Ten Things You Need to Know Today: Sunday 3 Jun 2012

1. LIB DEM SECRET TALKS WITH LABOUR

Senior Liberal Democrats are holding secret talks with Labour to develop closer co-operation between the two parties in the future. The discussions, said to include Vince Cable, Sir Menzies Campbell and Ed Miliband, aim to develop "common ground" between the parties so a "progressive coalition" can be formed if the next election delivers a hung parliament.

2. THAMES SET FOR JUBILEE REGATTA

Hundreds of thousands of people are expected to line the River Thames to watch the Queen and around 20 other members of the royal family cruise past in a red and gold royal barge, accompanied by a 1,000-strong flotilla. The royal barge, the Spirit of Chartwell, will be decorated with almost 1,000 cut flowers.

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3. WARSI 'FAILED TO REGISTER BUSINESS'

The embattled co-chairman of the Conservative Party, Baroness Warsi, is facing a fresh storm as The Sunday Telegraph claims she may have breached the Lords code of conduct by failing to register business interests. The peer, who referred herself to a parliamentary watchdog over her expenses claims last week, denies the allegation.

4. ANGER IN EGPYT OVER ACQUITALS

Protests continued in Egypt overnight after the conclusion of the trial in which former President Hosni Mubarak was jailed for life for his part in the killing of protesters during the 2011 uprising. Demonstrators are angry that four interior ministry officials and two local security chiefs, who were on trial alongside Mubarak, were acquitted.

5. QUEEN 'MORE IN TOUCH THAN POLITICIANS'

The Queen is more in touch with the British people than politicians, says a YouGov poll in The Sunday Times. Asked who is most in touch with ordinary Britons, 28% said the Queen and just 9% opted for politicians, although both were outnumbered by the respondents who replied that neither of them was in touch.

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6. WINNER OF THE VOICE CROWNED

Leanne Mitchell was named the winner of The Voice last night, after she beat the other three contestants in the BBC show's final. Mitchell, coached by Sir Tom Jones, beat the bookie's favourite Bo Bruce, who was coached by Danny O'Donoghue. Mitchell said: "I am starting to believe in myself." Sir Tom added: "It gives me confidence that there is justice in this world."

7. SHOOTING IN CANADA SHOPPING CENTRE

Canadian police are hunting a gunman who opened fire on shoppers in Toronto's main central shopping centre, killing one and injuring seven. There was panic as the shooting began in the food court of the Eaton Centre. "A herd of people were just running toward us, screaming, running, freaking out," said one shopper.

8. US ARMY DEVELOPS 'STINK BOMBS'

The US military is planning to deploy controversial “malodorant bombs” containing chemicals that mimic the smell of rotting meat, sewage and other repellent things. Critics say that the use of such weapons, which would produce stenches hundreds of times stronger than the smells they were mimicking, would break the chemical weapons convention.

9. NINE DIE IN LEBANON FIGHTING

At least nine people have died and around 40 were wounded in fighting between supporters and opponents of the Syrian regime in the Lebanese city of Tripoli. Machine guns and rocket propelled grenades were used in the fighting which claimed the lives of civilians, it is reported. There are now fears that unrest in Syria could spill over into its neighbouring country.

10. INJURY WORRY TAINTS ENGLAND WIN

England won their final pre-Euro 2012 friendly, beating Belgium 1-0 at Wembley. Manchester United striker Danny Welbeck struck the winner in the first-half. Defenders Gary Cahill and John Terry were both forced to leave the action prematurely after picking up injuries. Hodgson fears that Cahill might have fractured his jaw.

Injuries pile up as England pay heavy price for Belgium win

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