Ten Things You Need to Know Today: Sunday 14 Feb 2016

1. EasyJet boss says Brexit would threaten cheap air travel

A travel industry boss has warned that a Brexit would threaten the safety of UK tourists — and their cheap flights. As families set off on their half-term holidays, Dame Carolyn McCall, the boss of easyJet, said a British exit would drive up the cost of air travel and could herald a return to the days when flying was “reserved for the elite”. Eurosceptics say the claim is “scaremongering”.

2. Osborne family firm pays no corporation tax

George Osborne has shared in a £335,000 dividend payout from his family’s successful wallpaper business — even though it has not paid any UK corporation tax for the past seven years. The disclosure is embarrassing for the chancellor, who has described tax avoidance as “morally repugnant”. His spokesman says: “All of the chancellor’s interests are declared properly and in accordance with the rules.”

3. Washington warning as Turkey shells Kurdish militia

Turkey has shelled a Kurdish militia in northern Syria, reports the BBC. The Turkish prime minister is demanding the militia retreat from territory it has seized. Washington has urged Turkey to stop the shelling and focus on fighting Islamic State but Turkey's foreign minister said the country is considering a ground invasion of Syria with Saudi forces.

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4. Church defends Richard Dawkins prayer tweet

The Church of England has defended the tweet it sent praying for atheist Richard Dawkins after he suffered a stroke. The Church tweeted "Prayers for Prof Dawkins and his family" after the controversial author fell ill. The message was retweeted more than 1,000 times and caused some to wonder if it was mocking the anti-religious stance of the author of The God Delusion.

5. David Cameron ratings slump on EU fear

David Cameron’s personal ratings are sinking as the public grows increasingly dissatisfied with his renegotiation of Britain’s place in the EU. Just 31% of those polled by ComRes for the Independent on Sunday look on the prime minister favourably. Six out of 10 voters expect him not to get a good deal over EU reform.

6. Ten-minute saliva cancer test just years away

A 10-minute saliva test for cancer could be available in the UK within four years. The "liquid biopsy", which costs just £15, uses a single drop of saliva to look for fragments of a genetic molecule linked to the disease. The breakthrough means diagnosis can be done in a doctor's office while patients wait. Currently, tests for cancer often have a two-week turnaround time.

7. Planet is 'heading for a chocolate famine'

Make the most of any Valentine’s Day chocolate you may receive today, because the planet is heading for a chocolate deficit, according to the Mail On Sunday. Demand for cocoa is reaching an all-time high as shoppers in developing countries buy more of it just as supply is slowing due to poor farming methods, claims the author of a report titled Destruction by Chocolate.

8. Hospitals blame stillbirth rates on mothers

Twenty-one hospital trusts have been given “red light” warnings for their high rates of stillbirths and deaths of new-born babies. The trusts, including Belfast, Sheffield, Bradford and Ayrshire and Arran, have been asked to conduct reviews to identify changes to bring down the rates, but last week many blamed them on the health of the local population.

9. Is the Grammys set for a race row?

The Grammys is poised for its own race row after the ceremony came under attack for its all-white tributes which celebrate David Bowie and Lemmy but not Maurice White. The legendary founder of the band Earth, Wind & Fire, died last week at the age of 74 after suffering from Parkinson's Disease. Page Six said industry insiders are “griping” that he is set to be excluded from the main tributes.

10. Super Sunday sees pivotal top four clashes

Today is a huge day in the race for the Premier League title as leaders Leicester visit third-placed Arsenal, and fourth-placed host Tottenham, who start the day in second place. Meanwhile, Manchester United manager Louis van Gaal admits that winning the Europa League is now Manchester United's "easiest route" into next season's Champions League.