Ten Things You Need to Know Today: Monday 26 Aug 2013

1. UK AND US TO STRIKE SYRIA 'WITHIN DAYS'

Britain and America are planning to join forces and launch military action against Syria within days in response to the chemical attack believed to have been carried out by president Assad’s forces against his own people. Meanwhile, Assad has warned any military intervention by the west will end in "failure".

2. BORIS: UK 'BETRAYED' COMMONWEALTH

Britain should rekindle its relationship with Commonwealth countries that it “betrayed” in favour of the European Union, says Boris Johnson. Writing in the Daily Telegraph, the London mayor calls for Britain to “raise our eyes beyond Europe” by “forging and intensifying links” with countries such as Australia.

3. SCRAP 'ANTI-CAR' DOGMA COUNCILS TOLD

Local councils in England must ditch their “anti-car” dogma, says the secretary of state for communities. "Draconian" parking policies and "over-zealous traffic wardens" have driven motorists to internet retailers and out-of-town stores, claims Eric Pickles. He added: “Making it easier to park will help support local shops, local jobs and tourism."

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4. CROCODILE EATS MAN AT BIRTHDAY PARTY

A man is believed to have been killed by a crocodile in Australia’s Northern Territory while swimming in a river as he celebrated at a birthday party. Police say that the 26-year-old man ignored signs to keep away from the water at a popular camping ground at Mary River Park. It is believed he was under the influence of alcohol.

5. FIRST-TIME VOTE 'SHOULD BE MANDATORY'

Voting should be made compulsory for young people the first time they qualify to cast their ballot, a leading think-tank says. The Institute for Public Policy Research suggests that first-time voters should be required to go to the polling station and vote, or face a small fine. Under its proposal, all ballot papers would include a “none of the above” option.

6. WOULD GOD SUPPORT THE LIB DEMS?

God would join the Liberal Democrats – according to pensions minister Steve Webb. The MP conceded his claim “will shock or offend some”, but added: “I believe that there is no other conclusion that can be drawn from a reading of the New Testament.” He made the claim in the introduction to a new book titled, Liberal Democrats Do God.

7. AGNEW OFFERED ASSISTED SUICIDE

Cricket broadcaster Jonathan Agnew offered to take his wife’s ex-husband to an assisted suicide clinic after he was diagnosed with Motor Neurone Disease. “I said to him, ‘If you ever decide that’s what you want to do, I will take you’,” Agnew told the Daily Telegraph. He said the laws on assisted suicide are a “complete minefield”. The man died in 2005.

8. WENGER: MEDIA 'BRAINWASHED' AFC FANS

The media has “brainwashed” Arsenal fans into believing there is a crisis at the club, says manager Arsene Wenger. “The media in general has brainwashed a little bit the Emirates,” he said. “Maybe rightly so, I don't know, because we haven't won trophies for years everything is negative.” Gunners fans are pressuring Wenger to spend some of the £70m in the transfer kitty.

9. BO XILAI DETAILS WIFE'S AFFAIR

Fallen Chinese politician Bo Xilai has described an illicit affair between his former second-in-command and his wife as China's biggest political trial in three decades came to a close this morning. As Bo's trial entered its fifth and final day, the 64 year-old former Communist party boss strongly denied charges of bribery, embezzlement and abuse of power in a closing statement riddled with stinging attacks on the prosecution's witnesses.

10. CARDIFF HUMBLE MANCHESTER CITY

Cardiff City produced a stunning win over Manchester City to claim their first victory in the Premier League. Former Manchester United youth player Fraizer Campbell scored twice against the 2012 champions. Meanwhile, Roberto Soldado's fourth goal in three games helped Tottenham to victory over Swansea.