Ten Things You Need to Know Today: Wednesday 7 Dec 2016

1. MPs demand detailed Brexit plans from May

Tory MPs wanting a soft Brexit are demanding Theresa May releases a detailed breakdown of her plans for the UK's departure from the EU. The Prime Minister yesterday caved in to calls to publish the strategy, saying she will do so before March. Now backbenchers argue she should thoroughly outline the deal.

Brexit: Theresa May says ‘trust me’ to deliver

2. Donald Trump is Time Person of the Year 2016

US president-elect Donald Trump has been named Time magazine's Person of the Year for 2016. It was his second victory over political rival Hillary Clinton, who was also on the shortlist, in a month. Russian President Vladimir Putin and Nigel Farage, former leader of the UK Independence Party, were also in the running. Time said the decision was "straightforward"

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Trump travel ban: Judge expands definition of relatives

3. Indonesia earthquake kills at least 54

At least 54 people have been killed and dozens more trapped after a 6.5-magnitude earthquake hit Indonesia's Aceh province. President Joko Widodo said he had instructed his chief of staff to fly to the region immediately. The quake struck the predominately-Muslim area as people were preparing for morning prayers.

Indonesia earthquake: 54 dead in Aceh province

4. Housing crisis 'leaves Britons in poverty'

Seven million people are living in poverty in the UK despite being from families where one or more parents are in work, the Joseph Rowntree Foundation says. A study by the charity finds that high rental housing costs mean one in eight workers earn less than 60% of national median income.

Seven million UK workers living in poverty

5. Pop star turned preacher feared dead in air crash

A Pakistan International Airlines plane, carrying 48 people, has crashed in the north of the country. It came down en route from Chitral to Islamabad. The plane was carrying 42 passengers, and six crew said the airline. Junaid Jamshed, a former pop singer turned Islamic preacher, and his wife are believed to be among those on board.

6. Tech firms 'still have problem with sexism'

Women working in the UK technology market say they still suffer from sexism in the industry, according to a new survey. A poll of 500 women found 39% said they had been denied a "significant opportunity" at work because of their gender, 15% had been asked if they were married at a job interview and 14% were questioned whether they wanted children.

7. Angela Merkel backs Germany burka ban

Proposals for a ban on full-face veils in Germany has been met with overwhelming public support. Speaking at the CDU party conference in Essen this week, Chancellor Angela Merkel told delegates "the full-face veil is not acceptable in our country" and she would support a ban. The proposals would outlaw niqabs and burkas in places deemed "necessary for our society's coexistence".

Angela Merkel's burka ban met with overwhelming support

8. Our days are getting two milliseconds longer

Scientists say the slowing rotation of Earth means a day is getting two milliseconds longer each century and will last for 25 hours in two million centuries' time. The research, by a team at Durham University and the UK's Nautical Almanac Office, was based on 3,000 years of celestial records.

9. UK's Antarctic research station moves to avoid ice crack

Britain's research station on the Brunt Ice Shelf in the Antarctic is to be moved 14 miles inland after a large crack in the ice threatened to cut it off from the rest of the shelf. The Halley VI, which records environmental data, will be towed by tractors to avoid the growing chasm.

10. Briefing: Can you make money from wine and classic cars?

Poring over stock prices and earnings reports can be a relatively dreary experience, even if it could potentially offer great rewards. But some alternative investments offer scope for a more material approach to building up a nest egg. Whether you enjoy rare whiskies or appreciate fine art, you can invest in real-world assets while also having the potential to bolster your family's financial security.

Investment: Can you make money from wine and classic cars?