Ten Things You Need to Know Today: Saturday 28 Jan 2017

1. Article 50 row: Jeremy Corbyn loses another frontbencher

Jeremy Corbyn has lost a second frontbencher over the Article 50 controversy. Jo Stevens, the MP for Cardiff Central and shadow Welsh secretary, said that she could not defy the majority of her constituents who voted to stay in the European Union. A third resignation could follow early next week: Rachael Maskell, the shadow environment secretary, plans talk to constituents on Monday before making a decision about her future.

2. Trump moderates view on Nato at May press conference

Theresa May has secured a pledge from Donald Trump that the US is fully behind Nato. At a historic press conference, she said the pair were "100%" behind the transatlantic alliance, which the US President has previously described as "obsolescent". Trump also appeared to moderate his views on torture, saying he would defer to defence secretary, James Mattiss, who believes it is ineffective.

3. Actor Sir John Hurt dies from cancer at 77

Sir John Hurt has died from pancreatic cancer at the age of 77, his agent has announced. The distinguished British actor starred in more than 200 films and television series during his six-decade career. He was particularly celebrated for his portrayal of Quentin Crisp in The Naked Civil Servant, as well as his performances in The Elephant Man and Midnight Express.

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4. Britain could have 'fast track' back to EU after Brexit

Britain could be have a fast track to re-join the EU if it decides to reapply for membership after Brexit, the European Parliament’s chief negotiator has said. Guy Verhofstadt said that British governments would have a way back into Europe if they had a change of heart after leaving. "Certainly, we have enough experience to make it a little bit a faster process than what is normal," he added.

5. A UK family is made homeless 'every 12 minutes'

Five families are being made homeless in England every hour of the day, according to new analysis of government data. In the last 12 months, 43,140 families were declared homeless by their local council – a rise of 32% over the last five years, according to figures from the Department for Communities and Local Government. Shelter described the news as "shocking".

6. A breast cancer diagnosis 'can mean a longer life'

Women diagnosed with one of the earliest stages of breast cancer are likely to live longer than those without the disease, according to a new study. Patients treated for ductal carcinoma in situ were 10% less likely to die in the decade after diagnosis than healthy women, Dutch researchers said. A spokeswoman for Breast Cancer Now, said the findings could "provide welcome reassurance" to women.

7. Prince Charles says Brexit 'obsession' harms Christians

The Prince of Wales says obsession with Brexit means people are ignoring crucial issues including the plight of Christians in the Middle East. The Daily Telegraph says Prince Charles voiced his concerns at a Lambeth Palace reception hosted by the Archbishop of Canterbury, Justin Welby. "People are more interested and obsessed with Brexit than persecuted Christians," he reportedly said.

8. Donald Trump bars Syrian refugees from entering the US

Donald Trump has banned the entry of Syrian refugees into the US until further notice. As part of programme to "keep radical Islamic terrorists out of the US", the US President signed a wide-ranging executive order, which also saw entry of visitors from six mainly Muslim countries to the US halted for three months. Human rights groups condemned the measures.

9. Draft of George III letter shows 'complex polymath'

A draft letter of abdication written by King George III during the American War of Independence has been released to the public for the first time. The unsent note - which includes crossings out, blotches and scrawls - was drafted when the monarch faced political turmoil in March 1783. The Guardian says the project could show the king as a "complex, humane and deeply engaged polymath".

10. Harrow school boys treated after 'bad Ecstasy batch'

Students at Harrow school were treated by paramedics last week after taking a suspected 'bad batch' of Ecstasy pills. Staff at the prestigious all-boys boarding school, which costs £37,350 a year, were forced to call for paramedics after the three boys complained of feeling unwell. The teenagers are believed to have purchased 20 Ecstasy tablets from a drug dealer in the nearby town centre.