1. GENEVA: IS AN IRAN DEAL CLOSE?
Foreign ministers from six major powers are gathering in Geneva to negotiate a nuclear deal with Iran. Envoys from Russia, the US, UK, France, China and Germany will join their Iranian counterpart amid hopes that an agreement can be reached that would see Tehran curb its uranium enrichment in return for a loosening of sanctions.
2. MINISTER'S 'ETHNIC CORRUPTION' WARNING
Corruption in the Pakistani community is “endemic”, says a government minister. Attorney general Dominic Grieve QC said ministers must “wake up” to the problem. He said some people arrive in the UK from societies with a "favour culture" - but it must be made "absolutely clear" that this is unacceptable in Britain. In 2010, David Cameron accused Pakistan of “exporting terror”.
3. WERE ‘LONDON SLAVE’ WOMEN IN A CULT?
The three women rescued from 30 years of slavery are thought to have been members of a quasi-religious cult. Senior detectives say they have uncovered “a disturbing picture of emotional control over many years” and evidence that the women were subject to “brainwashing”. A source told The Times the case seems to be “a cult relationship”.
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4. A GAY PM ‘WOULD BE NO ISSUE’
A gay prime minister would not be an issue for Britain, says a Tory MP. Crispin Blunt, who is openly-gay, said: “In the space of a few years we have become a remarkably tolerant society and I think we should be proud of that. I don’t think it would be an issue to have a gay Prime Minister.” He said the Tories have more out gay MPs than “all the other parties put together”.
5. JAMAICAN DOPING BOARD QUITS
The entire Jamaican anti-doping commission has resigned after a visit from the World Anti-Doping Agency earlier this month. The minister with responsibility for sport, Natalie Neita-Headley, said the resignation was essential to retain public confidence in the commission. The former head of the commission said there has been a lack of drug testing in the country.
6. CAMERON: CLEGG IS ‘IDLE F**KER’
David Cameron has joked that Nick Clegg is an “idle f**ker”, says the Daily Mail. Cameron made the alleged quip as he urged a friend to tease the deputy prime minister. The report claims Cameron said: “Tell him he’s an idle f***er. I’m out here batting for Britain while he’s having a nice dinner.” Earlier this week, Cameron allegedly said he wants to “ditch the green cr*p” on energy.
7. CRICKET: ENGLAND FACE ASHES MOUNTAIN
England lost two early wickets after being set 561 to win the first Ashes Test at the Gabba. Australia declared on 401-7, after Warner and Clarke both reached centuries. Michael Carberry and Jonathan Trott were both out early to leave England with a mountain to climb. Australia had reached 295 runs in the first innings, to England’s 136.
8. WIFE DISAPPOINTED BY £20M SETTLEMENT
The ex-wife of a property and telecoms tycoon has described as “disgraceful” the £20m divorce settlement a court has handed her. Michelle Young, who sought £300m, said magnate Scot Young is “worth billions” and vowed to appeal. In his judgement at the end of the seven-year proceedings, Mr Justice Moor said “the husband has not given full and frank disclosure”.
9. GOVE: UK ‘IS NOT COLOUR BLIND’
Michael Gove says Britain has not achieved a “truly colour-blind society" as he highlights statistics revealing a gulf in educational achievement between black and white children. The education secretary uncovered a raft of data, including that at age seven black children have the lowest proportion of pupils achieving the expected levels in reading, writing, maths and science.
10. WALCOTT AVAILABLE FOR GUNNERS
Theo Walcott could return from injury as leaders Arsenal face his former club Southampton. Second-placed Liverpool travel to Everton for the Merseyside derby, while Chelsea are at West Ham. Jose Mourinho has criticised referee’s chief Mike Riley for apologising to West Brom over a controversial penalty during the 2-2 draw at Stamford Bridge.
