Ten Things You Need to Know Today: Saturday 26 Dec 2015

1. Queen says light can conquer darkness

The Queen has spoken of light triumphing over the gloom in a year that has seen "moments of darkness". In her Christmas Day address, which comes after high-profile terror attacks in Paris and at a Tunisian resort, she said: "It is true that the world has had to confront moments of darkness this year,” but quoted a biblical verse about light “overcoming” the dark.

2. Muslims 'boycotting' anti-terror programme

Muslims are shunning the country’s key anti-radicalisation programme, claims The Times. New figures suggest that less than a tenth of extremism tip-offs came directly from the community or faith leaders. However, critics of the ‘Prevent’ programme describe it as “problematic”, “racist” and “akin to McCarthyism”.

3. Government warned of Real IRA threat

Ministers have been warned that the Real IRA could launch one-off attacks on mainland Britain. A new threat assessment has stated that Irish Republican terror groups are capable of attacking the mainland and are sufficiently armed to pose an “enduring threat”. The MI5 warned the danger is four times greater than figures suggest and said some are reverting to Provisional IRA methods.

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4. 'Satisfying' Downton finale is praised

The finale of Downton Abbey has been lauded by the critics. The Daily Telegraph described it as a “fond farewell” and “the perfect send-off”. The Independent said it was “unashamedly sentimental”. The Express called it “satisfying”, while Digital Spy spoke for many Downton fanatics when it said the big finale “was beyond soppy but we don't care”.

5. Boxing Day shoppers set to splash £3.74bn

Millions of shoppers are expected to spend £3.74bn in the Boxing Day sales. Some stores opened at 6am on Saturday as shoppers headed out for the best bargains. Those offering discounts include Harrods, Selfridges, Liberty, House of Fraser, Next and Marks & Spencer. Online shoppers are expected to spend £856m on Boxing Day - up 22% from last year's £699m.

6. Only use A&E in an emergency, public told

NHS bosses are urging Brits to only use A&E in an emergency over the holiday period. There is concern that the way Christmas and New Year's Day fall this year could lead to a surge in demand after the long weekends, which tend to result in a peak in demand for emergency services on the first working day back. Patients should use alternatives to A&E such as the NHS 111 phone line and pharmacies.

7. Is the Church planning to fast-track non-whites?

The Church of England is to fast-track black and ethnic minority clergy into senior positions to counter accusations of institutional racism, says The Guardian. Church leaders will identify a “talent pool” of specifically black, Asian and minority ethnic potential heads next year for training and mentoring with the aim of increasing representation among bishops, deans and archdeacons.

8. Twitter: we are winning the war on trolls

Twitter is winning the war on trolls, claims its European chief. Speaking to The Independent ahead of the company’s tenth anniversary, Bruce Daisley, head of Twitter in Europe, said: “We have spent longer and put more effort into user safety than any other issue. The measures we’ve taken correlate directly with a reduction in the amount of bad behaviour on the platform.”

9. Flood warnings as army is sent into north-west

Severe flood warnings have been issued in several parts of the north of England and the army has been called in. The Environment Agency has issued five severe warnings for Lancashire - two for the River Ribble and three for the River Calder - meaning flooding is expected to pose a danger to life. A further 72 flood warnings are in place for regions across England and Wales.

10. Pellegrini: I've got the strongest team in the Prem

Manchester City has the strongest team in the Premier League when all the players are fit, claims manager Manuel Pellegrini. His team hosts Sunderland today, with leaders Leicester at Anfield and second-placed Arsenal at Southampton. The Christmas schedule of the Premier League hurts England's chances in major tournaments, says Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp.