Ten Things You Need to Know Today: Monday 26 Dec 2011

1. DEADLY NIGERIA ATTACKS CONDEMNED

World leaders have condemned the bombings that killed around 40 people in Nigeria. The White House described the attacks as "senseless violence" and the UK Foreign Secretary called them "cowardly". Islamic extremist group Boko Haram, which calls for a strict Islamic state, said it carried out the attacks.

2. KEEP OUT OF POLITICS, ARCHBISHOP TOLD

The Archbishop of Canterbury is under fire for his "political" sermon which likened those taking part in the summer riots to City "speculators". Gary Streeter, the Tory chairman of the Christians In Parliament group, said Dr Williams "would be wise to leave the politics to politicians".

3. BLOODY SCRAP AT MIDNIGHT MASS

Police were called to a midnight mass service in Southampton when a fight broke out during the priest's sermon. Punches were exchanged and steel chairs were thrown in the packed pews. One man ended-up covered in blood. The cause of the fight, involving a woman and several men, is unknown.

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4. THIRD NIGHT IN HOSPITAL FOR DUKE

Prince Philip, who has spent a third night in hospital, may miss the Royal Family's traditional Boxing Day shoot that he normally leads. Prince William, Prince Harry and six other grandchildren visited the Duke for 45 minutes in Papworth Hospital on Christmas Day evening.

5. POLL REVEALS ECONOMY FEARS

People aged between 35 and 44 are most fearful of what the economy holds over the coming year, according to a Times poll. 72% of that group believe the economy will impact "badly" on them. One in five Brits overall expect living standards to increase next year, including one in four in the South East.

6. PM MORE POPULAR THAN COALITION

David Cameron is doing a good job, say 48% of respondents to a Guardian/ICM poll. However, the coalition he heads fared less well with only 39% of respondents saying they believe it is performing well. Overall, the Conservative Party is on 37%, Labour on 36% and the Lib Dems at 15%.

7. GINGRICH FUMES OVER VIRGINIA

Newt Gingrich has slammed the "failed system" of ballot requirements after failing to collected the required 10,000 signatures to qualify for Virginia's 2012 Republican primary. He promised an "aggressive write-in campaign" but suffered further humiliation when it transpired Virginia does not permit this.

8. MILITARY WIVES TOP XMAS CHART

The Military Wives choir has landed the Christmas number one spot with their single Wherever You Are. Proceeds from the single go to military charities. They pipped X Factor winners Little Mix to the prestigious spot by selling 556,000 copies in the last week - more than the rest of the top 12 combined.

9. TUBE STRIKE BEGINS

London's Underground network faces disruption today as drivers belonging to the union Aslef begin a 24-hour strike. The action, over demands for extra pay for working on the public holiday, will cause disruption to shoppers and football fans. London Underground says it will provide service across as many lines as possible.

10. HUGE RALLY FOR KHAN

An estimated 150,000 people have attended a rally to support Pakistani cricketer-turned-politician Imran Khan's bid to take power in 2013. His popularity is rising as he benefits from a wave of voter disillusionment. He told the Daily Telegraph: "I have all the opposition by their balls."