Ten Things You Need to Know Today: Saturday 17 Dec 2016

1. Russia waging 'campaign' against UK, admits Whitehall

Russia is fighting a "campaign" of propaganda and unconventional warfare against Britain, government officials have acknowledged. Senior Whitehall figures say Moscow is behind a concerted drive to undermine the UK through espionage, misinformation, cyberattacks and fake news. Theresa May will hold a National Security Council session to examine Russian actions towards Britain and its allies and discuss possible responses.

2. Soldiers' bus hit by 'car bomb' in Turkey

A bus carrying soldiers has been hit by an explosion in Turkey killing a number of people, according to security forces. The blast in the central city of Kayseri is believed to have been caused by a car bomb. The explosion comes a week after 44 people were killed by a bomb attack in Istanbul claimed by Kurdish militants. Turkey has been hit by a series of bombings this year.

3. Ex soldiers prosecuted over 1972 'murder' of IRA man

Two former soldiers are being prosecuted for the murder of an IRA commander in Northern Ireland 44 years ago. In an unprecedented case, the two ex-paratroopers, who are both in their 60s, have been told they will be charged over the killing of Joe McCann, a senior leader in the Official IRA. The case that has sparked outrage over the “hounding” of veterans, says the Daily Telegraph.

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. Uber refuses to stop testing self-driving cars

Uber is refusing to take its self-driving cars off San Francisco's roads, even though they have been declared illegal. The ride-hailing firm started testing the vehicles this week, but the Department of Motor Vehicles has said it must have a test permit. Uber, which said it did not need permits as they have a safety driver at the wheel, is to ignore the demand.

5. Birmingham prison 'secured' after huge riot

All four wings have been secured at HMP Birmingham after up to 600 inmates were involved in the disturbance at the privately-run jail. Sky News says prisoners set fire to stairwells, broke a security chain and destroyed paper records. The BBC says the uprising has been described as the worst since the Strangeways jail riot 26 years ago.

6. New theory emerges over Anne Frank's capture

Famous wartime diarist Anne Frank may have been discovered by chance and not betrayal, a new theory suggests. The Anne Frank House museum in Amsterdam believes the address could have been raided over ration fraud.

Researchers say the police who found the secret annexe may not have been looking for the eight Jews hiding there.

7. Convicted rapist 'used fake lottery ticket to win £2.5m'

A convicted fraudster and rapist won £2.5m after he allegedly used a fake lottery ticket to fraudulently claim the jackpot. Edward Putman, 51, was paid the sum by Camelot in 2009 using a ticket which Camelot now says was "deliberately damaged". He went on to fraudulently claim benefits after his multimillion pound lottery pay out. Camelot says it is "considering its options".

8. Obama: I warned Putin about hacking in September

Barack Obama has said that he ordered Russia's Vladimir Putin to "cut it out" in a conversation about email hacking ahead of the US election. The US president, who said he had warned Putin of serious consequences at a summit in September, added: "Not much happens in Russia without Vladimir Putin." Donald Trump has ridiculed US intelligence claims that Russian hackers helped swing the election in his favour.

9. More workers join wave of pre-Xmas strikes

The run-up to Christmas will see a fresh wave of strikes hit Britain. Some 1,500 check-in staff and baggage handlers at 18 airports are preparing to walk out, as rail operator Southern warns of severe disruption. British Airways cabin crew based at Heathrow are to strike on Christmas Day and Boxing Day, and Post Office workers will stage five days of strikes in the run-up to Christmas.

10. Strictly winner to be crowned as Len Goodman bows out

The champion of Strictly Come Dancing will be crowned tonight, as one of the three remaining celebrities lifts the coveted glitterball trophy. Danny Mac, Ore Oduba and Louise Redknapp are the three remaining hopefuls. This evening’s final also marks Len Goodman's last appearance as a judge. His replacement as head judge is yet to be announced.