Ten Things You Need to Know Today: Friday 18 Dec 2015

1. Cameron hails 'pathway' to deal on EU

In a news conference late last night, David Cameron said he had found a "pathway to a deal" on Britain's membership of the EU in talks yesterday. EU leaders agreed to find a common solution by February. But The Guardian warns that "over a dozen" nations oppose Cameron's plan to curtail benefits for migrants from EU states.

Remain-voting City lobby group calls for 'dramatic Brexit U-turn'

2. Last deep coal mine in the UK to close

Deep coal mining is at an end in the UK, with workers in the only remaining pit working their final shifts. Kellingley mine is to shut despite the presence of 30 million tonnes of "untouched" coal, said GMB union officer Phil Whitehurst. The 450 remaining miners are to receive severance packages worth 12 weeks of average pay.

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3. Britain braced for pre-Christmas drinking session

The emergency services will be alert tonight with Britons expected to drink two-and-a-half times more alcohol than usual on the final Friday before Christmas. The event has been dubbed 'Booze Black Friday' and there are fears that some people will be forced to drink to excess even though they do not want to. Last year takings were up 142% in pubs, clubs and hotels.

4. Police marksman arrested over north London shooting

A police marksman has been arrested after a man was shot dead in north London last week. Jermaine Baker, 28, was shot in the neck as he sat in a car near Wood Green Crown Court. The officer was interviewed on Thursday, he had not been wearing a body camera. Two other men in the car have been charged with plotting to help free two prisoners, who had been due in court.

Wood Green shooting: firearms officer arrested

5. Briton stabbed to death during Peruvian ceremony

A British man was stabbed to death by a Canadian when the pair suffered a 'bad trip' after taking a hallucinogenic plant brew at an alternative health centre in the Amazon jungle. Witnesses said Canadian Joshua Andrew Freeman, 29, stabbed Unais Gomes, 26, in self-defence after the latter attacked him under the influence of ayahuasca.

6. Police issue terror attack advice video

A video telling people to "run, hide, tell" if they are caught up in a terrorist gun attack has been released by police. It also offers advice on how to evacuate a building, where to hide if terrorists strike and what information to tell police. It warns people to run if they hear gunshots and not to let others' indecision "slow you down".

7. Carswell: Ukip needs a 'fresh face' for leader

Douglas Carswell, Ukip's only MP after defecting from the Tories, has told the BBC his party needs a "fresh face" as leader, with an "optimistic message" for the future. The Clacton MP has ruled himself out, however - and did not mention party leader Nigel Farage by name. Farage said Carswell should "put up or shut up".

Nigel Farage: I could lead Ukip again

8. Princess Charlotte and Prince George in Christmas picture

A new picture of the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge with their children, Prince George and Princess Charlotte, has been released by Kensington Palace. It shows the couple outdoors among autumn leaves, with George standing up and Charlotte in the arms of Kate Middleton. The image was posted on Twitter with a Christmas message from the royals.

Princess Charlotte to start nursery school in January

9. Mother Tesesa a step closer to sainthood

Mother Teresa is a step closer to becoming a saint after Pope Francis recognised a second miracle attributed to the Roman Catholic nun, who died in 1997 and was beatified in 2003. It is claimed she saved the life of a Brazilian man with a brain tumor in 2008, paving the way towards sainthood next year. Mother Teresa became famous for her work with the poor in the Indian city of Kolkata.

10. Briefing: Fracking plans approved - why all the fuss?

Controversial plans to allow fracking beneath national parks were approved in parliament yesterday afternoon fuelling accusations that ministers "sneaked" the move through a "parliamentary backdoor". Campaigners criticised the lack of a Commons debate on the issue - and said the government's plans represented a U-turn on its previous pledge to ban fracking in national parks.

Friends of the Earth rebuked for anti-fracking leaflet