Ten Things You Need to Know Today: Saturday 18 May 2013

1. PM ALLY: TORY ACTIVISTS ARE 'LOONS'

An adviser to David Cameron says grassroots Tory activists are “mad swivel-eyed loons”. Commenting on recent rifts between Cameron and Tory MPs over gay marriage and Europe, the senior figure said: “The MPs just have to do it because the associations tell them to, and the associations are all mad swivel-eyed loons.” A grassroots group said the comments show “utter disregard”.

2. 20 NEW MCCANN SUSPECTS IDENTIFIED

Scotland Yard has identified 20 new suspects in the Madeleine McCann investigation but a diplomatic row could hamper progress as the Portuguese authorities refuse to reopen the inquiry. Kate and Gerry McCann, are said to be “greatly encouraged” at the news that British police have uncovered dozens of fresh leads, including “forensic opportunities” and several “people of interest”.

3. FRANCE 'LEAST TOLERANT OF GAYS'

A survey named France as Western Europe's least tolerant country when it comes to homosexuality just hours before the president signed a bill to legalise gay marriage. Some 28.8% of those surveyed in France said that they would not want a homosexual neighbour. In Sweden just 3.6% gave the same answer, with 16.8% of Britons agreeing.

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4. LITVINENKO WIDOW ATTACKS HAGUE

The widow of Alexander Litvinenko has accused William Hague and David Cameron of sabotaging the inquest into her husband's murder and covering up Moscow's role in his death. Marina Litvinenko said she is "utterly dismayed" after a coroner upheld an application by Hague to keep crucial evidence from the inquest secret.

5. 60 INJURED IN AMERICA TRAIN CRASH

Around 60 people have been injured, five critically, after a head-on, rush-hour collision between two commuter trains near New York. A train travelling to Connecticut from Manhattan derailed and collided with another train. Eye-witnesses have described passengers “screaming” and breaking windows to escape. “They were all bloody,” said one.

6. FOOTBALL: PIG AND POO PROMPT PROBES

Two investigations are underway after a pig's head was reportedly left in the locker of a Stoke City player and excrement was found in Crystal Palace's dressing room before their crunch tie at Brighton. Stoke striker Kenwyne Jones was said to be furious on discovering the pig's head in his training room locker. Brighton boss Gus Poyet says he is “angry” about the excrement.

7. EUROPEAN UNION BANS OLIVE OIL JUGS

The European Union's decision to ban olive oil jugs and dipping bowls from restaurant tables has been described by a top British chef as an “upsetting” attack on artisanal food makers. From next year, olive oil presented at tables must be in pre-packaged, factory bottles with a tamper-proof dispensing nozzle. Chef Sam Clark says the policy attacks “freedom of choice”.

8. BRITISH CHILD DIES IN EGYPT POOL

A British child has died in a pool at a hotel in Egypt, a travel company has announced. Unconfirmed reports say the child was six years of age. First Choice said the child died in a waterpark at the Coral Sea Waterworld Hotel in the resort of Sharm el-Sheikh. "Our thoughts and condolences are with the family at this extremely difficult time,” said the statement.

9. CHRIS WADDLE: BECKHAM WASN'T 'GREAT'

Former England star Chris Waddle says David Beckham is not one of the top 1,000 players of the last 40 years. "I would say he has been a good player, I wouldn't put him down as a great," he told the BBC. "You can go down a list of players from the Premier League or the 70s or 80s, whatever you want to do. I'll be honest, Beckham probably wouldn't be in the first 1,000,” he added.

10. RONALDO AND MOURINHO SEE RED

Real Madrid star Cristiano Ronaldo and manager Jose Mourinho were both sent off last night as their side lost 2-1 to Atletico Madrid in a stormy Copa del Rey final at the Bernabeu. Mourinho was sent from the bench for protesting a referee's decision late in the game. Ronaldo also saw red after appearing to flick out his boot at an opponent's face.