Ten Things You Need to Know Today: Tuesday 15 Dec 2015

1. MPs warn Cameron's EU reforms need treaty change

A committee of MPs says David Cameron's proposed changes to Britain's relationship with the EU would require all member nations to agree a treaty change - and there is not enough time for this before 2018, when the PM has promised an EU membership referendum. Cameron wants to restrict benefits for Europeans working in the UK.

Brexit: Theresa May says ‘trust me’ to deliver

2. First UK astronaut blasts off to space station

The first official British astronaut has blasted off for the International Space Station (ISS). Major Tim Peake left earth today for a six-month scientific mission from the Kazakhstan launchpad where Yuri Gagarin made the first human spaceflight in 1961. He has said he is looking forward to making a space walk. He was due to board the ISS this afternoon.

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Not-so-final frontier: Astronaut Tim Peake to return to space

3. Muslim anti-terror coalition formed in Saudi Arabia

The Saudi government has announced the formation of a coalition of 34 Muslim nations ready to fight "any terrorist group". Egypt, Qatar, the United Arab Emirates, Turkey, Malaysia, Pakistan, African states and several Arab gulf nations are involved. Iran, a mainly-Shia nation, is not included. Saudi Arabia is principally Sunni.

Saudi Arabia announces Muslim anti-terror coalition

4. UK inflation rate turned positive in November

The UK inflation rate turned positive for the first time in four months in November as the Consumer Prices Index rose to 0.1%, according to official statistics. The slight increase has been put down to transport costs, and increased alcohol and tobacco prices, although clothing prices fell. The rate is still well below the Bank of England target of 2%.

5. New Zealand picks alternative flag design

New Zealand has chosen the design of an alternative flag that will challenge the existing emblem in a referendum. The country had been asked to choose between several different patterns and opted for a flag featuring silver fern against a black and blue background with four red stars. However, the country is expected to vote to retain its current flag in the final vote in March.

6. Terror threat shuts schools in Los Angeles

All public schools in Los Angeles were closed today after a "credible terror threat" was received. School buses were sent back to their depots and parents told not to keep children at home after a threat to "many schools" was received. The authorities announced that all schools would be searched. More than 1,000 schools and almost 700,000 children have been affected.

7. UK butterfly population slumps by 76% in decades

A major new study has revealed that more than three quarters of British butterflies have declined in numbers over the past 40 years. The charity Butterfly Conservation says several species have endured "major slumps". TV presenter and naturalist Chris Packham called the news a "final warning bell" for all UK insect species.

8. Star Wars: The Force Awakens premieres in LA

The latest film in the Star Wars franchise, The Force Awakens, has had its world premiere in Los Angeles. There is an embargo on reviews of the hotly-anticipated movie, until Wednesday, but the initial reaction on Twitter was positive. The film stars original cast members Harrison Ford, Mark Hamill and Carrie Fisher alongside John Boyega and Daisy Ridley. It is tipped to become the biggest-grossing film in history.

Star Wars: Carrie Fisher claims she had affair with Harrison Ford

9. Jeremy Corbyn mocked over Christmas card

Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn has faced more criticism, this time for his choice of official Christmas card, which features a stock image of two snow-covered bicycles chained up next to a red phone box. It has been dismissed as "unfestive". Prime Minister David Cameron's effort is little more festive. It shows him and his wife Samantha outside 10 Downing Street after the election in May.

Jeremy Corbyn is a 'disaster', says Stephen Hawking

10. Briefing: the smarter way for retirees to save

Research has found that people in their 60s, 70s and 80s are the nation's biggest savers - putting aside far more a year than younger generations. But the majority of savings made by older people are sitting in low interest current accounts - when there may be far more lucrative options available.

Are retirees saving in the right places?