Ten Things You Need to Know Today: Sunday 13 Apr 2014

1. NEW POLL PUTS UKIP AT ALL-TIME HIGH

Ukip has received its highest-ever polling position, reports the Independent On Sunday. In a ComRes poll, Nigel Farage’s party is on 20%, up for points from last month. The Tories, hit by the Maria Miller scandal, are down three to 29%, their lowest rating this year. Labour remains unchanged on 35%, with the Liberal Democrats on a lowly 7%.

New survey puts Farage's Ukip at all-time high

2. EVANS: CPS SHOULD PAY DEFENCE BILL

Nigel Evans MP wants the Crown Prosecution Service to pay his legal fees after he was acquitted of sex charges last week. The former deputy speaker says it cost him his life savings of £130,000 to defend himself. "If someone is dragged through the courts through no fault of their own and is acquitted they should get their legal fees back from the CPS budget,” he tells the Mail On Sunday.

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Pay back my legal bill, Nigel Evans tells CPS

3. £50M FOR GPS TO GO SEVEN DAYS A WEEK

GPs are to receive £50m of funding so they can see patients seven days a week, under plans to be launched by the government tomorrow. Doctors’ surgeries will be open from 8am to 8pm each day. The reforms are expected to prompt patient consultations over video-link, secure email and telephone. Online booking services will be developed.

4. UKRAINE FORCES BATTLE PRO-RUSSIAN GUNMEN

Ukraine has sent special forces into the eastern town of Sloviansk in an attempt to wrest back control from armed pro-Russian separatists. One Ukrainian officer has been killed and there have been casualties on both sides, according to the interior minister, Arsen Avakov. Locals have been warned to stay inside their homes.

Ukrainian forces battle with pro-Russian gunmen

5. TEACHER MAKES ‘GAS CHAMBER’ THREAT

A Jewish pupil at one of Britain’s top public schools was told by a teacher she would be sent to “one of your gas chambers” because she had jumped the lunch queue. The teacher at the North London Collegiate School is believed to have apologised privately to the girl, but the school refuses to identify the woman or reveal if any disciplinary action has been taken against her.

6. SCIENTISTS CALL FOR TREBLING OF GREEN ENERGY

UN climate scientists will today call for a trebling of renewable energy in order to reduce carbon emissions and limit the expected increase in global temperatures to 2C. The report by the United Nations climate panel says that we must invest 1-2 per cent of global GDP to replace power plants that burn fossil fuels with renewable sources.

Climate scientists call for trebling of green energy

7. MO FARAH RUNS LONDON MARATHON

Some 36,000 people will run in the London Marathon today. Olympic hero Mo Farah will compete in the 26.2 mile race. The official starters for the race will be Olympic medal-winning rowers Katherine Grainger and Anna Watkins. Diver Tom Daley will start the Mini London Marathon, a three-mile race for younger athletes.

8. IS CITY BOSS UK’S TOP FARE DODGER?

A City high-flyer could take the crown as Britain’s biggest fare dodger after he evaded nearly £43,000 in train tickets for his daily commute to work. The hedge fund manager avoided paying the fare for a 1hr 22min journey between the Stonegate in East Sussex and central London for five years, by tapping out with his Oyster card at Cannon Street.

9. ANOTHER ROYAL BABY ON THE WAY?

Has Prince William hinted that a sibling for his son Prince George is on the way? Speaking to Cynthia Read, who had made a wool shawl for the young prince, William he told her: “You might have to make another one soon!” The royal couple have stated previously that they would like to have two children. Read said: "The way William said it was like he was letting me in on a secret."

10. WENGER’S ARSENAL REACH FA CUP FINAL

Arsenal reached the FA Cup final winning a penalty shoot-out following a 1-1 draw with Wigan Athletic. They will face either Sheffield United or Hull, who play in the second semi-final this afternoon. However, the tie of the day comes in the Premier League as third-placed Manchester City travel to Anfield to face leaders Liverpool. Second-placed Chelsea play at Swansea.