Ten Things You Need to Know Today: Friday 8 Nov 2013

1. ‘WORST STORM EVER’ HITS PHILIPPINES

A typhoon called Haiyan has hit the Philippines with winds of 146mph. Experts believe it may be the most powerful storm ever measured on land. So far three people have been killed but authorities have warned more than 12m are at risk, including the 2.5m population of the country’s second-biggest city, Cebu.

Super Typhoon Haiyan Q&A: how hard will the Philippines be hit?

2. CRACK-PIPE MAYOR IN DEATH THREAT VIDEO

A newly-released video of Toronto mayor Rob Ford shows him clearly inebriated, staggering into furniture while he makes graphic threats to kill an unnamed person and “poke his eyes out”. Ford, who earlier admitted smoking crack while in office, said the new video is “embarrassing” but has still not offered to resign.

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Toronto Mayor Rob Ford in rambling murder rant - video

3. ARMY URGED ‘DON’T RECRUIT16-YEAR-OLDS’

Senior figures in UK churches - including the archbishop of Wales, Baptists, Methodists and Quakers - have joined the signatories to a letter to the Ministry of Defence asking the Army to stop recruiting among the under-18s. The open letter has been co-ordinated by campaign group Child Soldiers International.

4. KERRY DROPS PLANS TO ATTEND IRAN TALKS

US secretary of state John Kerry has dropped a middle east tour to fly to Geneva to join negotiations on Iran’s nuclear programme, with rising expectations that a deal may be reached today. The talks involve the US, Russia, China, the UK, France, Germany and Iran. The West suspects Iran of ambitions to build weapons.

5. MPS ATTACK ‘POOR’ IMMIGRANT REMOVAL

The home affairs committee has attacked the immigration service’s “very poor record” of removing illegal immigrants, warning that only 1.5% of reports alleging illegal immigration end in someone being removed from the UK. The committee said it was also concerned that many allegations were never investigated at all.

6. SYRIAN REFUGEES ‘COULD SPREAD POLIO’

Scientists have warned that Syrian refugees fleeing their country’s vicious civil war could cause an outbreak of polio in Europe after it flared up in Syria because the violence has prevented vaccinations taking place. Writing in The Lancet, the experts warn that European vaccines would not stop the disease spreading.

7. NISSAN ‘MIGHT QUIT UK IF IT LEAVES EU’

Carlos Ghosn, the head of car firm Nissan, has warned his company might leave the UK, putting 6,500 jobs at risk, if the country voted to leave the EU. David Cameron has promised a referendum in 2017 if the Tories win in 2015. Ghosn added he thought it was unlikely that the UK would ever leave the EU, however.

Nissan boss warns he might look elsewhere if UK leaves EU

8. ROYAL MARINE GUILTY OF MURDER

A Royal Marine has been found guilty of murder over the killing of a badly wounded Afghan insurgent in 2011. Two other Marines accused of assisting and encouraging the killing have been cleared. The “experienced sergeant” was found guilty by a seven-strong board over the incident which happened in Helmand Province.

9. FORMER BBC POLITICAL EDITOR JOHN COLE DIES

Former BBC political editor John Cole has died at the age of 85. Famed for his broad Belfast accent and large glasses, Cole was one of the most recognisable figures on TV during the 1980s and reported on stories including the miners' strike, Brighton bomb and Margaret Thatcher's resignation. David Cameron and Ed Miliband both paid tribute to him.

John Cole, former BBC political editor dies aged 85

10. HOT TICKET: SPACE THRILLER GRAVITY

Space drama Gravity is released in UK cinemas today. Sandra Bullock and George Clooney star as two astronauts forced to fight for their lives in space after a collision cuts them adrift from their shuttle. "Exhilarating," says Salon. "The film of the year," says Empire.

Cuaron's 'exhilarating' space thriller Gravity - reviews