Ten Things You Need to Know Today: Monday 21 May 2012

1. SINGLE 30% INCOME TAX RATE DEMANDED

A single 30% rate of income tax is required to boost growth in the UK, a report by lobbying groups claims. The report, from the 2020 Tax Commission, also suggests the abolition of national insurance, and for the basic personal allowance to be raised to £10,000. The Commission is joint project between the Taxpayers' Alliance and the Institute of Directors.

2. OLYMPIC FLAME GOES OUT ON RELAY

The Olympic flame has blown out on the third day of the torch relay across Britain. A "malfunctioning burner" was blamed for the accident in Devon while the torch was attached to para-badminton star David Follett's wheelchair. It was relit from a "mother flame" accompanying the relay.

Olympic relay torches appear for sale on eBay

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3. LOCKERBIE BOMBER AL-MEGRAHI BURIED

The death of Abdelbaset al-Megrahi, the only man convicted of the Lockerbie bombing, has prompted renewed calls for a fresh inquiry into the case. David Cameron rejected the calls, saying: "This has been thoroughly gone through." Al-Megrahi was buried in a private ceremony in Tripoli on Monday.

Calls for inquiry into Lockerbie bombing as Megrahi dies

4. HOT TICKET: DEVITO SHINES ON WEST END

The Sunshine Boys, a revival of Neil Simon's 1972 Broadway play, has opened in London's West End. Danny Devito and Richard Griffiths star as an estranged former Vaudevillian double-act who must overcome old resentments to perform again for a television special. "Magic", says The Times. Until 28 July, Savoy Theatre.

Danny DeVito is magic in revival of Simon's The Sunshine Boys

5. BEE GEES STAR ROBIN GIBB DIES

Bee Gees' singer Robin Gibb has died at the age of 62 after a prolonged battle with cancer. The iconic band was formed with his brothers Barry and Maurice in 1958 and went on to have hits, including Stayin' Alive and Night Fever, through five decades. Paul Gambaccini described Gibb as "one of the major figures in the history of British music".

Robin Gibb of the Bee Gees dies at 62

6. SUMMER ON ITS WAY AT LAST?

Summer should finally arrive in Britain this week with temperatures set to rise to around 26C (80F) in some parts by Wednesday. A powerful high pressure system could push temperatures here higher than those in the Mediterranean. Some weather experts are warning cooler and wetter conditions could return in early June.

7. EARTHQUAKE HITS NORTHERN ITALY

Seven people died and thousands have been left homeless in northern Italy after a powerful earthquake shook the region yesterday. The magnitude six tremor, centred north of Bologna, has destroyed historic buildings, medieval castles, churches and clock towers. The quake was felt as far away as Venice.

Earthquake hits northern Italy - in pictures

8. VINCE CABLE CONDEMNS PM'S BEECROFT REPORT

Business Secretary Vince Cable has condemned proposals contained in a report commissioned by David Cameron that would make it easier to fire unproductive workers. Cable said the proposals took the "wrong approach" and said government should not be trying to "scare the wits" out of employees.

9. SUICIDE BOMBER KILLS DOZENS IN YEMEN

A suicide bomber wearing an army uniform has killed at least 90 soldiers in an attack at a military parade in the Yemeni capital Sanaa. It is thought the eventual death toll could be more than 100. The attack came as the army prepared for tomorrow's parade to celebrate National Unity Day, at which new president Abdrabbuh Mansour Hadi was expected to be present.

Al-Qaeda suicide bomber kills dozens in attack on Yemen army

10. FACEBOOK SHARES FALL 12%

Facebook shares dropped 12 per cent below their flotation price of $38 during early trading in New York on Monday, wiping $13bn off the social network's valuation. Earlier Nasdaq stock exchange boss Robert Greifeld said he was "humbly embarrassed" by a glitch that caused a half-hour delay to the share launch on Friday.

Facebook floats on New York's Nasdaq stock exchange - pictures