Ten Things You Need to Know Today: Sunday 4 Dec 2016

1. Theresa May warned hard Brexit will cost Tories power

A hard Brexit could alienate core Conservative voters and cost the party the next general election, a group of Tory MPs has warned. The group said "a moderate core" of Tory voters do not want the party to become "UKIP-lite". However, "furious" Eurosceptic ministers are said to fear Theresa May is "forming a clique" to pave the way for a softer, "grey" Brexit.

2. Trump's Taiwan call preceded by hotel inquiry

China says it has lodged "solemn representations" with the US over a phone call between president-elect Donald Trump and Taiwan’s leader, Tsai Ing-wen. Meanwhile, it has emerged that weeks before Trump’s controversial call, a businesswoman claiming to be associated with his conglomerate made inquiries about a major investment in building luxury hotels as part of the island’s new airport development.

3. Call for Jose Mourinho's tax affairs to be probed

An MP is calling for the tax affairs of football manager Jose Mourinho to be investigated by British officials following allegations he used off-shore companies to reduce his tax bill. The Manchester United boss is accused of moving millions of pounds of earnings to the British Virgin Islands to avoid paying tax. His agent said the allegations were "unfounded".

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4. Man arrested over 'Jo Cox' tweet to Tory MP

A 25-year-old man is being questioned over a tweet calling for someone to "Jo Cox" Anna Soubry MP. The post, directed at the Remain-supporting MP but misspelling her name, said "Someone jo cox Anna sourby please", in reference to the Labour MP murdered the week before the EU referendum. Cox's killer, Thomas Mair, 53, was jailed for life last week.

5. Parents told not to panic as paediatric units fill up

Seriously ill children are having to be transported long distances to receive intensive care this weekend because of a lack of beds in major cities. In England, 85% of beds available in paediatric intensive care units were full on Friday night. Parents are being urged not to panic and planned operations are being delayed to cope with "record demands" as winter sets in.

6. Sandwiches are replacing the Sunday roast lunch

The traditional Sunday lunch is on the way out, according to a food industry study. Roast meat now accounts for only one in seven meals at Sunday lunchtime, while sandwiches have become almost twice as popular. "Sunday lunchtime has become a quick fuel stop," said Paul Chapman of Premier Foods, which released the details. Almost half of all British lunches are made in less than 10 minutes.

7. Italians voting in closely-watched poll

Italians are voting in a referendum which is being monitored for further signs of anti-establishment sentiment in Europe. The poll, called by centre-left Prime Minister Matteo Renzi, is on plans to streamline parliament but is expected to be used by many as a chance to register discontent. Renzi has said he will resign if he loses, and opinion polls suggest he faces defeat.

8. Football sex abuse inquiry covers 55 clubs

More than 50 football clubs have been named in allegations passed to police investigating child sex abuse. According to The Observer, sources within Operation Hydrant, the national police body coordinating historical sex abuse claims, say that 55 professional and non-league clubs have so far been cited by players claiming they were abused. The NSPCC has received calls suggesting children could currently be in danger.

9. Fidel Castro will not be immortalised in Cuba

Cuban President Raul Castro has vowed that his brother Fidel will not be immortalised in statues and public monuments, as it was the former leader's dying wish. At a rally, Raul Castro told a crowd of tens of thousands that his government would also defend the revolution that brought communism to the island. "This is the unconquered Fidel who calls us with his example," he said.

10. Which profession is most trusted by the British public?

Britain’s nurses are now officially the most trusted professionals in the country. The annual ‘veracity index’ by Ipsos Mori put government ministers, estate agents and journalists at the bottom of the league, joined in the wake of the Brexit vote and Donald Trump’s victory by the pollsters who didn’t see either coming. Trust in the police, which dropped to a 33-year low of 58% in 2005, has climbed to 71%.