Ten Things You Need to Know Today: Monday 15 Jun 2015

1. QUEEN CELEBRATES MAGNA CARTA

The Queen, Prime Minister and Arcghbishop of Canterbury have celebrated the 800th anniversary of Magna Carta at a ceremony in Runnymede, Surrey, where it was signed King John of England in 1215. The charter was the first document to establish that monarchs were subject to the law of the land, instead of being exempt from it.

Magna Carta’s 800th anniversary: what is it and does it matter?

2. YORKSHIRE: SHOCK OVER SUICIDE BOMBER

Community leaders in Dewsbury have spoken of their shock after a 17-year-old from the West Yorkshire town apparently became a suicide bomber for Islamic State. Councillor Masood Ahmed said people were “shocked and devastated” and added that Talha Asmal had been “no different” from any other teenager.

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Talha Asmal: teen 'becomes Britain's youngest suicide bomber'

3. LIBYA: TOP ISLAMIST KILLED IN US STRIKE

Libya says a US air strike has killed Mokhtar Belmokhtar, the Islamist fighter who ordered a deadly attack on a gas plant two years ago in which 40 people, including six Britons, were killed and hostages taken. Belmokhtar’s death has been reported incorrectly before. The US has not confirmed he is dead.

Mokhtar Belmokhtar: former Al Qaeda leader 'killed in air strike'

4. LABOUR LEADERSHIP CANDIDATES CONFIRMED

The four candidates to take over as leader of the Labour party have been confirmed, with left-winger Jeremy Corbyn securing the backing of 35 MPs to secure his place on the ballot with minutes remaining before nominations closed. Andy Burnham, Yvette Cooper and Liz Kendall are also standing. Mary Creagh pulled out of the race on Friday.

Jeremy Corbyn is a 'disaster', says Stephen Hawking

5. GEORGIA: HIPPO, LIONS AND BEARS ESCAPE

Residents have been told to stay indoors in Tbilisi, Georgia, after heavy flooding led animals to escape from the city’s zoo. A hippo, lions, tigers, bears were on the loose. The hippo has been recaptured with tranquiliser darts. Heavy rainfall and floods caused the river Vere to burst its banks, killing at least 12 people.

Warning issued over escaped zoo animals in Georgia – video

6. SEPP BLATTER MAY STAND IN FIFA ELECTION

Sepp Blatter may be set to reverse his decision to stand down as president of Fifa. According to reports Blatter has recived messages of support from some nations and it is now suggested that the Swiss may decide to stand in the upcoming presidential election if a "convincing candidate" does not come forward to replace him.

Michel Platini will resign at Uefa's next congress

7. FRENCH BASILICA DAMAGED BY FIRE

The basilica of Saint-Donatien in the French city of Nantes has been badly damaged by fire. The blaze broke out soon after Mass on Monday morning, and is thought to be connected to repair work on the roof of the 19th Century building. Efforts are underway to save the organ and other precious objects housed in the basilica.

8. SHARK ATTACKS: TWO TEENAGERS LOSE LIMBS

Two teenagers lost limbs to sharks within hours of each other on the same beach in North Carolina, prompting terrified beach-goers to flee in scenes which have been compared to the movie Jaws. The first victim, a girl, lost part of her arm and may lose a leg. A 16-year-old boy then lost an arm after a second attack.

The ten most dangerous places for shark attacks

9. COMET PROBE PHILAE ‘WAKES UP’ IN SUNSHINE

The European Space Agency’s comet lander Philae has ‘woken up’ after seven months in the dark. The craft’s solar-powered battery ran flat, as expected, after 60 hours on the comet. It is carrying large amounts of data which scientists hope to download now the probe is close enough to the Sun to come back online.

Rosetta researchers find 'building blocks of life' on comet

10. BRIEFING: TORY MENTAL HEALTH POLICY

People suffering from mental health problems are not being given adequate care because the system is struggling to cope, the Care Quality Commission has warned. The government has promised to ensure that mental and physical health conditions are given equal priority, but campaigners and health care workers warn that they are unlikely to deliver on many of their campaign promises on mental health.

Mental health care: will the Tories deliver on their promises?

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