Ten Things You Need to Know Today: Tuesday 25 Dec 2012

1. TORY WARNS AGAINST PLEBGATE WITCH HUNT

Conservative Party vice-chairman Michael Fabricant says police should not face a "witch hunt" over the 'plebgate' episode. Writing on Twitter, he argued that former chief whip Andrew Mitchell does not emerge from the saga "smelling of roses" and that the truth of the incident is probably "six of one and half a dozen of the other".

2. ARCHBISHOP ATTACKS GAY MARRIAGE 'SHAMBLES'

Archbishop of Westminster Vincent Nichols has attacked plans to legalise gay marriage, arguing the proposal is "undemocratic" and a "shambles". In his Christmas Eve sermon, the Archbishop, who is the leader of the Roman Catholic Church in England and Wales, said: "George Orwell would be proud" of the way the government is handling the issue.

3. FLOOD WOE SPREADS AS RAIN LASHES UK

Further heavy rain will bring more flooding and disruption to parts of Britain as the country faces the wettest Christmas for decades. The whole of the south of England has been placed under a severe weather warning, together with Midlands, southern Wales and parts of Scotland. More than a month's worth of rain has fallen on the south west in the last five days

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4. FIREFIGHTERS SHOT DEAD TACKLING BLAZE

Two US volunteer fire crew have been shot dead while responding to an emergency call in the town of Webster in New York state. Police believe the two dead men, and two colleagues who were injured, were lured into an "apparent trap" as they arrived to fight the blaze and evacuate residents on Monday morning.

5. SYRIAN REBELS 'FACED GAS ATTACK'

Syrian rebels claim they have come under gas attack in Homs. The Syrian Observatory for Human Rights said six rebel fighters died after a "poisonous gas" which discharged white smoke was used against them on Sunday. Rebels say the substance caused dizziness, headaches and epilepsy in those exposed to it.

6. ACTOR JACK KLUGMAN DIES

American actor Jack Klugman, who starred in the television series Quincy M.E. and The Odd Couple, has died at the age of 90. His son Adam revealed that Klugman passed away in Los Angeles on Monday afternoon. "He had a great life and he enjoyed every moment of it and he would encourage others to do the same," said Adam.

7. DANIELS 'TRIVIALISING' SAVILE CRIMES

Magician Paul Daniels has been accused of "belittling" victims of Jimmy Savile. Daniels said he finds it "odd" that many of Savile's accusers had gone to meet him backstage. "A bad guy? Undoubtedly, but I have been wondering if all the accusers are for real," he wrote. A spokesman for the Kidscape charity said: "I am worried about people trivialising something so serious.”

8. MAN SUFFERS BRUSSELS SPROUTS OVERDOSE

A man has been rushed to hospital in Scotland after eating too many Brussels sprouts, reports The Sun. Medics discovered that the man suffered heart failure when Vitamin K contained in the vegetable interfered with blood-thinning medication he takes. He made a full recovery after being treated.

9. US PETITION: DEPORT PIERS MORGAN

An online petition in America is calling for British television host Piers Morgan to be deported over his robust campaigning for a reform of gun laws in the US. Over 32,000 Americans have signed the petition which declares that the CNN anchorman should be be deported for his "attacks against the rights of American citizens".

10. RODGERS: WE WANT TO KEEP GERRARD

Liverpool manager Brendan Rodgers is keen for captain Steven Gerrard to extend his contract at Anfield, saying the midfielder has "still got so much left". The 32-year-old's contract expires at the end of the 2013/14 season. Rodgers said it is "vital" that the club extends the deal of England international Gerrard, who has netted 153 goals in 609 appearances.