Ten Things You Need to Know Today: Sunday 31 Aug 2014

1. UK IMAMS CONDEMN ISIS FIGHTERS

Leading UK imams have condemned British Muslims fighting alongside Isis extremists in Iraq and Syria. The imams have issued a fatwa against the fighters, describing them as “heretics”. The fatwa “religiously prohibits” British Muslims from joining “poisonous” Isis. Meanwhile, Paddy Ashdown has accused David Cameron of a “kneejerk” response to the domestic terror threat.

2. CLACTON: UKIP ‘SET TO WIN LANDSLIDE’

Ukip will win their first Commons seat with a staggering 64% of the vote at the Clacton by-election, according to a poll in the Mail On Sunday. Douglas Carswell, who defected from the Tories to Ukip this week, is set to sail home in the by-election. In what would be the biggest swing in modern political history, the survey predicts a 48 point swing to Nigel Farage’s party.

3. MISSING ASHYA KING IS FOUND IN SPAIN

Ashya King, the missing five-year-old boy with a brain tumour, has been found in Spain. The youngster’s parents had removed him from hospital against medical advice. His parents have been arrested and are being questioned, British police have confirmed. They said Ashya showed no visible signs of distress and was taken to hospital.

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4. HARRY’S £10M BIRTHDAY PRESENT

Prince Harry will receive £10m from his mother’s inheritance when he turns 30 next month, reports The Sunday Times. Diana, Princess of Wales’ will stated that a share of her fortune should go to her two sons when they turned 25. But executors decided to change the age to 30. Harry is paid around £40,000 a year and has access to the £2m left to him by the Queen Mother.

5. ‘SURGE’ IN UK HOLIDAYS TO IRAQ

A UK travel agent is reporting a “massive increase” in bookings for holidays in Iraq. Lupine Travel, which is based in Wigan, has seen demand for its tours to Iraqi Kurdistan treble following the recent escalation of tensions in the region and has taken around 100 bookings in a few weeks. A spokesman said the bookings were from “thrill-seekers” and charity workers.

6. FIRST FEMALE BBC CHAIR NAMED

A former chief executive of the Financial Times has been chosen as the new chair of the BBC Trust. Rona Fairhead will be the first woman to take the role. She has vowed to reform the way the corporation is governed and will consider changes to the licence fee. A source at the Department for Culture, Media and Sport tells The Sunday Times Fairhead comes "without baggage".

7. EU GIVES PUTIN NEW ULTIMATUM

The EU has given Russia one week to change course in Ukraine or face new sanctions. After Ukrainian president Petro Poroshenko said his country was nearing “full scale-war" with Russia, European Council president Herman Van Rompuy said the EU was working urgently on further restrictive measures. Russia denies Western accusations that it has invaded Ukraine.

8. MIDDLE-CLASSES FLOCKING TO DARTS

Darts is being given a “middle-class makeover”, claims The Sunday Times. The game, once synonymous with the working-class, is now drawing a wealthier crowd who are paying £600 for tickets. Prince Harry and Zara Phillips have both been to world darts championships. Stephen Fry has dipped his toe in darts commentary.

9. JOAN RIVERS ‘PLACED ON LIFE SUPPORT’

Joan Rivers has been placed on life support machine. The comic, who was rushed to hospital in New York on Thursday, is now reliant on a life support machine. Her family will be given the agonising decision of whether or not to turn the machine off. Celebrity friends of the 81-year-old have written messages of support on Twitter.

10. CHELSEA WIN NINE-GOAL THRILLER

Chelsea beat Everton 6-3 in a thrilling encounter at Goodison Park. Diego Costa scored twice in the win which maintained the Blues’ 100% start to the new Premier League season and put them top of the table. Manchester United’s hellish start to the campaign continued with a 0-0 draw at Burnley, which left them in 14th place.