Ten Things You Need to Know Today: Thursday 2 Oct 2014

1. SIERRA LEONE: FIVE EBOLA CASES AN HOUR

Five people are being infected an hour by Ebola in Sierra Leone, according to Save The Children, which says the spread of the virus means healthcare needs are far outstripping supply. Sierra Leone has seen the world's worst outbreak of the virus, killing 3,338 people so far. There have been 7,178 confirmed cases worldwide.

Ebola: US suit stockpile causes shortage in Africa

2. 500 GP SURGERIES 'UNDER THREAT'

More than 500 GP surgeries could close over the next year, according to the leader of Britain’s GPs. Dr Maureen Baker, chair of the Royal College of GPs, says a recruitment crisis means no one is available to replace family doctors as they retire. “Thousands of patients could be forced to travel miles to their nearest GP practice or be left stranded with no family doctor at all,” says the RCGP.

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500 GP surgeries 'could close due to ageing staff'

3. EXPELLED GRIFFIN SLAMS BNP 'GANGSTERS'

The British National Party has expelled its ex-leader Nick Griffin. In a statement, the BNP accused Griffin of trying to "destabilise" the party and "harassing" party members. Griffin took to Twitter to respond, saying he had been "expelled without a trial" and accusing the party of "operating outside the constitution", vowing that he would "ignore their plastic gangster games".

Nick Griffin: Twitter reacts to former BNP leader's expulsion

4. HOT TICKET: AI WEIWEI AT BLENHEIM

A new exhibition by Chinese artist-activist Ai Weiwei has opened at Blenheim Palace, Oxfordshire. Ai Weiwei at Blenheim Palace features over 50 new and well-known artworks displayed around the palace and grounds, including sculpture, photography, and a new site-specific carpet. "Magical," says the Guardian. Until 14 December.

Ai Weiwei at Blenheim Palace – reviews of 'dizzying' art show

5. PAPARAZZI WARNING OVER PRINCE GEORGE

Prince William has warned the paparazzi to stop "stalking" his son Prince George when he is taken for walks in London parks by his nanny. Royal protection officers have reportedly warned off photographers in the past and warning letters have now been sent. The Duke and Duchess want their son to have as ordinary a childhood life as possible.

Prince George ‘played sheep in school nativity’

6. MI5 INTERVENES ON TERROR CHARGES

Terror charges against former Guantanamo Bay captive Moazzam Begg were dropped after MI5 provided “new information” that fundamentally undermined the case against him. The development hints at growing tension between police, prosecutors and the security services. He had been charged with conducting training at a camp in Syria and possessing articles of use to terrorists.

Moazzam Begg: what led to his mysterious release?

7. HONG KONG: TENSIONS MOUNT

Tensions were mounting in Hong Kong today ahead of a deadline for the resignation of the territory's chief executive, Leung Chun-ying. Protesters have warned that they will occupy government buildings if he does not comply. Police have reportedly been stockpiling riot gear and warning protesters to go home. China has warned of "unimaginable consequences".

Hong Kong: police adopt tough tactics as protests escalate

8. TORY MP APOLOGISES OVER 'QUEERS' POEM

Tory Business Minister Matthew Hancock has apologised after celebrating National Poetry Day with a limerick that claimed the Labour Party was "full of queers". The MP for Suffolk West shared several poems online via Twitter before retweeting the limerick about Labour. He claimed the retweet was an "accident" and said he was "incredibly sorry".

9. WONGA WRITES OFF £220M OF DEBTS

Payday loans company Wonga is to write off the debts of 330,000 customers, worth £220m, after a review of lending practices and talks with the Financial Conduct Authority. Customers whose loans would not have been made under the new guidelines will have their debts written off. A further 45,000 customers will no longer have to pay interest.

Wonga to write off 330,000 customers' debt

10. BURMESE MAN 'ADMITS' BRIT KILLINGS

Police in Thailand say a Burmese man has confessed to murdering British backpackers Hannah Witheridge and David Miller. Their bodies were discovered on a beach on the island of Koh Tao last month. The man is said to be one of three Burmese workers who were detained on suspicion of the killings, police are still awaiting DNA test results.

Anonymous hacks Thai police websites over death sentences