Ten Things You Need to Know Today: Sunday 17 Mar 2013

1. TORY PEER SLAMS GEORGE OSBORNE

Tory peer Lord Ashcroft says George Osborne's apparent indifference to the concerns of ordinary voters could hand victory to Labour at the next general election. Writing in the Mail On Sunday, Ashcroft said the chancellor “seems indifferent to the things that keep people awake at night”. He also warned of “trouble at the mill” if Osborne's budget is badly received this week.

2. WOLFOWITZ CONCEDES IRAQ 'FAILURE'

Former deputy Pentagon chief Paul Wolfowitz, a driving force behind the Iraq war, has admitted that a series of mistakes by America has plunged Iraq into a cycle of violence that has “spiralled out of control”. Speaking to the Sunday Times, he said: “The most consequential failure was to understand the tenacity of Saddam’s regime.”

3. MP 'KEEPING SEAT WARM' FOR BORIS

Tory MP Sir Peter Tapsell has hinted he would be willing to give up his safe seat to allow London mayor Boris Johnson to return to parliament. Sir Peter told the prime minister he is “keeping his seat warm for Boris”. He has also stated Johnson would be an “excellent” leader of the Opposition and “perhaps” a good prime minister.

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4. PRYCE MOVED TO 'PLEASANT MANSION'

Vicky Pryce has been moved to an open prison which is described as “a pleasant mansion house overlooking the Weald of Kent” by the Ministry of Justice website. Pryce, jailed for eight months on Monday over her speeding ban scam with ex-husband Chris Huhne, was moved to East Sutton Park prison in Maidstone after four nights in Holloway prison.

5. PANIC IN BAILED-OUT CYPRUS

Cypriot president Nicos Anastasiades has defended the “painful” bailout under which the government will seize up to 10% of savings from bank accounts. There were angry protests and long queues at ATM machines yesterday as word of the measure spread. The seizure is part of an £8.7bn deal agreed with Brussels and the International Monetary Fund.

6. ARCHBISHOP ADMITS ALCOHOLISM FEARS

New Archbishop of Canterbury Justin Welby says he avoids drinking alone for fear of following his father into alcoholism. Speaking to the Sunday Times, the archbishop also admits he has asked his wife to monitor his alcohol intake. “I have an agreement that she keeps an eye on me, so she’ll say if I am going over,” he says.

7. MILIBAND: LET'S STOP FEARING PRESS

Ed Miliband says politicians must stop living in fear of the press and instead “stand up for the victims” of media intrusion. On the eve of the Commons vote on press regulation, the Labour leader tells The Observer it is time to break with the past, when “politicians were fearful of speaking out because they thought: 'I'm going to get bad publicity, it will turn the press against me'."

8. WALES ROMP TO SIX NATIONS WIN

Wales have thrashed England 30-3 to retain the Six Nations title. Recording a record victory over the English, Wales were in imperious form, particularly in the second half of a passionate encounter. The crowd at the Millennium Stadium chanted “Easy, easy” as Wales romped to victory. England coach Stuart Lancaster admitted: “We didn’t turn up. We didn’t match their physicality.”

9. BRITS CUT ANNUAL SPENDING BY £3K

British families have cut spending by £3,000 a year since the credit crunch leaving a £136bn hole in the economy, says consumer group Which. Executive director Richard Lloyd says: "The UK has never before come out of recession without an increase in consumer spending so it is critical that the Chancellor puts consumers at the heart of his plans for a return to growth.”

10. FOOTBALL: IS THE TITLE RACE OVER?

Manchester United moved 15 points clear at the top of the Premier League last night with a 1-0 win over Reading. Wayne Rooney's first-half goal gave United victory over the managerless Royals. Earlier, Manchester City had lost 2-0 to 10-man Everton. At the bottom, Aston Villa beat fellow strugglers QPR 3-2, leaving Harry Redknapp's men rooted to the bottom of the table.