Ten Things You Need to Know Today: Sunday 9 Apr 2017

1. Fallon says Russia is to blame for Syria chemical attack

Moscow is to blame for "every civilian death" in the chemical weapons attack last week in Syria, claims Michael Fallon. Writing in The Sunday Times, the Defence Secretary said the Kremlin was responsible "by proxy" as the "principal backer" of President Bashar al-Assad's regime. Foreign Secretary Boris Johnson has cancelled a visit to Moscow to meet his opposite number.

2. Union chief accuses Labour MPs of 'dirty tricks' campaign

Labour MPs have been accused of "dirty tricks" by Unite boss Len McCluskey. The union leader is demanding a Labour party investigation into the alleged plot by a "cabal" of MPs, including deputy party leader Tom Watson, which he says is "trying to abuse Unite’s democracy". He alleges that the group has been secretly backing his main rival, Gerard Coyne.

3. Carcinogenic chemicals in UK sofas are 'killing people'

Chemicals used to fireproof millions of British sofas could be behind a surge in thyroid cancer. Scientists say flame retardants such as decaBDE — decabromodiphenyl ether — used in most domestically made sofas and mattresses, can cause cancer in adults. "The evidence is clear that [the chemicals] are killing people," said Terry Edge, who quit the Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy after his warnings were rejected.

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. US warships are 'heading to the Korean peninsula'

US Navy warships are to be deployed to the Korean peninsula, an official told Reuters. The strike group will make its way from Singapore towards the western Pacific, said the unnamed official, who added: "We feel the increased presence is necessary." Concern is growing about North Korea's weapons program, after it tested a liquid-fueled Scud missile earlier this month.

5. Police call for witnesses to London acid attack

A family have suffered burns following an acid attack in Islington, north London. The father, mother and their two-year-old son were targeted on Saturday afternoon. The mother and toddler have been discharged from hospital after being treated for minor burns, but the father's injuries are described as "life changing". The attack happened at the junction of Copenhagen Street and Caledonian Road at 1.05pm on Saturday.

6. 'Scandalous' data shows injuries at special schools

Hundreds of children have been injured while being physically restrained in special schools, according to BBC radio. An investigation by 5 Live found that some pupils were pinned face-down on the floor, while others were strapped into chairs. Data shows at least 731 injuries in the past three years. An expert described the findings as "scandalous".

7. Top rabbi calls for unity between Jews and Muslims

Extremism has given Jews and Muslims in Europe common cause, a top rabbi has said. Speaking on the eve of Passover, chief rabbi Pinchas Goldschmidt said: "We definitely have a common cause in fighting for religious freedoms." He added that Jews "always felt more comfortable in places where other cultures and religions were respected".

8. Colleague 'knows identity' of WPC Yvonne Fletcher's killer

A former colleague of WPC Yvonne Fletcher, who was shot dead outside the Libyan embassy in London in 1984, says he knows who killed her. Speaking to BBC Radio 4, former PC John Murray said the killer may yet face justice. He added: "I don’t think it would be prudent to say publicly who it is, but I will say this to him, if he is listening: his day will come soon."

9. William and Harry to pay personal TV tribute to Diana

Prince William and Prince Harry will pay tributes to their mother, Diana, Princess of Wales in television documentaries they have commissioned to mark the 20th anniversary of her death. Meanwhile, a constitutional expert says Camilla will be Queen one day. According to reports this morning, Camilla would rather be Princess Consort but Prince Charles wants her to be his Queen.

10. Turkish cabin crew deliver baby at 42,000 feet

Cabin crew on a Turkish Airlines jet helped a woman give birth mid-flight. Nafi Diaby, suddenly went into labour while flying from Conakry, Guinea, to Ouagadougou in Burkina Faso. The crew helped deliver a baby girl, Kadiju, who entered the world at 42,000 feet. The mother and baby, who were taken to hospital when the Boeing 737-900 landed, are both reported to be doing well.