Ten Things You Need to Know Today: Saturday 19 Sep 2015

1. Malcolm Rifkind hired woman who cleared him

Sir Malcolm Rifkind helped hire the woman who authored the official report which “cleared” him over a “cash-for-access” scandal, reveals the Daily Telegraph this morning. The former cabinet minister was part of a five-person panel which recommended appointing Kathryn Hudson to the £108,000-a-year position of Parliamentary Commissioner for Standards.

2. Drunken air passengers face crackdown

Drunken air passengers will be blocked from boarding planes, says The Times. Under plans to combat a surge in “air rage” incidents, stricter limits could also be placed on how many drinks are served in the air, while intoxicated British passengers may be put on a blacklist that bars them from flying with other domestic carriers.

3. Poll suggests Corbyn faces uphill task

Almost three in four voters do not believe that Jeremy Corbyn looks like prime minister material, according to a poll for The Independent. The survey of 2,000 people found that Corbyn’s election as Labour leader has made one in five people who voted for Labour at the last general election more likely to vote Conservative next time.

Subscribe to The Week

Escape your echo chamber. Get the facts behind the news, plus analysis from multiple perspectives.

SUBSCRIBE & SAVE

Sign up for The Week's Free Newsletters

From our morning news briefing to a weekly Good News Newsletter, get the best of The Week delivered directly to your inbox.

From our morning news briefing to a weekly Good News Newsletter, get the best of The Week delivered directly to your inbox.

Sign up

4. Donald Trump flips on gun ownership

Donald Trump has performed an about-turn on gun control. The controversial White House hopeful was once an advocate of control over the sale of some types of firearms, but he has now come out passionately in favour of a laissez faire approach to gun control, declaring there should be a “national right to carry” concealed weapons across America.

5. Unconvincing England win World Cup opener

England have won their Rugby World Cup opener. The hosts had to work hard to beat Fiji in their World Cup opener. A strong final 20 minutes saw them secure a bonus-point win at Twickenham. However, The Times warns that England’s performance against Fiji “will not suffice” in clashes against the likes of Wales and Australia.

Rugby World Cup 2015: all the fixtures and TV schedule

6. BOE man predicts further interest rates cuts

Are interest rates about to be cut further? The Bank of England’s chief economist warned that the bold move may be needed as he pointed to signs that the global financial crisis is entering a third phase of turmoil. Andy Haldane’s view puts him at odds with the BOE’s governor, Mark Carney, who has indicated that rates may rise from 0.5% early next year.

7. Should rogue landlords face prison sentences?

Rogue landlords should be jailed, says the Local Government Association. Currently, the highest penalty for housing offences is a fine and the LGA, which represents councils in England and Wales, said rogue landlords are often receiving "paltry" penalties for breaching housing rules. The LGA said a small minority of landlords were "creating misery" for tenants.

8. Israel bombs Gaza after rocket fire

The Israeli army has carried out air strikes in the Gaza Strip after Palestinian rockets were fired into southern Israel from the territory. The overnight bombardment targeted two training camps belonging to Hamas, causing no injuries, officials and witnesses said. Meanwhile, tension is high in Jerusalem and the West Bank, where Israeli forces and Palestinians have clashed this week.

9. Alex Ferguson reveals reason for his retirement

Sir Alex Ferguson says he would have stayed on as Manchester United manager beyond 2013 if it were not for a family bereavement. Speaking to the Daily Telegraph, he says he “definitely would have carried on” but for the death of his wife Cathy’s twin sister, Bridget Robertson, which persuaded him to retire to be by her side.

10. Will Wenger put Jose in relegation zone?

Arsene Wenger has the chance to twist the knife as Chelsea face a disappointing start to the Premier League season. The Gunners would move nine points clear of the Blues if they beat them at Stamford Bridge today, with the champions potentially finishing the weekend in the relegation zone. Elsewhere, runaway leaders Manchester City host West Ham.

Chelsea vs Arsenal: game of the week is critical for both sides