Ten Things You Need to Know Today: Sunday 28 Sep 2014

1. CONSERVATIVES HIT BY DOUBLE BLOW

The Tory conference gets underway today in the wake of a defection and a ministerial resignation. The party was shaken yesterday as Mark Reckless announced he is defecting to UKIP. Then, Brooks Newmark resigned from the cabinet over allegations published in the Sunday Mirror that he sent an explicit photo of himself to an undercover reporter.

2. UK GENERAL: BOMBING ISIS FUTILE

Bombing Isis is futile, according to a former head of the UK military. Speaking to The Sunday Times, General Lord Richards said only a conventional ground attack would “achieve our strategic goal”. Richards, who stepped down as chief of the defence staff last year, added: “The only way to do it effectively is to use western armies but I understand the political resistance.”

3. OCCUPY HONG KONG PROTESTORS GATHER

Thousands of protestors have gathered in a bid to occupy central Hong Kong. The leader of the Occupy Central movement, which plans to bring the centre of Hong Kong to a standstill this week, said: "Students and people who support democracy have begun a new era of civil disobedience.” The protestors are calling on China to stop interfering with Hong Kong politics.

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4. POLL: BRITS ARE HAVING LESS SEX

British people are having less sex, according to a poll in The Observer. The research found that the average British adult has sex only four times a month – less than once a week. In the newspaper’s previous survey, in 2008, the answer was seven times a month. Meanwhile, abstinence has risen by eight percentage points since the previous poll.

5. US: POLICE OFFICER SHOT IN FERGUSON

A police officer has been shot in the conflict-hit US town of Ferguson. The officer was shot in the arm in the Missouri town, which has suffered regular disturbances since an unarmed black teenager was shot dead by a policeman last month. A St Louis grand jury has yet to decide whether or not to charge the officer with that shooting.

6. GEORGE CLOONEY MARRIES IN VENICE

George Clooney has tied the knot with British-Lebanese lawyer Amal Alamuddin in Venice, a spokesperson for the Hollywood star has confirmed. The wedding, which was originally thought to have been taking place on Monday, featured a star-studded guest list including Vogue editor Anna Wintour, model Cindy Crawford, singer Bono and the actors Bill Murray and Matt Damon.

7. WILL POPE LOOSEN DIVORCE BAN?

Speculation is mounting that the Pope will loosen the ban on divorcees receiving communion. Millions of Catholics around the world are banned from communion because they have divorced. Ahead of a meeting of international bishops in Rome next week, hopes are growing that the modernising Pope Francis may begin to loosen the rules.

8. TIKKA MASALA OUT OF FAVOUR IN UK

Has Britain fallen out of love with Chicken tikka masala? The curry dish topped polls for a decade but has now been replaced by the traditional Sunday roast in a survey for BBC Good Food. Some 43% named the roast as their ultimate comfort food, with steak and chips second. Chicken tikka masala, meanwhile, fell to 14th place in the research.

9. INJURIES AS GUNNERS HELD BY SPURS

Arsenal’s infamous injury list grew yesterday during the 1-1 draw with Tottenham. Aaron Ramsey, Mikel Arteta and Jack Wilshere were all injured, leaving the Gunners threadbare for crucial games against Chelsea and Galatasaray. In the day’s other derby, Liverpool drew 1-1 with Everton. Wayne Rooney was sent off during Manchester United’s 2-1 win over West Ham.

10. RYDER: MCGINLEY DEMANDS FOCUS

European captain Paul McGinley has warned his players not to be complacent as his side took a 10-6 lead in the Ryder Cup. He told his players they must maintain a “professional attitude” to finish the job off. The Irishman hopes to win the four points needed to retain the Ryder Cup. Meanwhile, the USA camp seems divided after Tom Watson made some contentious selections.