1. Google to pay £130m in tax after six-year probe
Google will pay £130m in back taxes after an "open audit" of its accounts by the UK tax authorities. The payment, which follows a six-year inquiry by HMRC, covers money owed since 2005. Matt Brittin, head of Google Europe, told the BBC: "We want to ensure that we pay the right amount of tax." Google is one of several multinationals accused of avoiding tax.
2. New antibiotic will 'wipe out' superbugs
UK scientists have developed an antibiotic from human breast milk that can wipe out drug-resistant bacteria. The breakthrough opens a new front in the fight against superbugs, a threat that the government has warned could plunge modern medicine “back into the Dark Ages”. Currently, the infections kill about 700,000 people each year.
3. Charlotte Rampling: 'I've been misinterpreted'
Charlotte Rampling, under fire for her remarks on the Oscars boycott, has released a statement saying that her comments have been “misinterpreted”. The British actress had provoked controversy by claiming the row over diversity at the Oscars is "racist to white people". Sir Michael Caine has waded into the debate, saying: “In the end you can't vote for an actor because he's black.”
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4. DWP says disability groups are 'scaremongering'
Disability groups have pleaded with work and pensions secretary Iain Duncan Smith to abandon planned cuts to a key benefit. The House of Lords will vote next week on government plans to cut £30 a week from Employment and Support Allowance for some new claimants from 2017. The Department for Work and Pensions says the campaigners are "scare-mongering".
5. Problem drinkers account for 60% of booze sales
The alcohol industry makes most of its money from people whose drinking is destroying or risking their health, according to new data in The Guardian. Although the industry insists most people in the country are moderate drinkers, 60% of alcohol sales are either to those who are risking their health, or those – labelled harmful drinkers – who are doing themselves potentially fatal damage.
6. Broadband report calls for BT's monopoly to go
Millions of broadband customers are enduring “dire” internet connections and below-par download speeds, say MPs. A study found that some businesses have had to close as a result, and that Britain is trailing behind countries including Japan, South Korea and Spain. The research calls for BT’s Openreach monopoly, that controls the country’s core broadband network, to be broken up.
7. Kellogs to cut sugar levels as tax decision nears
Food giants are preparing for David Cameron’s decision on whether to continue with a sugar tax. Kellogg’s is vowing to cut 723 tons of sugar from cereals such as Frosties and Coco Pops. Coca-Cola, which owns a range of soft drinks, is promising another 5% drop over the next nine years, but The Sun says the seven teaspoons of sugar currently in a can of Coke will stay the same.
8. Punk rock goes establishment 40 years on
The 40th anniversary of punk rock is set to become an establishment affair, reports the Financial Times. The commemoration, which includes exhibitions at the British Library, the Museum of London and a series of films at the British Film Institute, is sponsored by the mayor of London and the National Lottery. It is hoped the events will help boost tourism.
9. Has Louis Tomlinson become a father?
Speculation is growing that former One Direction star Louis Tomlinson has become a father. Reports have claimed that Tomlinson has welcomed a son with his former fling Briana Jungwirth. According to TMZ, he was at Jungwirth’s side at the hospital as she gave birth. However, there is yet to be official confirmation from any source.
10. Leicester and Man City bid to topple Gunners
Leicester and Manchester City both have a chance to knock Arsenal off the top of the league today. The Foxes, currently second place, host Stoke. In the tea-time kick-off, third-placed Manchester City will be at West Ham. The Gunners, currently top of the pile on goal difference, are at home to struggling Chelsea tomorrow.
