Ten Things You Need to Know Today: Saturday 20 Sep 2014

1. MILIBAND SLAMS PM'S 'HOME RULE' PLAN

The political true to save the Union collapsed yesterday as Labour condemned David Cameron’s plans for English “home rule”. Meanwhile, police made six arrests as they separated groups of rival independence supporters and Unionists in Glasgow. Trouble broke out when Union supporters fired a flare in the city’s George Square.

2. JIHADI JOHN’S DAD PLEADS GUILTY

The father “Jihadi John” has pleaded guilty in New York to terrorism charges related to al-Qaeda’s bombings of US embassies in Africa. Adel Abdul Bary, 54, whose son is the suspect in the Islamic State beheading videos, wept as he admitted to three charges in an unexpected plea deal with federal prosecutors. He was extradited to the US from Britain after a 14-year tussle.

3. SALMOND: THE DREAM SHALL NEVER DIE

Alex Salmond is to step down as Scottish first minister and resign as leader of the Scottish National Party after voters rejected independence. Salmond, who has been first minister since 2007 and SNP leader for 20 years, nonetheless encouraged nationalists to press on, saying: "For me as leader my time is nearly over, but for Scotland the campaign continues and the dream shall never die.”

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4. PAYPAL FOUNDER PLANS TO CURE DEATH

A maverick scientist has predicted he can eliminate the menopause within 20 years, reports The Times. Aubrey de Grey says progress in stem cell and regenerative therapies could eliminate the menopause. Meanwhile, PayPal co-founder Peter Thiel is going one step further, telling the Daily Telegraph he is on a mission to cure death.

5. ROTHERHAM CHILDCARE CHIEF QUITS

The head of children’s services at Rotherham council quit “by mutual agreement” yesterday following the revelation that hundreds of vulnerable children were sexually abused in the town. Joyce Thacker had been under pressure to leave her £115,000-a-year post since a damning report on child sexual exploitation was published last month.

6. UKRAINE AGREES PLAN WITH REBELS

Ukraine's government has agreed a peace plan with pro-Russia rebels, reports the BBC. The nine-point memorandum includes installing a 30km (19-mile) buffer zone, the withdrawal of "foreign mercenaries" on both sides, and a ban on flights over part of eastern Ukraine by military aircraft. More than 3,000 people have died in fighting since April.

7. LABOUR ‘TO OFFER VOTE TO 16-YEAR-OLDS’

Ed Miliband will pledge to give the vote to 16 year olds, say party sources. The move, which would enfranchise more than 1.5m teenagers, comes because party sources believe youngsters are more likely to vote Labour than Tory. However, surveys have suggested that the majority of the public, including most 16-year-olds, do not support the idea.

8. ISLAMIC STATE FREES TURKISH HOSTAGES

Dozens of Turkish hostages seized by Islamic State militants have been released, says the country's Prime Minister. Ahmet Davutoglu said the 49 captives, who were taken in June, were freed following a pre-planned operation involving the country's intelligence services. "I am sharing a joyful news which as a nation we have been waiting for," he said.

9. WEMBLEY TO HOST EURO 2020 FINAL

Wembley Stadium will host the final and semi-finals of Euro 2020, Uefa has confirmed. FA chair Greg Dyke says the news will be a “spur” to younger England players. Meanwhile, Aston Villa can take an unexpected lead in the Premier League today if they beat visitors Arsenal. The struggling Gunners are desperate for a win, which could send them as high as third place.

10. DASHING DEBUT PUTS ALIBABA AT $231BN

China’s internet giant Alibaba enjoyed a dramatic debut on the New York Stock Exchange yesterday. It ended the day valued at over $231bn - more than Facebook or Amazon and eBay combined. Shares were initially priced at $68 and reached a high of $100 in America’s biggest ever share sale. Jack Ma, a former English teacher, started launched Alibaba in his one-bedroom apartment in 1998.