Ten Things You Need to Know Today: Saturday 14 Mar 2015

1. CYCLONE KILLS AT LEAST EIGHT PEOPLE

At least eight people have been killed by a cyclone in the Vanuata islands. The storm, with winds of up to 270km/h (170mph) and torrential rain, has left "complete devastation" in its wake, say aid agencies. Tom Skirrow, of Save the Children, said houses in the capital Port Vila were destroyed and "people are wandering the streets looking for help".

2. NIGEL FARAGE SLAMS ‘INDIAN DOCTOR’

Nigel Farage says the “incompetence and negligence” of the NHS nearly killed him, blaming an “Indian doctor” for not spotting that he had cancer. Writing in his memoir, the UKIP leader recalls how he battled testicular cancer at the age of 21. He writes of how struggled with pain as his left testicle became “as large as a lemon and rock hard”.

3. VINCE CABLE RULES OUT A GRAND PACT

Vince Cable has ruled out a post-election deal between the Liberal Democrats and the Scottish National party. Although polls are suggesting that a pact between Labour, the SNP and the Lib Dems would the most likely combination to form an overall majority, the business secretary said it would be wrong to “get into tie-ups” with a party committed to the breakup of the UK.

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4. PRESCOTT SLAMS BLAIR’S ‘CRUSADES’

Tony Blair’s “bloody crusades” in the Middle East have radicalised a generation of young British Muslims, John Prescott has suggested. The former deputy prime minister said that Blair is “unfortunately” a supporter of regime change in the Middle East and that he “wants to invade everywhere”. He added: “He should put a white coat on with a red cross and let's start the bloody crusades again.”

5. COMIC RELIEF REACHES £1BN MARK

Comic Relief had raised £78m raised by the end of last night’s live show, bringing the total it has raised during the last 30 years to £1bn. The charity’s founder Richard Curtis said he was "enormously proud" of its achievements. Last night’s show included X Factor host and Radio 2 disc jockey Dermot O'Leary completing a 24-hour danceathon.

6. HAS PUTIN’S PARTNER GIVEN BIRTH?

A tabloid claims that Vladimir Putin’s girlfriend has given birth, as rumours circulate about the whereabouts of the Russian president. Switzerland's Bick newspaper said that Putin flew to Switzerland to be with Alina Kabaeva as she went into labour at a private clinic. Putin cancelled a planned trip to Kazakhstan on Wednesday, prompting speculation over his wellbeing.

7. JEREMY CLARKSON HINTS AT BBC EXIT

Jeremy Clarkson has compared himself to a dinosaur in his clearest hint yet that he will quit the BBC. Writing in The Sun, he said: “The fact is that you can sign as many petitions as you like and call on the support of politicians from all sides, but the day must come when you have to wave goodbye to the big monsters and move on.”

8. TRAIN ANNOUNCER OFFENDS FAT PEOPLE

South West Trains has apologised after a train announcer told fat passengers the train was too crowded for them to sit down. On a busy service from Basingstoke, Hampshire, the announcer said: “We are going to be like sardines on this train, so can I ask that only slim people sit on the three-seaters. If you are fat then it is simply not going to work.”

9. BBCQT: CONCERN OVER CHARLES KENNEDY

The BBC is facing continued criticism over Charles Kennedy’s appearance on Question Time this week. The former Liberal Democrat leader’s stumbling performance led to concern over his health, as he is a recovering alcoholic. Michael Rosen, former children’s laureate tweeted: “I don’t think the BBC is safeguarding the safety of Charles Kennedy.”

10. WENGER ON SLOW WALCOTT TALKS

Arsene Wenger says talks with Theo Walcott over a new contract could be a slow process. "We have started very early with him," said Wenger of the striker, who has made just four starts this season. "He is very quick on the pitch, but off the pitch not always." The Gunners host West Ham United today, hoping to heap more pressure on Manchester City in the race for second place.