Ten Things You Need to Know Today: Thursday 24 May 2012

1. CLEGG: GREEK EXIT BAD FOR BRITAIN

It would be a disaster for Britain if Greece were to leave the eurozone and no "rational person" wants to see that happen, the Deputy Prime Minister is to declare in a speech in Berlin. Clegg's statement will put him at odds with some Tory right-wingers. Markets tumbled on Wednesday in anticipation of Greece's exit.

Eurozone 'wants Greece to stay' but countries plan for 'Grexit'

2. PAKISTAN JAILS BIN LADEN HUNT MAN

The doctor who led the CIA to Osama Bin Laden in Pakistan has been jailed for 33 years and denounced as a "spy" by the Pakistani military establishment. American senators are now calling for the US government to cut off aid to Pakistan in retribution. One said the sentencing proves "Pakistan sees itself as being at war with us".

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3. TORIES GET FREE VOTE ON GAY MARRIAGE

Conservative MPs are set to be allowed a free vote on gay marriage after a number of Tories expressed their opposition to the plan. This means MPs will be free to vote as they choose rather than having to follow the party whip. Although Cameron has strongly backed gay marriage, several Tories believe it is a Liberal Democrat inspired move.

4. REVISED FIGURES MAKE RECESSION WORSE

The UK economy shrank more than had previously been thought in the first three months of the year, meaning that the country's double dip recession is worse than expected. The Office of National Statistics has revised its figures downwards and now says that the economy contracted by 0.3% between January and March, not 0.2%.

Double-dip recession deepens as GDP is revised downwards

5. STONE ROSES PLAY COMEBACK GIG

The Stone Roses played their first gig for 16 years at Warrington's Parr Hall last night in front of around 1,000 die-hard fans, including Liam Gallagher, as they prepare for their summer comeback shows. The iconic Manchester four-piece stormed through a set including I Wanna Be Adored, Sally Cinnamon and Love Spreads.

The Stone Roses return with triumphant gig in Warrington

6. LEVESON: MICHEL REVEALS HUNT TEXTS

Murdoch lobbyist Fred Michel exchanged 799 texts with staff at the DCMS during News Corp's failed bid to buy BSkyB, the Leveson Inquiry has heard. Most were to and from Jeremy Hunt's special adviser Adam Smith, but some were to Hunt himself. Hunt once replied saying he looked forward to meeting Michel for coffee "like the old days".

Murdoch lobbyist shared baby texts with Jeremy Hunt

7. WHO CALLS POLIO HEALTH EMERGENCY

The World Health Organisation is expected to declare a global health emergency for polio at an assembly in Geneva this week, despite 50 years of efforts to wipe out the disease. The WHO says that there is no danger of an epidemic but admits its efforts to eradicate polio are at a "tipping point" between success and failure.

Why is the WHO declaring a polio global health emergency?

8. CAMERON CALLS BALLS 'MUTTERING IDIOT'

David Cameron was chastised by the Commons Speaker John Bercow after he called Shadow Chancellor Ed Balls a "muttering idiot" during Prime Minister's Questions yesterday. Bercow told Cameron his words were "unparliamentary". Balls reportedly told Cameron to "chillax, and have another glass of wine".

Cameron comes off worse after Ed Balls 'muttering idiot' gaffe

9. BARTON LANDS 12-MATCH BAN

Joey Barton has been handed a 12-match ban after being found guilty of two counts of violent conduct. The charges relate to when the QPR midfielder was sent off in the final match of last season. He clashed with Sergio Aguero and Vincent Kompany in the wake of his dismissal. He has also been fined £75,000 by the FA.

Joey Barton's QPR future in doubt after receiving 12-match ban

10. HOT TICKET: EAT PERUVIAN IN SOHO

Ceviche, the new Peruvian restaurant and pisco bar in Soho, is impressing the critics. The restaurant serves the signature Peruvian citrus infused raw fish dish after which it is named, along with other Peruvian classics including marinated grilled meat skewers and pisco cocktails. "The dieter’s restaurant dream", says The Times.

Ceviche brings Peru's fresh and feisty flavours to London

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