Ten Things You Need to Know Today: Sunday 16 Oct 2016

1. Boris wrote pro-EU column 48 hours before joining Leave

Boris Johnson wrote an unpublished newspaper column urging Britain to stay in the European Union just two days before he joined the Brexit campaign, reveals The Sunday Times. Johnson wrote: "Britain is a great nation, a global force for good. It is surely a boon for the world and for Europe that she should be intimately engaged in the EU." He also warned that Brexit would cause an "economic shock".

2. Trump calls for drugs test before next TV debate

Donald Trump has accused Hillary Clinton of being "pumped up" during their last debate, saying they should both be tested for drugs before the next one. The Republican nominee also suggested the presidential race was looking like a "rigged election". Polls indicate he is losing ground in key states. Meanwhile, former Baywatch star Pamela Anderson has criticised Trump’s attitude to women during a speech to the Oxford Union.

3. Oftsed chief says May is 'obsessing' over grammars

England’s chief inspector of schools has accused Theresa May of "obsessing" about grammar schools. Sir Michael Wilshaw, the head of Ofsted, says the Prime Minister should order a massive expansion of vocational education to address skills shortages that will worsen after Brexit. He says grammars will "lower standards" for most children and will be "socially divisive".

Subscribe to The Week

Escape your echo chamber. Get the facts behind the news, plus analysis from multiple perspectives.

SUBSCRIBE & SAVE

Sign up for The Week's Free Newsletters

From our morning news briefing to a weekly Good News Newsletter, get the best of The Week delivered directly to your inbox.

From our morning news briefing to a weekly Good News Newsletter, get the best of The Week delivered directly to your inbox.

Sign up

4. Ched Evans 'disassociates' from those naming accuser

Ched Evans has insisted he "disassociates" himself from anyone who names or abuses the woman who accused him of rape. Writing on his website, the 27-year-old footballer, who was cleared on Friday, said: "I absolutely disassociate myself from anyone who names on any forum the woman in this case." His accuser had to change her name and move house after being identified on social media.

5. Cruise missiles 'fired at US warship from Yemen'

Several cruise missiles have been fired at a US warship in the Red Sea, say US officials. A US defence spokesman said the USS Mason was in international waters when incoming surface-to-surface missiles from a Huthi rebel controlled region in Yemen were detected. There were no hits or casualties, he added. The missile launches are the third in a week to target the USS Mason and other US warships.

6. Theresa May faces Tory rebellion over Heathrow expansion

Theresa May is facing a revolt from up to 60 Tory MPs over Heathrow’s third runway. The MPs have vowed to fight to block expansion at Heathrow and warn the "betrayal" will not be forgiven by supporters. Zac Goldsmith, the party’s candidate for London mayor just months ago, has renewed his promise to quit as an MP if the Prime Minister gives the green light to the project.

7. British servicemen may be jailed over Iraqi abuse

British troops are under criminal investigation concerning the detention more than 13 years ago of Iraqis suspected of murdering two Army soldiers. The servicemen have been secretly investigated for more than two years over the alleged abuse of the two Iraqis accused of carrying out a notorious attack on British troops during the conflict. The soldiers face jail terms if convicted.

8. Select committee slams Corbyn over Labour anti-Semitism

Jeremy Corbyn has not done enough to tackle anti-Semitism in the Labour party, a committee of MPs has claimed. A report from the Home Affairs Select Committee criticised him for a lack of "consistent leadership" on the issue, which it argued benefited people with "vile attitudes" towards Jews. However, Corbyn accused the committee of a "disproportionate" emphasis on Labour.

9. Cycle lanes and white van men boost congestion

Traffic congestion has increased to 40% in four years as the UK’s roads grind to a halt, new figures reveal. A combination of the growth of white van deliveries, segregated cycle lanes, increasing numbers of mini-cabs and poorly planned roadworks saw drivers spend an average of 12.4 extra hours a year stuck in rush-hour traffic jams in 2015, compared to 2012.

10. Sturgeon says hard Brexit will mean second independence poll

Nicola Sturgeon has promised a second Scottish independence vote in the event of a hard Brexit. The First Minister told the SNP’s conference in Glasgow that she will defy the Prime Minister if Tories break "promises" they made to her. Sturgeon also announced that Scotland would increase its presence on the continent through trade missions, including a permanent representation in Berlin.