Ten Things You Need to Know Today: Monday 30 Nov 2015

1. Climate change talks: world leaders address COP21

The UN is holding a critical summit on climate change in Paris today, with 147 world leaders in attendance. Barack Obama, Vladimir Putin and Xi Jinping all addressed the meeting, COP21, and expressed hope for a breakthrough. The UN is aiming to limit temperature rises to 2C, however some of the world's least developed countries say a new agreement could impact severely on them.

COP21: what is the Paris climate change summit likely to achieve?

2. Former cricketer cleared in perjury trial

Former international cricketer Chris Cairns has been cleared of perjury and perverting the course of justice. The New Zealander was accused of lying after telling a libel trial that he had "never, ever cheated at cricket". He won the 2012 libel case, which revolved around allegations of match-fixing, and after being accused by other cricketers he has now been cleared of lying under oath.

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3. Flood warnings as Storm Clodagh rumbles on

After Storm Clodagh brought winds of up to 70mph to the UK yesterday, the Met Office has issued 'yellow' flood warnings for Wales and the north of England for the next two days. Between three and five inches of rain are expected in some areas, with parts of Wales getting almost an entire month's-worth in just a few hours.

4. Free vote for Labour MPs on Syria

Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn is set to offer his MPs a free vote on air strikes against Islamic State in Syria. The issue has caused a split within the party as many MPs are in favour of action while the leadership opposes the idea. Corbyn will make it clear that the party's official policy is to oppose air strikes, but will not impose a whip ordering them to vote against.

Jeremy Corbyn is a 'disaster', says Stephen Hawking

5. Andy Murray clinches Davis Cup win for Great Britain

Andy Murray yesterday clinched Great Britain's first Davis Cup win since 1936 by beating Belgium's David Goffin in straight sets, 6-3, 7-5, 6-3. Great Britain has now won the international team title 10 times. Goffin "gave everything" says the BBC - and the match was a lengthy 2hrs 54mins. Murray said: "I can't believe we did it."

Andy Murray must win SPOTY for leading Britain to Davis Cup

6. HS2: Birmingham to Crewe to open six years early

Parts of the HS2 high-speed rail link are to open six years earlier than planned, George Osborne has said. The Birmingham to Crewe section will open in 2027, one year after the London to Birmingham phase. The chancellor also announced a new body, Transport for the North, to be chaired by ex-CBI head John Cridland.

7. Pope Francis visits mosque in African war zone

Pope Francis yesterday became the first pontiff in recent history to enter a war zone, with a 24-hour visit to Central African Republic during his six-day tour of Africa. He showed support for the country's Muslim minority by visiting a mosque in the capital, Bangui, located in the PK5 district, often said to be the city's most dangerous area.

8. Senior Tories meet to discuss bullying claims

After a young Tory activist took his own life, senior party members are meeting today to discuss bullying claims. Grant Shapps resigned as International Development secretary at the weekend after it was claimed he had not done enough to investigate allegations. There is pressure on party chairman Lord Feldman to step down.

Tatler Tory scandal: Bullying report branded a 'whitewash'

9. Northern Ireland abortion law breaches human rights

Abortion legislation in Northern Ireland, which only allows termination if a pregnant woman's life is at risk or there is a risk to her health, is in breach of human rights law, the Belfast High Court has ruled. The Northern Ireland Human Rights Commission brought the case as it wants to extend abortion rights to cases of foetal malformation, rape and incest.

10. Briefing: why 2015 has been a blockbuster year for cinema

It has been a phenomenal year for blockbuster films, with four movies smashing box office records to take their place in the top ten highest-grossing films of all time. Jurassic World earned $1.6bn this year, making it the highest grossing film of 2015 and the third of all time. Avatar and Titanic both hold on to the top two positions, with over $2bn in earnings each. And Star Wars could yet break the records all over again.

Why 2015 has been a blockbuster year for cinema