Ten Things You Need to Know Today: Sunday 11 Oct 2015

1. Major, Blair & Brown front pro-EU campaign

Britain’s three living former prime ministers will be unveiled today as the faces of the campaign to keep Britain in the EU. The “in” campaign, to be called Britain Stronger in Europe, has the backing of Sir John Major, Tony Blair and Gordon Brown. It has also recruited the ex-head of the army and a panellist from the Loose Women daytime TV show.

2. Will 50 MPs defy Jeremy Corbyn on Syria?

At least 50 Labour MPs are willing to defy Jeremy Corbyn by backing military action in Syria, claims The Observer. In a challenge to the new party leader’s authority, a group of MPs and peers is ready to work with Conservative foes to promote a three-pronged strategy. The outcome of the vote will be closely-watched by those analysing Corbyn’s authority.

3. Turkey in mourning after blasts kill 95

Turkey is in three days of mourning after bomb blasts at a peace rally in Ankara killed 95 people and wounded 245 others. The two explosions occurred seconds apart outside the capital's main train station yesterday as hundreds gathered to call for an end to violence between Kurdish rebels and Turkish forces. Meanwhile a Kabul suicide bombing has targeted foreign troops this morning.

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4. Tory Geoffrey Howe dies at 88

Geoffrey Howe has died at the age of 88 after suffering a suspected heart attack, his family has announced. The former Tory chancellor, whose resignation speech in 1990 is widely seen as a key factor in Baroness Thatcher's downfall, died on Friday. Prime minister David Cameron paid tribute, saying: "The Conservative family has lost one of its greats."

5. Tory housing plan risks ‘widespread racism’

Labour says the government is planning legislation that could spill "everyday racism" and "widespread discrimination" into the housing market. Shadow home secretary Andy Burnham says the immigration bill, which will make it a criminal offence to rent accommodation to illegal immigrants, could cause problems for "anyone with a foreign-sounding name".

6. Is Malala set for Stanford university?

Malala Yousafzai, the schoolgirl treated in Britain after being shot by the Taliban, is considering a move to America, reports The Sunday Times. Malala, 18, who has become a high-profile campaigner for the right of girls to have an education, is keen to take a politics degree at Stanford University, California. She is studying for A-levels in history, maths, religious studies and geography.

7. Beeb in £20m British Bake Off Battle

The BBC is facing a £20m battle to keep the rights to Great British Bake Off, claims the Sunday Mirror. The corporation’s three-year contract with the firm behind the surprise hit expires after next year’s seventh series, and the report speculates that presenters will be able to “name their price” as negotiations begin to keep the show with the Beeb.

8. Israeli jets bomb Gaza Strip as tensions soar

Israeli jets have hit bombed targets in the Gaza Strip, claiming they were Hamas weapon manufacturing facilities. A woman and her young daughter in a nearby house were killed during the air raid, Palestinian officials said. The Israeli military said the strikes were in response to two rockets fired from Gaza into southern Israel.

9. Brady: immigrants welcome if they speak lingo

Apprentice star Karren Brady says immigrants are welcome to the UK if they speak English. The government’s small business tsar said: “If you want to come, pay your taxes, make a contribution, speak the language and improve society, then you are very welcome.” Home secretary Theresa May said this week the UK could not build a “cohesive society” if immigration is too high.

10. Coleman’s joy as Wales qualify for Euro 2016

Wales boss Chris Coleman said his side have fulfilled a dream by qualifying for the Euro 2016 finals. Despite a 2-0 defeat to Bosnia-Herzegovina on Saturday, Wales qualified for next summer’s tournament in France thanks to Israel's loss to Cyprus. "It means everything. We've all dreamed about this," a thrilled Coleman told Sky Sports.