Ten Things You Need to Know Today: Sunday 17 Nov 2013

1. CALL FOR AGE OF CONSENT DEBATE

The government should consider lowering the age of consent for sex to 15, says a leading public health expert. The president of the Faculty for Public Health, Prof John Ashton, tells the Sunday Times the reform would make it easier for 15-year-olds to get NHS advice on sexual health. Official figures suggest up to one-third of teenagers have sex before the current age of consent of 16.

2. POPE INSPIRES SURGE IN CHURCH GOERS

Pope Francis has inspired a rise in attendances at Catholic churches, according to a new poll. In the eight months since he was chosen, cathedrals in Britain have seen a rise of around 20% in congregations. Catholic leaders in Italy, Spain, the US and France also report growth in attendance. Francis has encouraged a more modern image for the Catholic Church.

3. VOTERS CAN’T SEE MILIBAND AS PM

Labour has increased its lead to six points – but more than half of those polled say they cannot imagine Ed Miliband as prime minister. The Tories have dropped three points in the latest Independent On Sunday survey, giving Labour a lead that would translate into a 74-seat majority at a general election.

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4. FORMER CO-OP CHIEF 'DRUGS VIDEO'

The Methodist minister who oversaw the near-collapse of the Co-operative Bank has been caught buying crack cocaine, ketamine and crystal meth, claims the Mail On Sunday. The Rev Paul Flowers was filmed buying the drugs just days after he gave evidence to the treasury committee earlier this month.

5. CAMERON TO REPRISE ‘92 CAMPAIGN

David Cameron is planning to echo John Major’s successful 1992 campaign tactics in the next general election. The prime minister said he will “dust down” some of Major’s ploys, which included warnings of a “tax bombshell” and “higher prices” under Labour. Cameron worked for Major at the time of the 1992 campaign.

6. WONGA OFFERS LOAN TO 12-YEAR-OLD

Payday loan company Wonga has written to a 12-year-old boy encouraging him to take out a loan. Dennis Earle, of Hertfordshire, received a letter offering him a special discount on a loan of up to £400. Wonga says the letter was a marketing mistake and that they never lend to anyone under the age of 18.

7. WARSI: UK MORE ‘SOPHISTICATED’ THAN US

The US is less “sophisticated” than Britain in understanding international relations, says Baroness Warsi. The minister for faith also argued that the conservative Fox News network “needs training on religious literacy”. Her remarks, at a conference in Washington DC, have caused controversy.

8. DEC CALLS FOR EMISSIONS ACTION

The Philippines typhoon shows the need for urgent action on climate change, says the UK’s Disasters Emergency Committee. The DEC says Typhoon Haiyan was a glimpse of the future in which millions will be at risk from extreme weather. It argued that the UN meeting in Warsaw should pledge to cut carbon emissions.

9. CLEGG WANTS FIFTH ALLOWANCE RISE

Nick Clegg has called for a fifth income tax allowance rise. The personal allowance - the amount people can earn before paying income tax – has been raised four times since the 2010 election. It is due to reach £10,000 in 2014/15, but Clegg has called for it to be made £10,500 from 2015. Clegg’s proposal – which he calls a “workers’ bonus” - could cost the Treasury £1bn.

10. ENGLAND BEAT FRANCE 34-6

England have reached the World Cup semi-finals with a 34-6 victory over France at Wigan. Two first-half tries each from wingers Josh Charnley and Ryan Hall helped England set up a clash with holders New Zealand next Saturday. Australia will play either Samoa or Fiji in the second semi-final.