Ten Things You Need to Know Today: Sunday 26 Oct 2014

1. MERKEL BLOCKS PM ON MIGRATION

Angela Merkel has told The Sunday Times she will block David Cameron’s plan to cap immigration from the EU. The German chancellor says she will not support the PM’s plans to limit freedom of movement within the EU as part of his planned renegotiation of Britain’s relationship with Brussels. “Germany will not tamper with the fundamental principles of free movement in the EU,” she said.

2. WELBY: ‘CHILD ABUSE IS RAMPANT’

Archbishop of Canterbury Justin Welby has admitted child abuse is “rampant” in British institutions and that the church’s failure to “face the misdeeds of those in its service” is “inexcusable”. In a letter to the mother of three alleged abuse victims, Welby admits there is a “very significant legacy of unacknowledged cases” in the Church of England.

3. SCOT EXIT ‘CATASTROPHE’ FOR MILIBAND

Ed Miliband has been warned that the sudden resignation of Labour’s Scottish leader could have a “catastrophic” impact on his chances of becoming prime minister next year. Henry McLeish, former Labour first minister of Scotland, says the party faces a problem of “historic, epic proportions”. Lord McConnell, another former first minister, says he is “very, very angry” over the episode.

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4. POLL SUGGESTS HUGE UKIP POTENTIAL

Almost one-third of voters would support Ukip if they believed it could win in their constituency, according to The Observer. A survey, which has the Tories and Labour neck-and-neck on 33%, puts Ukip on 18% of the national vote, with the Lib Dems on 6%. But some 31% agreed with the statement: “I would vote for Ukip if I thought they could win in the constituency I live in.”

5. IS RUSSELL BRAND PLANNING MAYOR BID?

Russell Brand wants to run for London mayor on an “anti-politics” ticket, claims the Mail On Sunday. The comedian has reportedly told friends he wants to succeed Boris Johnson when his term ends in 2016. Last year, Brand said voting is a “waste of time”. In response to the report, a spokeswoman said: “I’ve spoken to Russell and he has no comment to make on this.”

6. ‘RECORD NUMBER’ OF LOW-PAID BRITS

A record five million UK workers are now in low-paid jobs, according to a new study. The Resolution Foundation found that those earning less than two thirds of median hourly pay - equivalent to £7.69 an hour - rose by 250,000 to 5.2m last year. The think tank said the "growing rump" of low-paid jobs creates a problem for the treasury because it keeps tax revenues low.

7. CLOONEYS BUCKS WEDDING RECEPTION

George and Amal Clooney have celebrated their union with an exclusive wedding reception at a plush five-star hotel near Marlow in Buckinghamshire. White dried Gypsophila flowers were scattered throughout the venue where guests were treated to a cocktail reception and a three-course meal. Amal wore a black fur trim coat as she travelled to the hotel for the bash.

8. PARENTS WIN TERM TRIP VICTORY

Campaigners are celebrating as the ban on parents taking their children out of school during term time is set to be relaxed under guidelines drawn up by head teachers’ leaders. The new guidance will spell out clear exemptions where families will be permitted to take children away from classes, reports The Sunday Times.

9. IS OASIS RENUNION ON THE CARDS?

Liam Gallagher’s band Beady Eye have split up, sparking a fresh wave of speculation that Oasis may reunite. Gallagher formed Beady Eye in 2009 with former Oasis guitarists Gem Archer and Andy Bell. His brother Noel, meanwhile, has pursued a successful solo career. Liam tweeted: "Beady Eye are no longer. Thanks for all your support. LGx"

10. CITY LOSE, GUNNERS BOUNCE BACK

Manchester City blew a chance to make up ground on leaders Chelsea yesterday, losing 2-1 at West Ham. Boss Manuel Pellegrini played down the significance of the defeat which leaves them five points behind Chelsea, saying: “It is early”. Arsenal beat Sunderland 2-0 with a brace from Alexis Sanchez. Real Madrid beat Barcelona 3-1 in the Clasico.