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

1. Brexit 'to be delayed until the end of 2019'

Ministers say Britain could remain in the EU until late 2019, almost a year later than predicted. Theresa May is expected to delay the triggering of article 50 because her new Brexit and international trade departments will not be ready, City sources have been told. Nigel Farage has warned that failure to deliver on the EU referendum result could lead to mass demonstrations.

2. Jeremy Corbyn tells his deputy he is talking 'nonsense'

Jeremy Corbyn has dismissed his deputy’s claim that hard left activists are trying to infiltrate the Labour party ahead of the leadership vote. The leader said Tom Watson's suggestion that "Trotsky entryists" are manipulating young party members to boost his support were "nonsense". Speaking to The Observer he said: "Sorry Tom, it is nonsense - I think he knows it's nonsense."

3. New White House candidate says Trump is 'Putin puppet'

Former CIA agent Evan McMullin, who has entered the US presidential race as an independent candidate, says he has done so because Donald Trump is “a Putin puppet”. Trump’s connections to the Russian leader are “so deep” that he is “carrying Vladimir Putin’s water here in the US, doing his bidding”, said McMullin. He argues Trump is “not sophisticated enough” to understand what Putin “is doing to him”.

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4. R2-D2 actor Baker dies after serious illness

Kenny Baker, who played R2-D2 in the Star Wars film franchise, has died aged 81 after a longstanding illness. The British actor, who had been suffering from serious illness during the last few years, was discovered by nephew Drew Myerscough. He told Sky News: "It was a love and affection that he got from Star Wars fans that kept him going, without any doubt."

5. Three die in 'historic' Louisiana flooding

At least three people have died after "historic" flooding swamped the US state of Louisiana. The National Guard and emergency teams have used helicopters to rescue thousands of people stranded in their homes or cars. The heavy rainfall started on Friday with some areas receiving more than 17ins (43cm) of rain. The downpour is expected to continue over the weekend.

6. Pro-Brexit voters take legal action over 'workplace harassment'

Employers are facing compensation claims from employees who feel they have been bullied at the workplace because of their pro-Brexit views. Workers say they have experienced harassment and “cultural bullying” from Remain-supporting colleagues. Meanwhile, relationship counselling service Relate has issued guidance to couples still rowing over whether Britain should leave or remain.

7. New York imam and assistant shot in the street

An imam and his assistant were shot dead in the street in the New York borough of Queens. Police say the two men were approached from behind and shot in the head. An officer said there were as yet "no indications" the men were targeted because of their faith. Imam Maulama Akonjee, 55, moved to the city from Bangladesh two years ago, according to local media.

8. 'Suburban middle managers' dominating Church of England

A senior British cleric has warned that the Church of England is in danger of becoming a narrow sect “driven by mission-minded middle managers”. Martyn Percy, the dean of Christ Church, Oxford, says the church is moving towards “centralised management, organisational apparatus and the kind of creeping concerns that might consume an emerging suburban sectarianism, instead of a national church”.

9. Golds for Mo and Trott on day eight in Rio

Mo Farah and Laura Trott have claimed historic third Olympic titles as Team GB won eight medals on day eight of the Rio Games. Farah overcame a fall to win the 10,000m, while Trott's women's pursuit team beat the USA with a world record. Jessica-Ennis Hill grabbed a silver in the heptathlon, and there was a bronze for long jumper Greg Rutherford.

10. Twitter grumbles as Gary Lineker keeps his pants promise

Gary Lineker kept his tirelessly discussed promise and introduced the opening Match of the Day of the new season in his underpants. The former England captain had vowed to "do the first MOTD of next season in just my undies" if former club Leicester won the Premier League. But Twitter users complained that his choice of underwear was “more like shorts than pants”.

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