Ten Things You Need to Know Today: Sunday 31 Jul 2016

1. Theresa May vows to fight 'barbaric evil' of slavery

Theresa May says Britain will lead the fight against modern slavery, as she vows to make it her mission to help rid the world of the "barbaric evil". Writing in The Sunday Telegraph, the prime minister described slavery as "the great human rights issue of our time". A new cabinet taskforce will tackle the "sickening and inhuman crimes... lurking in the shadows of our country,” she added.

2. Cameron to reward 'cronies' in his resignation honours list

David Cameron will “shower cronies” with gongs in his resignation honours list, says The Sunday Times. Leading campaigners to remain in the EU, including four cabinet ministers, are named in the leaked list that sees 48 aides, allies and Tory donors handed awards. Cameron has requested knighthoods for two main Tory donors who have together given more than £3m to the party and EU “remain” campaign.

3. IOC performs u-turn on Russian athletes ban

The International Olympic Committee has announced that a three-person panel will have the final say on which Russian athletes can compete at the Olympic Games. Just days ago, the IOC had ruled that individual sports' governing bodies must decide if Russian competitors are clean as allegations mount of state-sponsored doping. But the IOC now says the new panel "will decide whether to accept or reject that final proposal".

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4. Cancelling Hinkley Point 'would cost taxpayer £2.5bn'

Experts are warning that taxpayers could be left with a £2.5bn bill for Hinkley Point even if the government walks away from the nuclear power station. An industry source said such a move would also leave foreign companies unwilling to make “upfront investment” in the UK. Meanwhile, reports claim Theresa May blocked the project to prove she will not be a pushover as she tours the world seeking post-Brexit trade deals.

5. Jeremy Corbyn would scrap Tony Blair's union laws

Jeremy Corbyn has pledged to scrap Tony Blair’s union laws in favour of collective bargaining. The Labour leader would require firms with more than 250 employees to accept new industrial laws under which they would have to recognise a specific union with which to bargain over pay. Aides say Corbyn would “repeal” 1999 union legislation that was introduced by Blair.

6. Government warns pregnant women to avoid Florida

The government is warning pregnant women not to go to Florida this summer because of the threat of the Zika virus. Health officials are also advising UK holidaymakers in Florida they should avoid unprotected sex, saying men returning with symptoms of the virus – such as itching and headaches – “should refrain from unprotected sex” for six months to avoid “onward transmission”.

7. Study says cannabis use 'began 10,000 years ago'

Humans began using cannabis as far back as 10,000 years ago. Archaeological research suggests early humans in Europe and Asia discovered the plant at roughly the same time. It was used not just for its psychoactive effects but also because its nutritious seeds could quench hunger pangs and hemp fibres could be woven into clothing. This means drugs predated alcohol.

8. 'No survivors' after Texas hot air balloon crash

Officials say there are no survivors after a hot air balloon has crashed with at least 16 people on board in Texas. Investigators say the basket caught fire before the craft came down in a field near the city of Lockhart, about 30 miles (50 km) south of Austin. Television reporters pointed out “massive power lines” just above the area taped off by police.

9. Philip Green slams 'kangaroo court' as dispute roars on

Sir Philip Green has accused the co-chair of a parliamentary inquiry into the collapse of BHS of overseeing a "kangaroo court". As the controversial businessman continues to trade insults with Frank Field, the tycoon said the MP had tried to create a "false narrative". He also insisted he had not broken any rules and there was "no legal liability" for him to fill a £571m pension deficit.

10. Cockroach milk and calf brain could be next health fads

Cockroach milk is tipped to be the next healthy eating fad after scientists in India found the liquid is a rich source of protein. Other forthcoming food fashions could be calf brain - which includes fatty acid that can cut the risk of heart disease - and caterpillars, which are believed to be rich sources of protein and high in the minerals calcium, potassium, zinc, magnesium, iron and phosphorus.