Ten Things You Need to Know Today: Sunday 22 Nov 2015

1. UK 'to bomb ISIS within a fortnight'

Britain is set to join bombing raids against ISIS terrorists in Syria before Christmas, claim several reports this morning. The Sunday Telegraph quotes Downing Street sources who are increasingly confident that David Cameron will win a key vote in the Commons authorising the attacks. The Sunday Times, meanwhile, says the PM is determined to start the bombing “within a fortnight”.

2. IFS warns deepest cuts in UK history are ahead

The Institute for Fiscal Studies is warning of the deepest cuts in history. Ahead of the chancellor's Spending Review and Autumn Statement next week, the organisation says the British state will be radically different by the time George Osborne has finished slashing public spending. It believes some departments face cuts of as much as 27%.

3. High terror threat empties central Brussels

Brussels is at its highest terror threat level this morning amid fears several individuals with arms and explosives are set to launch a Paris-style attack. The city was almost deserted last night as the terror alert led restaurants and bars to shut early. Soldiers are patrolling the streets in search of the fugitive Salah Abdeslam, who is thought to be armed with a suicide belt.

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4. Snow sweeps the UK as winter arrives early

A wintry weekend has seen snow storms and icy blizzards sweep across the UK, with snow showers reported in parts of Scotland, Wales, northern England and the Midlands. Snow has fallen as far south as Eastbourne with parts of Kent, including Tunbridge Wells, and Essex also seeing snowfall, as well as Scotland, Wales, northern England and the Midlands.

5. Archbishop Welby: Paris made me doubt God

The Archbishop of Canterbury has admitted that the terror attacks in Paris made him "doubt" the presence of God. Speaking to the BBC's Songs of Praise, the Most Reverend Justin Welby told the said the killings had put a "chink in his armour", adding that his response to the attacks was "first shock and horror and then a profound sadness", in part because he and his wife once lived in the French capital.

6. Miliband 'jokes about Corbyn to colleagues'

Former Labour leader Ed Miliband has broken his silence over his successor Jeremy Corbyn with a withering quip, claims the Mail On Sunday. Last week, the former party leader reportedly told a group of Labour MPs: “I bet you didn’t think things would actually get worse.” The Sunday Telegraph says the Labour vote could be halved in the upcoming Oldham by-election.

7. Retail workers plea for calm on Black Friday

Shop workers are appealing to customers to exercise calm during the forthcoming Black Friday frenzy. Last year's event saw “worryingly high” levels of violence and abuse, according to the leader of Usdaw, which represents shop and retail workers. “The last two years have seen unprecedented scenes of mayhem in some stores, as bargain hunting turns into a frenzy,” he said.

8. Commons committee backs fizzy drinks tax

MPs are backing Jamie Oliver's proposal for a tax on fizzy drinks. The House of Commons health select committee is set to call for a 20% tax when it publishes the findings of its inquiry into childhood obesity. It may also call for restrictions on the sale of fizzy drink multi-packs and an end to “buy one get one free” deals.

9. Church slams 'silly' cinema ad ban

The Church of England says it is "disappointed and bewildered" by the decision of leading UK cinemas to ban an advert featuring the Lord's Prayer. The Church described the decision as "plain silly" and said it could have a "chilling" effect on free speech. The agency that handles adverts for the cinemas said the 60-second ad could offend those of "differing faiths and no faith".

10. Klopp hails 'perfect' victory over City

Jurgen Klopp described his side's imperious performance against Manchester City as “perfect”. Liverpool beat City 4-1 at the Etihad, with the new boss's side delivering a stunning first-half performance, in which they took a 3-0 lead through Eliaquim Mangala's early own goal and majestic finishes from Philippe Coutinho and Roberto Firmino.

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