Ten Things You Need to Know Today: Sunday 12 Jul 2015

1. NHS chief complains of ‘wasted billions’

One in seven hospital procedures are unnecessary due to the “over treatment” of patients that wastes billions of pounds a year, the NHS’s medical director claims. The country’s most senior doctor described the level of waste in the NHS as “profligate”. Sir Bruce Keogh, a former cardiac surgeon, said that “a substantial proportion” of spending in the NHS was wasted on ineffective care.

2. Scientists: mini ice-age ‘within 15 years’

Earth is heading for a “mini ice-age” 15 years from now, say scientists. Fluid movements within the sun, which are thought to create 11-year cycles in the weather, will converge in such a way that temperatures will fall dramatically in the 2030s, they say. The "mini ice-age" will cause bitterly cold winters during which rivers such as the Thames freeze over.

3. ‘24 hours to save the euro’ as fresh talks begin

Eurozone finance ministers have suspended "inconclusive" talks on Greece's latest reform proposals, aimed at a crucial third bailout. They are due to resume crunch talks in Brussels today on a bailout deal for Greece. Ministers have expressed scepticism that Athens would implement austerity measures it has proposed. The Sunday Telegraph says there are “24 hours to save the euro”.

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4. Tories to give the BBC new ultimatum

The government will tell the BBC to return to its public service roots and do away with audience-chasing shows such as The Voice, says The Sunday Times this morning. As part of the widest-ranging shake-up of the corporation for a generation, BBC bosses will be given an ultimatum this week: reform, or face further interference from Whitehall.

5. George Michael has ‘crack binges’ claims relative

George Michael was addicted to crack cocaine before he checked into rehab last year, claims a relative this morning. Jackie Georgiou, wife of the star’s cousin Andros, tells The Sun she is “petrified” the 52-year-old will die after alleging he has had binges on crack, cocaine, alcohol and cannabis. “It's crack, it's marijuana, it's drink, it's coke,” she said.

6. Head dentist warns of ‘rotting toddlers’

Rotten teeth in toddlers are at a crisis level, says a senior dental surgeon. Soft drinks and sweets should carry graphic cigarette-style images to alert parents to the dangers of the high sugar content rotting children’s teeth, Nigel Hunt, dean of the Royal College of Surgeons’ dental faculty, tells The Sunday Times. Almost a third of five-year-olds in England have some tooth decay.

7. Generational gap widens, says group

Britain is “failing its young” as a gulf grows between generations, according to a new study in The Observer. The prospects for young Britons have deteriorated sharply since the Tories entered government in 2010 as money and resources have been targeted at the older generation, says the Intergenerational Foundation.

8. England romp to 1-0 Ashes lead

England swaggered to a crushing 169-run victory over Australia in the first Ashes Test to take a 1-0 lead in the series. Australia lost four wickets for nine runs in 35 balls either side of lunch as they chased an unlikely 412 to win. They were bowled out for 242 one hour after tea in Cardiff. Stuart Broad took the wickets of three of Australia's top four batsmen.

9. Welby promises sex abuse inquiry

The Archbishop of Canterbury is promising an inquiry into sex abuse in the Church of England if the judge-led abuse investigation does not look into it within six months, according to survivors. They claim Justin Welby made the promise during a private meeting with then earlier this week. Justice Lowell Goddard’s probe is expected to last five years.

10. Williams completes the ‘Serena slam’

Serena Williams beat Spain's Garbine Muguruza to win Wimbledon for the sixth time. The 33-year-old American’s victory completes the 'Serena Slam' as the holder of all four major titles. She won 6-4 6-4 on Centre Court to claim her 21st Grand Slam title and third of 2015. She faced off a late fightback from 20th seed Muguruza, 21, to come through in one hour and 23 minutes. Roger Federer become the first man to win eight Wimbledon titles if he beats defending champion Novak Djokovic in the men's final.