Ten Things You Need to Know Today: Sunday 20 Sep 2015

1. Ex-minister: NHS will collapse within two years

The NHS is on the brink of collapse, warns a former health minister. Norman Lamb, minister of state at the Department of Health until May’s general election, says the service will crash within two years unless the government orders an immediate multibillion pound cash injection. The warning comes as similar fears mount among senior NHS officials, care providers and local authorities.

2. Bonkbuster author Collins dies of cancer

Author Jackie Collins has died of breast cancer at the age of 77, her family has announced. "It is with tremendous sadness that we announce the death of our beautiful, dynamic and one-of-a-kind mother," read their statement. The British-born novelist, a sister of actress Joan Collins, died in Los Angeles, her spokeswoman said.

3. Corbyn 'has made politics more interesting'

Jeremy Corbyn is standing down as chairman of the Stop The War Coalition after it published a poem alleges that the Queen has a “criminal record” and is “lubricating Britain’s wars”, while the Royal family are arms dealers and “friends to despots and dictators”. Meanwhile, a Sunday Mirror poll found 52% of voters think Corbyn has made politics more interesting.

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4. Network Rail privatisation on the cards

Is a privatisation of Network Rail on the cards? The boss asked to revive Network Rail's fortunes has said she cannot rule out recommending the move. Speaking to the BBC, Nicola Shaw said that a partial or total sell-off "was absolutely on the table; it can't not be." She added: “I don't think there has to be a big row. The challenge for me is how to bring people together.”

5. Police drop Cliff Richard investigation

Police have dropped one of the three investigations into alleged sex abuse by Sir Cliff Richard, claims The Sunday Times. According to a close friend of the pop legend, the inquiry has been stopped because detectives have been unable to find evidence to substantiate the claims. Richard is said to have provided officers with evidence that he was never alone with two alleged victims.

6. Footballers accused of steroid abuse

Leading footballers are suspected of steroid abuse, claims The Sunday Times. As the focus of the on-going doping scandal moves from athletics to soccer it is said that most extensive doping study in the game’s history has exposed significant levels of potential cheating by 68 footballers playing for Europe’s top clubs and national teams.

7. New election kicks off in Greece

Voting has begun in yet another election in Greece. Opinion polls suggest a tight race between the left-wing incumbent Syriza party and the conservative New Democracy. The polling, Greece's fifth election in six years, was called after Syriza lost its parliamentary majority last month. However, the BBC says whichever party wins is unlikely to get enough seats to form a government alone.

8. Art critic Brian Sewell passes away

The legendary art critic Brian Sewell has died aged 84, his agent has confirmed. Often outspoken and controversial, Sewell wrote for the London Evening Standard newspaper for more than 30 years. His agent said Sewell, who had cancer, died at his London home on Saturday. The Evening Standard said the writers' wit was "always rapier sharp" but his kindness "knew no limits".

9. Welby gives refugees a Lambeth home

Archbishop of Canterbury Justin Welby will provide sanctuary to a family of Syrian refugees within Lambeth Palace. The family will dwell as his guests in a cottage within the grounds of his official London home. Their rent will be paid for from charitable funds under the archbishop’s personal control. Welby said this weekend: “Jesus was a refugee.”

10. Diego Costa slammed after Chelsea win

Diego Costa is under the spotlight following yesterday’s ill-tempered clash between Chelsea and Arsenal. The Blues won 2-0 as two Gunners players were sent off. However, Costa’s antics have been widely condemned. The three points help Chelsea gain ground on leaders Manchester City, who lost 2-1 to this season’s surprise package, West Ham United.