Ten Things You Need to Know Today: Sunday 8 Apr 2012

1. POLL DAMNS 'GOVERNMENT OF CHUMS'

In a new survey, 61% of those polled said that David Cameron is running "a Government of chums" and 68% said the Cabinet is not sincerely committed to its "We're all in it together" slogan. Other results of the poll by Survation include 64% saying that for David Cameron's inner circle "who you know" is more important than "what you know".

2. BOAT RACE PROTESTOR CHARGED

The man who disrupted yesterday's Boat Race has been charged under the Public Order Act. The race was stopped on 10 minutes and 30 seconds after Trenton Oldfield was seen swimming near the boats. Cambridge won the restarted race after Oxford broke an oar. Oxford's Alex Woods, who collapsed after they crossed the line, is in a stable condition in hospital.

3. FRESH VIOLENCE AHEAD OF SYRIA TRUCE

Over 100 people are believed to have died in a fresh wave of government attacks in Syria ahead of the UN-brokered ceasefire. Claims of a "massacre" have emerged from the town of Latamneh where 40 civilians are said to have died under government bombardment. The UN has warned the regime not to use the forthcoming truce as an "excuse for killing".

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4. MET FACES NEW 'RACE MURDER' ROW

A leaked Metropolitan Police report has revealed “a catalogue of errors” and "a failing in the duty on the part of the investigating officers” who probed the suspicious death of a black London bus driver in 2010. Senior figures in the black community are comparing the case of Kester David with that of Stephen Lawrence.

5. OVER 100 FEARED DEAD IN AVALANCHE

Up to 135 people, most of them Pakistani soldiers, are feared dead after an avalanche in the disputed Kashmir region yesterday. Some 124 Pakistani soldiers and 11 civilians are missing after 70ft of snow engulfed a military camp near the Siachen Glacier. A rescue operation involving sniffer dogs, helicopters and hundreds of troops has been mounted.

6. ROMNEY NOT APPEALING TO WOMEN

Mitt Romney is not appealing to female voters in battleground states, a poll suggests. In the key states that will decide the Presidential election Barack Obama is ahead by nine percentage points. However, among female voters in those states his lead is 18%. Romney admits he has "work to do" to win over "the women of America".

7. PM MULLS RAUNCHY POP VIDEO RESTRICTION

The Prime Minister is considering new rules under which explicit music videos, such as those by Rihanna and Madonna, would be given 18 certificates to protect children. The Prime Minister is looking at plans that would require websites to employ strict age verification systems to view raunchy pop videos.

8. PENTAGON PLANS 'MIND-READING' HELMETS

The US Army is hoping to create 'mind-reading' helmets that would allow 'telepathic troops' to communicate silently in the midst of a battle. The proposed helmets, featuring electrodes that can read signals from the brain, would allow soldiers to warn each other of impending danger without saying a word.

9. LENNON HAILS CELTIC CHAMPIONS

Manager Neil Lennon says winning the league title with Celtic is "the greatest thing I have ever done". His team beat Kilmarnock 6-0 yesterday to win the Scottish Premier League for the first time in four years. Lennon, who has overcome death threats and other abuse since taking over, said "I felt as if I was on probation. Now I feel like the Celtic manager."

10. PIVOTAL DAY FOR MANCHESTER CLUBS

Manchester United have the chance to solidify their lead in what could be a decisive day of Premier League football. United face QPR at Old Trafford in the early kick-off. Then second-placed Manchester City play at Arsenal. City boss Roberto Mancini says if United win and his team lose then the title race will be over.