Ten Things You Need to Know Today: Sunday 20 Aug 2017

1. Hard Brexit 'would offer £135bn annual economic boost'

A group of pro-Brexit economists say removing all trade tariffs and barriers would help generate an annual £135bn uplift to the UK economy. Prof Patrick Minford, lead author of a report from Economists for Free Trade, says a hard Brexit is "economically much superior to soft". However, campaigners against a hard Brexit said the plan amounts to "economic suicide".

2. Have Tesco sausages infected thousands with pig virus?

A leading British supermarket chain may have accidently infected thousands of people with a pig virus that causes liver cirrhosis and neurological damage, according to Public Health England. Government scientists have found that a common factor in those infected is consumption of own-brand sausages from "Supermarket X", which two sources claim is Tesco. One scientist said: "Something appears to have changed in animal husbandry."

3. Steve Bannon ready to 'go nuclear' on Ivanka and Kushner

Steve Bannon is reportedly planning to "go nuclear" against his enemies in the White House, including Ivanka Trump and Jared Kushner. Allies of the ousted White House chief strategist compared him to a "tiger freed from his cage," forecasting that things would get "ugly" as he targets the Republican establishment and what he calls "West Wing Democrats".

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4. 'Duty first' Queen 'will not step down for Prince Charles'

The Queen will not step aside for Prince Charles and says it is "duty first, nation first, I’m going to be there", according to The Sunday Times. Royal insiders say the monarch is as committed as ever. Palace officials point to her pledge on her 21st birthday: "I declare . . . that my whole life, whether it be long or short, shall be devoted to your service."

5. Norfolk seaside town 'on lockdown' after 'disorder'

A seaside town in Norfolk has been put on lockdown after reports of "low-level disorder", say police. Pubs, hotels and other businesses in Cromer closed their doors. Norfolk Police dismissed reports that someone had been stabbed. Norman Lamb, Liberal Democrat MP for North Norfolk, tweeted: "Very concerned by what I've read online tonight."

6. Jeremy Hunt says Hawkings is a 'pernicious' liar

Jeremy Hunt has accused Stephen Hawking of a "pernicious" lie after the renowned physicist said the Conservatives seemed to be steering the UK towards a US-style health insurance system. Hawking has accused the health secretary of "cherrypicking" favourable evidence while suppressing contradictory research to suit his argument.

7. Islamic State uses Cardiff firms to finance jihad plots

FBI documents show that Islamic State used companies in Cardiff to finance terror plots against the West. Surveillance technology sent to Spain — where 14 people were killed last week in the latest IS atrocities — is understood to be linked to the development by the terrorist group of weaponised drones. There are also orders for “bug sweep units” and software to help to launch rockets.

8. Deaths and injuries as train derails in northern India

At least 23 people were killed and more than 120 injured when a train came off the tracks in India yesterday. Rescuers were joined by local people in the northern state of Uttar Pradesh for an overnight search for survivors in the "overturned and mangled carriages," says The Observer. Officials have said they expect the death toll to rise.

9. Solar fever builds as Bonnie Tyler prepares to greet eclipse

America is "pulsing with excitement" ahead of tomorrow’s solar eclipse, says The Sunday Times. "Astronomers, astrologists, druids, wiccans, ravers, evangelists and the plain curious" are travelling to “path of totality” areas where the eclipse will be the longest. Meanwhile, on a Caribbean cruise, Bonnie Tyler is booked to sing her hit Total Eclipse of the Heart at the moment the moon blocks out the sun.

10. Prince Philip swore at Downing Street over Di funeral

The Duke of Edinburgh and Tony Blair’s spin doctors had an "explosive row" over Prince William and Prince Harry’s roles at their mother’s funeral, claims the Mail On Sunday. The report claims an "anguished" Duke told Downing Street officials to "f*** off" after it was suggested the princes should walk behind Diana’s coffin. He was backed by the Queen.