Ten Things You Need to Know Today: Monday 3 Jun 2013

1. OAKESHOTT SLAMS CLEGG'S LOBBYIST PLAN

Former Treasury minister Lord Oakeshott has rubbished Nick Clegg's plans for cleaning up Parliament with a lobbyists' charter in the wake of the latest cash-for-access scandal. He also said it was essential to end the public's suspicion that a "£1 million bung" to a major political party could buy you a seat in the Lords.

Close down Cayman Islands' access to Parliament, says peer

2. BRAD PITT'S WORLD WAR Z IS 'BRAIN DEAD'

Early reviews of Brad Pitt's epic zombie movie World War Z suggest the film may struggle to recoup the $400m spent on producing it. Pitt is both the star and producer of the movie, which had its UK premiere in London's Leicester Square last night. But the film was described as "brain dead", by the Daily Mail's Chris Tookey.

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Brad Pitt's zombie epic World War Z is 'brain dead'

3. NICK ROSS: CHILD PORN COMMENT SHOCKS

Days after provoking outrage with his views on rape, former Crimewatch presenter Nick Ross has admitted he'd "probably" watch child pornography. He told an audience at the Hay Festival that humans are naturally inquisitive, an instinct that is unlikely to be suppressed even when the object of their curiosity is as appalling as child porn

Nick Ross: 'I would probably watch child pornography'

4. BALLS: I’D CUT WINTER FUEL ALLOWANCE

Shadow chancellor Ed Balls will today say that Labour would cut winter fuel payments for the 600,000 richest people over the age of 60 in the UK, saving around £100m, manifesting its “iron discipline on spending”. But the plan was criticised by the National Pensioner’s Convention as “undermining the system”.

5. BBC APOLOGISES FOR CLARE BALDING SLUR

The BBC has been forced to apologise for broadcasting a live radio discussion about "curing" presenter Clare Balding of her lesbianism. During Saturday's edition of the Radio 5 Live show Fighting Talk contestants were asked to argue the proposition: "Give me 20 minutes with her and I'm pretty sure I could turn around Clare Balding".

BBC apologises over Clare Balding 'lesbian cure' debate

6. GOVERNMENT MAY HOLD TALKS ON ASSANGE

The Coalition is considering a request from Ecuador for talks on Julian Assange, the Wikileaks founder who sought asylum in the country’s London embassy a year ago - and is still living there in a state of diplomatic stalemate. Assange took refuge in the west London office after Sweden tried to extradite him on sex charges.

Ecuador asks for talks over the fate of Julian Assange

7. MOURINHO RETURNS TO MANAGE CHELSEA

Jose Mourinho has confirmed his return to Chelsea and signed a four-year contract at Stamford Bridge. The Portuguese was manager of the Blues from 2004 to 2007 and guided them to two league titles, an FA Cup and two League Cups. He has since managed Inter Milan and Real Madrid. The 'Special One' will be officially presented at a press conference next week.

Mourinho agrees four-year Chelsea deal after Madrid exit

8. WOOLWICH: 'CALL ME MUJAHID ABU HAMZA'

The second Woolwich murder suspect, Michael Adebolajo, has told a court he wants to be called Mujahid Abu Hamza. The 28-year-old, who is accused of murdering Drummer Lee Rigby outside Woolwich Barracks on 22 May, appeared at Westminster Magistrates Court today dressed in all white with his left arm bandaged.

9. MICHAEL DOUGLAS: ORAL SEX MADE ME ILL

Actor Michael Douglas, diagnosed with throat cancer in 2010, says his illness was caused by oral sex. Promoting his biopic about gay icon Liberace, he said: “This particular cancer is caused by HPV [human papillomavirus], which actually comes about from cunnilingus… And if you have it cunnilingus is also the best cure.”

Michael Douglas: oral sex gave me throat cancer

10. HOT TICKET: US-CHINA THRILLER CHIMERICA

Lucy Kirkwood’s new drama about US/China relations, ‘Chimerica’, has opened at the Almeida Theatre. An American photojournalist risks his career and friendships to track down the Tiananmen Square protester he snapped in 1989. With Stephen Campbell Moore. “A cracking thriller,” says the Daily Telegraph. Until 6 July.

Almeida's Chimerica: cracking US-China political thriller