Ten Things You Need to Know Today: Saturday 11 Jul 2015

1. ‘Huge’ blast rocks Cairo consulate

A “huge explosion” hit the Italian consulate in Cairo this morning, say reports. Witnesses have reported hearing the blast at the Italian consulate in the centre of Cairo. The force of the explosion, which a security official said was caused by a car bomb, shook the building in the downtown area of Egypt's capital. Medics say two policemen and three passers-by have been wounded.

2. Tsipras wins support of Greek MPs

Greece's MPs have backed the government's latest economic reform proposals aimed at securing another crucial EU bailout. The plans outline how Athens intends to tackle the country's debt and avoid a possible exit from the eurozone. After winning cross-party support last night, PM Alexis Tsipras said he had a "strong mandate" to complete negotiations with Greece's creditors.

3. PM to address charity 'pressure tactics'

The government is to announce a new law to curb pressurising tactics of some charity fundraisers. David Cameron wants to stop ‘boiler room’ call centres targeting the elderly and vulnerable. In May, a 92-year-old poppy seller died. A friend said she had been “exhausted” by requests for money from charities, at one point receiving 267 charity letters in one month.

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4. Jeremy Corbyn reaches second place

Jeremy Corbyn has surged into second place as the activist's choice for Labour leader, says the Daily Telegraph. The left-winger, who is backed by the unions, is increasingly seen as a serious contender after pulling into second behind Andy Burnham. Corbyn has the support of 28 constituencies, just behind Mr Burnham who has the support of 33.

5. Harper Lee ‘planned string of novels’

Harper Lee had plans to write a series of novels after To Kill A Mockingbird, according to a letter she wrote before the book was published. Two years before her famous novel was released in 1960, Lee listed six ideas that she thought would occupy her for the next 15 years. Go Set A Watchman, her only other novel, will be published next week.

6. Prince Philip swears at photographer

Prince Philip snapped at a photographer yesterday, telling him: "Just take the f***ing picture!" Posing alongside war veterans at a photo-call at the RAF Club to commemorate the 75th anniversary of the battle between the Luftwaffe and the British air force, he grew impatient as the photographer arranged the image. He has a track record of tetchiness at photo calls.

7. Most Brits ‘ignore use-by dates’

Two-in-three of us would rather sniff our food to test freshness than refer to the use-by date, according to a new survey. However, experts warn some harmful bugs cannot be detected by smell or taste, so the approach could put families at risk. The use-by date is designed to protect consumers from poisoning – unlike best-before dates, which simply guarantee quality.

8. Bush and Clinton become unlikely friends

Former US presidents George W Bush and Bill Clinton have become increasingly close, says The Times. The unlikely friendship, between two men from vastly opposite ends of the political spectrum, has seen Bush refer to Clinton as his “brother from another mother”. The pair insists they will remain friends, even if Bush’s brother and Clinton’s wife go head to head for the White House.

9. Cameron to demand EU opt-out right

David Cameron is to demand that Britain be allowed to ignore most of the employment rules imposed on the UK by Brussels as part of his renegotiation with the European Union. According to the Daily Telegraph, the PM will seek to restore opt-outs on the Social Chapter that were abandoned by Tony Blair. The move will delight Tory backbenchers.

10. Federer serves up Brexit for Murray

Seven-time champion Roger Federer produced an imperious performance to beat Britain's Andy Murray and reach his 10th Wimbledon final. The Swiss legend served superbly to win 7-5 7-5 6-4. He will face world number one Novak Djokovic in a repeat of last year's final. “Roger has never served better,” said Murray afterwards.