Ten Things You Need to Know Today: Sunday 13 Nov 2016

1. Britain 'best placed' to tame Donald Trump

A leaked memo from the British ambassador to the US boasts that the UK is the best placed of any nation to steer Donald Trump’s foreign policy and encourage his more extreme ideas to "evolve". Meanwhile, Nigel Farage has become the first British politician to meet Donald Trump since he became US president-elect. Farage said Trump was "relaxed, and full of good ideas".

2. Hillary Clinton blames her defeat on FBI director

Hillary Clinton has blamed her defeat in the US presidential election on interventions by the FBI director James Comey over emails. The Democrat told donors there are "lots of reasons" why she lost, adding: "But our analysis is that Comey's letter raising doubts that were groundless, baseless, proven to be, stopped our momentum. We dropped, and we had to keep really pushing ahead to regain our advantage."

3. Dominic Chappell 'arrested over £500,000 unpaid tax'

Dominic Chappell – the colourful businessman who bought BHS from billionaire Sir Philip Green for a token £1 – was arrested by tax officers as part of an investigation into the affairs of his family firm, Swiss Rock. The arrest comes amid reports that he owed HMRC more than £500,000 in unpaid Corporation Tax and VAT following the collapse of BHS and the closure of its 164 stores.

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4. Lego stops advertising with the Daily Mail

Lego has stopped its promotional giveaways with the Daily Mail after campaigners encouraged firms to stop advertising with some newspapers over their "divisive" coverage of migrants. The toy maker regularly gives away free products via the paper, but said there would be no more "in the foreseeable future". Stop Funding Hate has lobbied firms to stop advertising with some newspapers.

5. Colombia agrees fresh peace deal with Marxist rebels

Colombia has agreed a new peace deal with Marxist FARC rebels. It is hoped the agreement will end 52 years of civil war. Six weeks ago, Colombians voted to reject a previous accord which was criticised for being too soft on the rebels. Government negotiator Humberto De la Calle described discussions as "intense", adding: "The new deal is an opportunity to clear up doubts."

6. Jo Cox to receive peace prize as murder trial begins

Jo Cox is to receive a posthumous peace prize jointly with the Syrian civil volunteer group known as the White Helmets, which she supported in the last years of her life. The MP was murdered in June. The trial of Thomas Mair, the man accused of shooting Cox near her constituency office in Birstall, West Yorkshire, begins next week.

7. How the 'phone walk' changes the way you stroll

Looking at your mobile phone will walking is changing the way you walk overall, say scientists. The US researchers found that when people are distracted by their phones, they begin to walk with peculiar exaggerated strides, their knees bending to peak position on each step, and their ankles fully flexed, as if they are seeking to avoid any hazards that they might not spot.

8. Eagles of Death Metal barred from Bataclan memorial

Members of the US band who were playing at the Bataclan when Islamic State gunmen massacred 90 people a year ago, have been turned away from the venue’s reopening concert over controversial remarks made by their lead singer. A venue manager said he refused to grant Eagles of Death Metal entry because of comments from frontman Jesse Hughes suggesting Muslim staff at the Bataclan were involved in the attack.

9. Poll finds Brits want end to austerity era

The majority of the British public wants an end to austerity and for Theresa May to loosen the Government’s purse strings, a poll has revealed. Some 53 per cent said they agreed with the statement: "the Government should prioritise increasing public spending over the next few years", compared to just 23 per cent who agreed that: "The Government should prioritise cutting public spending over the next few years."

10. Venetians protest as tourists make life 'impossible'

Venetians staged a demonstration to highlight an exodus of residents from the Italian city, where tourist masses are said to make everyday life "impossible". As Venetian alleys were clogged with visitors during the All Saints holiday weekend last week, the debate about limiting access to the city through a booking system was reignited. Residents say that food shopping and other daily errands have become increasingly tricky.

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