Ten Things You Need to Know Today: Sunday 19 Apr 2015

1. BACK OFF, QUEEN TELLS POLITICIANS

Buckingham Palace officials are warning politicians that the Queen must not be dragged into negotiations after the general election. Amid fears that David Cameron or Ed Miliband might attempt to use her as a “prop” to “legitimise” a government that lacks a majority, Palace sources say neither leader should try and ambush the Queen to back a minority administration.

2. CAMERON PLEDGES LLOYDS SELL-OFF

David Cameron is promising a 1980s-style privatisation if the Conservatives win the election, selling off the government's stake in Lloyds Bank. He said: “Today's announcement marks another step in the long journey we have been making repairing our banks, turning our economy around and reducing our national debt, only made possible by our long-term economic plan.”

3. REAGAN ‘WARNED SOVIETS OF ALIEN THREAT’

Ronald Reagan asked Mikhail Gorbachev for Soviet backing against an alien invasion, according to a new book. Author Dr David Clarke said: “He surprised Gorby by saying he was sure the two superpowers would co-operate if Earth was threatened by alien invasion. Taken aback, the Soviet leader politely changed the subject.” Reagan became fascinated with aliens during his Hollywood years.

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4. MILIBAND WOOS MODERATE TORIES

Ed Miliband has told moderate Tories: ‘I’ll be your champion’. The Labour leader has made a direct bid for the support of disaffected “one nation” Tories, telling them that he is on “the centre ground of politics” and would save the country from David Cameron’s right-wing, anti-EU agenda. He says Cameron is “ideologically beached”.

5. ELTON JOHN IS TOP CHARITY BACKER

Sir Elton John tops a list of charity backers, reports The Sunday Times. The musician donated £24.1m last year – some 8.92% of his wealth. Other famous personalities, including the bands One Direction and Coldplay, Liverpool footballer Steven Gerrard and the golfer Rory McIlroy, feature on The Sunday Times Giving List.

6. NEW STORM OVER BLAIR’S MILLIONS

A fresh storm has erupted around Tony Blair’s business affairs it emerged he signed a controversial contract overseeing mining deals in Latin America. Blair is being paid to advise the Colombian government on how it spends £2 billion earned from mining deals. The revelation means he is facing fresh accusations of a conflict of interest.

7. JEREMY CLARKSON REVEALS CANCER SCARE

Jeremy Clarkson has revealed that he was worried he had cancer when he hit a Top Gear producer. Writing in The Sunday Times, he said the incident came on his "most stressful day... in 27 years at the BBC" - but that other people facing stress "manage to cope better than I did". He was dropped from Top Gear over what the BBC called an "unprovoked physical attack" on Oisin Tymon.

8. WILL UKIP SUE THE ‘BIASED BBC’?

Ukip is letting loose its lawyers on the “biased BBC”, claims the Sunday Express. Party leader Nigel Farage wants to “strip the BBC to the bone” following his claim of a left-wing bias in Thursday’s television debate. Lawyer Andrew Reid, who is also the party treasurer, says: “I think it is right that the British public are told how the BBC selects its audiences.”

9. ARE OASIS READY TO REFORM?

Oasis are to reform after the Gallagher brothers agreed to bury the hatchet, claims the Sunday Mirror. “It’s early days in terms of the details, but Noel and Liam are back on good terms and ready to give things another go,” says an unnamed source. The band split in 2009, since when Noel has forged a successful solo career.

10. WENGER ON READING DEATH WISH

Reading were "ready to die on the pitch to get to the FA Cup final", according to Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger. The Gunners beat the Royals 2-1 at Wembley yesterday, to reach their second final in two years. Meanwhile, Chelsea moved to within six points of reclaiming the Premier League title with a win over Manchester United. Today, Aston Villa play Liverpool in the FA Cup semi-final.