Ten Things You Need to Know Today: Monday 5 Dec 2016

1. Italy's Matteo Renzi to resign as prime minister

Matteo Renzi is to stand down as prime minister of Italy after losing a referendum on constitutional reform. Renzi said he takes full responsibility for the "extraordinarily clear" defeat, in which voters rejected his proposals to take back power from regional assemblies and reduce the role of the Italian senate.

2. Supreme Court Brexit appeal begins

The Supreme Court has begun hearing the government's appeal against a High Court ruling that MPs must have a vote on triggering Article 50, the formal process for Brexit. Attorney General Jeremy Wright argued that allowing ministers to begin the Brexit process was Parliament's "clear expectation" when it agreed to an EU referendum.

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Brexit: Theresa May says ‘trust me’ to deliver

3. Racial separation 'growing in UK', claims Casey report

Segregation, deprivation and social exclusion is increasing in the UK and "regressive" ideologies are on the rise, according to a major report commissioned by David Cameron. Dame Louise Casey, who carried out the year-long study, also called for new immigrants to swear an "oath of integration".

Britain has 'failed to integrate minorities', says Casey review

4. Trump lashes out at China in Twitter storm

US president-elect Donald Trump has added to the diplomatic uproar caused by his phone call with the president of Taiwan, a state not recognised by the US out of deference to China, with a series of tweets criticising China's foreign policy. "Did China ask us if it was OK to... build a massive military complex in the middle of the South China Sea?" he asked. "I don't think so!"

Donald Trump sued by two states over business links

5. Austria rejects far-right presidential candidate

Austrian voters have rejected far-right candidate Norbert Hofer, instead choosing Alexander Van der Bellen, the pro-European independent candidate as president. Hofer, who was seeking to become the first far-right leader to be elected in Europe since World War II, polled 46.7 per cent to his rival's 53.3 per cent.

Austrian election: Far-right leader concedes defeat

6. Pipeline victory for Standing Rock Sioux

US authorities have refused permission for an oil pipeline to be drilled under the Missouri River following months of protests by members of the Standing Rock Sioux, who fear the pipeline will destroy water supplies and sacred sites. Alternate routes for the pipeline will be "explored", said a spokeswoman.

Victory for Standing Rock Sioux as Dakota pipeline is rerouted

7. Bournemouth stun Liverpool with 4-3 comeback

Bournemouth FC celebrated one of the greatest results in the club's history yesterday, overturning Liverpool's 3-1 lead to win 4-3. Reds manager Jurgen Klopp said the lower-ranked team deserved to win, adding: "It's a wonderful story if you're not part of it on the wrong side."

Liverpool title hopes in doubt after Bournemouth shambles

8. 2015 floods 'most extreme ever' in UK

Last year's floods were the most extreme recorded, experts say. The Centre for Ecology and Hydrology said many rivers across northern England, Scotland and Northern Ireland were at peak flows over the winter. However, while the floods were more extreme than those of 1947, less damage was caused.

9. Graduate sues Oxford for failing to win a first

A man who graduated from Oxford University 16 years ago with a 2:1 is taking the university to court, saying "appallingly bad" and "boring" teaching stopped him getting a first and that this has harmed his career. Faiz Siddiqui, who studied modern history at Brazenose College, went on to train as a solicitor.

10. Andrew Sachs: Five roles you didn't know he played

The Fawlty Towers star became a comedy icon as Manuel, but his 50-year career encompassed much more, including roles as Father Brown on BBC Radio, a tragic Australian character who wanted to reconnect with his estranged half-brother in Coronation Street, and a hospital patient on BBC's EastEnders.

Andrew Sachs: Five roles you didn't know he played

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