Ten Things You Need to Know Today: Friday 29 Mar 2013

1. NEW POLL GIVES BORIS BOOST

Boris Johnson would wipe out Labour’s lead in the polls if he took over from David Cameron as Tory leader, according to a new survey. The YouGov poll for the Evening Standard found the Conservatives would draw level with Labour at 37% if they were led Johnson. The poll was carried out days after the London mayor was grilled by the BBC's Eddie Mair.

2. MPS: LET'S BLOCK IMMIGRATION

Britain should block immigration from other EU countries during the current period of high unemployment, says a group of influential MPs. Writing in the Daily Telegraph, Frank Field and Nicholas Soames, the joint chairs of the cross party group on balanced migration, say David Cameron must tackle “the elephant in the room” and restrict European immigration.

3. NORTH KOREA THREATENS US MAINLAND

North Korea says it has put missile units on standby to attack US targets in response to US stealth bomber flights over the Korean peninsula. Leader Kim Jong-un says it is time to “settle accounts” with the US. He added that if the US makes a “reckless provocation”, North Korea will “mercilessly strike the US mainland” and American targets in the Pacific and South Korea.

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4. PLEBGATE: MITCHELL TO SUE SUN

Andrew Mitchell is to sue The Sun for libel over claims, first reported in the newspaper, that he swore and called police officers “plebs”. The newspaper says it will defend the case “vigorously”. Scotland Yard’s investigation into 'Plebgate' has found no conclusive evidence that Downing Street officers lied about being insulted by former chief whip Mitchell.

5. NELSON MANDELA 'VERY POORLY'

South African president Jacob Zuma says people “must not panic” over Nelson Mandela's hospitalisation. Although Zuma told the BBC that Mandela is doing "very well", a relative of Mandela told The Times he is “very poorly” and that his condition is “worrying”. The 94-year-old was admitted to hospital earlier this week with a reoccurrence of a lung infection.

6. UK TO SHIVER INTO SUMMER

With just 48 hours to go until the start of British Summer Time, the UK is shivering with some regions set to face temperatures colder than Greenland. Some parts could experience overnight lows of -10c (50f), with ice, frost and snow flurries. Official statistics show this is set to be the coldest March since 1962. There were only 59 hours’ sunshine in the UK up to March 26.

7. CHILDREN'S HEART UNIT SUSPENDED

Children's heart surgery has been suspended at a Leeds hospital while an urgent review into patient safety is carried out. A senior surgeon at the heart unit was suspended last week pending an investigation into “aspects of his practice”. Children due for surgery at the unit will be sent to other hospitals around the country.

8. ACTOR RICHARD GRIFFITHS DIES

Actor Richard Griffiths has died aged 65 after complications following heart surgery. The award-winning star was best known for playing Uncle Monty in Withnail and I and Vernon Dursley in the Harry Potter films. Fellow Harry Potter actor Daniel Radcliffe led tributes to Griffiths, saying "I was proud to know him".

9. AHMED APOLOGISES FOR JEWISH CLAIM

Labour peer Lord Ahmed has issued a “complete and unreserved” apology for his claim that a Jewish conspiracy was to blame for his imprisonment for dangerous driving. He said his statement was “completely wrong” and “unacceptable”, adding that he had “no explanation or excuse” for his words. “I’m not antisemitic or a conspiracy theorist,” he insisted.

10. WILL ENGLAND FACE FAN BAN?

England may have to play a World Cup qualifier at an empty Wembley Stadium after fans were accused of racist chanting. Football Against Racism In Europe has made a complaint to Fifa about England fans' chants about Rio and Anton Ferdinand, suggesting they should be “burnt on a bonfire”. Fifa has ordered Hungary and Bulgaria to play behind closed doors after similar complaints.