Ten Things You Need to Know Today: Sunday 7 Oct 2012

1. TORIES RULE OUT MANSION TAX

Chancellor George Osborne has ruled out a 'mansion tax' on expensive properties, enraging Liberal Democrats who had pressed for its introduction. Speaking to The Sunday Telegraph, David Cameron announced measures aimed at “striving” families, including a council tax freeze, and a two-year cap on some rail fares.

2. BRIDGER CHARGED WITH APRIL'S MURDER

Mark Bridger has been charged with the murder of April Jones. He was arrested the day after five-year-old Jones went missing in Wales on Monday. The 46 year old has also been charged with attempting to pervert the course of justice and child abduction. Dyfed-Powys Police say they remain "focused and committed" to finding April.

3. ISRAEL DOWNS MYSTERY DRONE

Israel's air force has shot down a small unmanned drone aircraft which had entered the south of the country. It is unclear where the aircraft originated, or its precise purpose. It has been speculated that it was sent by Hezbollah or even from Iran, possibly to spy on Israel's nuclear reactor in Dimona. Defence Minister Ehud Barak said Israel took the incident "very severely".

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Israel shoots down mystery drone, but who does it belong to?

4. POPE MAY PARDON JAILED BUTLER

Pope Benedict's former butler has been sentenced to 18 months in prison for stealing the pontiff's private letters following a swift trial in a Vatican court. Pablo Gabriele had told prosecutors that he considered himself an "agent of the Holy Spirit" as he leaked the confidential papers. The Vatican has indicated the pope is likely to pardon Gabriele.

5. LABOUR LEAD REACHES 11 POINTS

Labour's lead over the Conservatives has increased to 11 points in the latest opinion poll. There was further bad news for David Cameron in the Opinium/Observer poll, as Boris Johnson received a 51% approval rating compared to the prime minister's score of just 29%. Ed Miliband's rating rose from 23% before his conference speech to 28%.

6. MINISTER SAYS ECONOMY 'HEALING'

Defence Secretary Philip Hammond says that the business community disputes recent pessimistic economic data, and insists: "There is a mood that the economy is healing." Speaking to The Observer, Hammond, who has been spoken of as a future chancellor, claims that if the eurozone stabilises Britain will enjoy "sustained recovery" by the end of 2014.

7. SAVILE CHARITIES DROP HIS NAME

Charities set up by Jimmy Savile are renouncing their connection to the late disgraced star by dropping his name and giving money to victims of child sex abuse. The Jimmy Savile Charitable Trust says it intends to “support charities that work with survivors of sexual abuse”. Charity rules prevent the Trust from directly compensating Savile's victims.

Jimmy Savile ‘molested girls while he broadcasted’

8. HAMZA APPEARS AT US COURT

Abu Hamza and four other terror suspects have appeared in front of a US court following their extradition from the UK on Friday. Hamza appeared briefly before the court in New York. He will return on Tuesday for a plea hearing. The cleric appeared at the hearing without his hook-shaped prosthetic hand.

9. HACKING VICTIMS WRITE TO CAMERON

An open letter signed by 60 victims of newspaper phone hacking, including Hugh Grant and Charlotte Church, has been sent to David Cameron. It urges the prime minister to consider press regulation once the Leveson Inquiry reports to him. The letter said it was "highly regrettable" that press reports suggested the government does not plan to introduce regulation.

10. CHELSEA BEAT NORWICH 4-1

Chelsea brushed a difficult week aside with a 4-1 victory over Norwich and maintain their place at the top of the Premier League table. John Terry and Ashley Cole both started for the Blues, who responded magnificently after going 1-0 down in the first half. Manchester City beat Sunderland 3-0 and Arsenal won 3-1 at West Ham United.

Chelsea brush ‘twatgate’ - and Norwich - aside to remain top