Ten Things You Need to Know Today: Wednesday 8 Jul 2015

1. Greece promises 'credible reforms' before EU deadline

Greek Prime Minister Alexis Tsipras has promised parliament that his government will submit "credible reform" proposals to its creditors on Thursday. If no plans are put forward, leaders from all 28 EU states - not just the 19 from the eurozone - will meet in Brussels on Sunday to discuss Greece’s exit from the single currency.

Greece finally reaches deal to release €12bn bailout funds

2. Osborne unveils 'living wage' in 2015 July Budget

Chancellor George Osborne has outlined plans for a new Living Wage to replace the minimum wage in his first Budget since the election. He also said £12bn in welfare cuts would happen over four years ratehr tha two, but he also scrapped student grants, cut housing benefit for under-21s and froze working age benefits.

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July Budget 2015: George Osborne's key announcements

3. Obama welcomes Vietnam communist party leader

Barack Obama and the leader of Vietnam’s communist party, Nguyen Phu Trong, have had a historic meeting at the White House, the first such encounter since the two nations normalised relations 20 years ago. The BBC says the US and Vietnam are thought to be seeking stronger ties to challenge China’s regional dominance.

4. Tube strike to bring disruption to London

Transport for London has warned that there will be no tube service from 6.30pm today - and none at all on Thursday. Dirsuption is even expected to continue on Friday morning after 20,000 union members decided to walk out. Tube workers are striking because of a dispute over the introduction of all-night services.

Tube commuters face more delays as engineers begin industrial action

5. Barclays chief exec Antony Jenkins sacked

Antony Jenkins, chief executive of Barclays, has been removed from his job after falling out with the board over cost-cutting and the size of the bank’s investment arm. The board wanted Jenkins to make more savings - and to increase the size of the investment bank. Jenkins believed the investment arm should be cut back.

Barclays and four ex-bankers charged with 2008 fraud

6. MPs could vote on fox hunting laws before summer recess

MPs could vote on changes to fox hunting laws in England and Wales before the summer recess. David Cameron is said to be considering proposals to amend the 2005 Hunting Act by allowing an "unlimited number of dogs to flush out foxes". Such a move would bring the situation in line with the law in Scotland.

7. Torrential rain causes flooding in Scotland

Heavy rains yesterday caused severe flooding in Aberdeen, in the north of Scotland. Many streets were said to be left underwater after the thundery downpour. More than 20 incidents involving the emergency services included evacuating children from a nursery school. The Met Office had issued a yellow warning for the city.

8. Disney reveals Star Wars spin-off film about Han Solo

A Star Wars spin-off film about Han Solo, the character played by Harrison Ford in the original films, has been announced. Disney said the new film would be directed by Christopher Miller and Phil Lord, the men behind the hugely successful Lego movie. Ford is reprising his role as the charismatic outlaw after 32 years in the new Star Wars film, The Force Awakens.

Star Wars: Carrie Fisher claims she had affair with Harrison Ford

9. First British soldier at D-Day landings dies aged 95

The first British soldier to enter Normandy during the D-Day landings of WWII has died at the age of 95. The family of former SAS lieutenant Norman Poole, who parachuted into France with a carrier pigeon strapped to his chest, say he rarely spoke of his exploits. Poole jumped with 200 dummy parachutists intended to draw fire.

10. Briefing: how England can win the Ashes

The Ashes gets underway this week, but what chance do England's cricketers have of reclaiming the famous old urn? The early-season series against New Zealand has given the game in England a fillip, and the exploits of England's young players earlier in the summer has generated a surge of interest. But a weak start in the first Test in Cardiff could soon dispel the optimism.

Ashes 2015: how England can beat Australia this summer