Ten Things You Need to Know Today: Saturday 10 Oct 2015

1. NHS hospitals rack up £1bn debt in three months

NHS hospitals in England are in their “worst” financial position for a generation, reports The Independent. According to official figures, NHS hospitals have racked up debts of nearly £1bn in just three months. The figures are contained in a report by the NHS regulator, Monitor, which was allegedly delayed after ministers “leaned on” the group to not publish during the Tory conference.

2. Gaza rocket lands in Israel as anger mounts

A rocket fired by Palestinian militants in Gaza has landed in southern Israel, as tensions rise. A statement from the Israeli military said sirens were triggered in Israeli communities near the border but the rocket landed in open countryside and no-one was hurt. Earlier, six Palestinians were shot dead by Israeli troops near the border fence with Gaza.

3. Lord Rose is to head pro-EU campaign

Stuart Rose, the former boss of Marks and Spencer, will head the campaign to keep Britain in the EU. The Tory peer was unveiled as chair of the 'in' campaign ahead of its official launch on Monday. He will be joined in the campaign by the businesswoman and Apprentice star Karren Brady. Lord Rose said: "I believe that Britain is stronger in Europe.”

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4. Obesity rise puts UN diet goals out of reach

A rise in global obesity will put UN goals on diet-related diseases “beyond reach”, according to new analysis. With almost 1bn of the world’s adults projected to be obese by 2025, experts warn that targets will not be met because of the spread of the westernised diet around the globe as a result of intensive marketing by the food industry.

5. Mhairi Black being ‘patronised’ in Westminster

Mhairi Black, the youngest politician in the House of Commons, says she is getting patted on the back and "patronised" by older MPs. The 21-year-old SNP MP told a conference: "The first couple of weeks people called me honey, sweetheart, darling. It's alive and well in Westminster." Speaking to The Guardian, she added: “I literally cannot help when I was born.”

6. ‘Dead mouse and deadly bacteria’ at Costa

The Costa coffee chain has been ordered to improve standards after a string of serious hygiene failings, claims the Daily Mail. An inspection of the Costa at the Royal Hampshire County Hospital found paninis at risk of contamination with a bacteria that can cause death. Mice droppings were found on shelves, surfaces and floors at a shop in London, along with a dead mouse.

7. Photo agency denies it invaded Bieber privacy

The photo agency that distributed nude photos of Justin Bieber has denied claims the singer’s privacy was invaded. Speaking to The Independent, a spokesman from FameFlynet UK said: “There’s no invasion of privacy” and refused to comment on whether a long-lens was used to get the snaps. The pop star was photographed while on holiday in Bora Bora.

8. Ingham urged Thatcher to soften her image

Former prime minister Margaret Thatcher was urged by her chief press secretary to soften her image, according to newly released personal documents. Bernard Ingham’s memo states that she had gained a reputation among the public of being "hectoring, strident and bossy". The documents also show how Thatcher fought the church for her place at a Falklands memorial service.

9. Hugh Scully and Gordon Honeycombe die

The former Antiques Roadshow host Hugh Scully has died at the age of 72. Scully, who joined the BBC in 1965, hosted Nationwide before presenting Antiques Roadshow from 1981. Meanwhile, Gordon Honeycombe, the face of ITN news between 1965 and 1977, has died in Australia aged 79. Anne Diamond, a former colleague, said: "I am so sad yet I know he had a great life.”

10. Walcott helps England beat Estonia

England maintained their 100% record in their Euro 2016 qualifying campaign as they made it nine wins out of nine with a comfortable win over Estonia at Wembley. Roy Hodgson's men have already qualified for next summer’s tournament in France. They brushed aside Estonia with a goal each from Theo Walcott and Raheem Sterling.

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