United Russia party won the poll with a reduced majority, prompting allegations of vote rigging and mass protests, which have been put down by riot police.

Alexei Navalny: the man who's got Russians ranting at Putin

7. MULCAIRE ARRESTED OVER HACKING

Glenn Mulcaire, the private detective at the centre of the News of the World phone hacking scandal, has reportedly been arrested on suspicion of conspiring to intercept voicemail messages and perverting the course of justice, by officers from Scotland Yard's Operation Weeting. Mulcaire has already served time in prison for hacking.

8. US AUTHOR WINS BAD SEX AWARD

Author David Guterson has won the annual Bad Sex In Fiction Award for the passage in his novel Ed King about an encounter between mother and son. He said: "Oedipus practically invented bad sex, so I'm not in the least bit surprised." Past winners include Tom Wolfe, Norman Mailer and AA Gill.

9. CHELSEA SAIL TO LAST 16

A Didier Drogba-inspired 3-0 victory over Valencia sent Chelsea into the knockout stages of the Champions League last night. Andre Villas-Boas had boldly dropped Frank Lampard for the crunch tie. Arsenal lost 3-1 at Olympiakos but still finish top of their group, as do Chelsea.

Villas-Boas answers his critics with stunning Chelsea victory

10. HOT TICKET: STAND-UP MERCHANT

Stephen Merchant, the award-winning co-creator of The Office and Extras, brings his stand-up tour to London tonight. Stepping out of the shadow of collaborator Ricky Gervais, Merchant’s solo show explores his unluckiness in love. The Guardian says “stand-up fans should make a date”. Hammersmith Apollo until 10 December.