Ten Things You Need to Know Today: Sunday 27 Aug 2017

1. Labour would keep single market for transition period

Labour would keep the UK in the single market and customs union for a transitional period after leaving the EU, says Shadow Brexit secretary Sir Keir Starmer. Writing in The Observer, he said the party would avoid a Brexit cliff edge for the UK economy, contrasting his position with the government's preference for "bespoke" transitional arrangements.

2. Eight people die in M1 minibus and lorry crash

Six men and two women died after a crash involving two lorries and a minibus on the M1 motorway in the early hours of Saturday morning. Police say that a woman, a man and a five-year-old girl who were also in the minibus are in hospital with life-threatening injuries after the crash near Milton Keynes. Two men have been arrested on suspicion of causing death by dangerous driving.

3. SAS readied to join Trump's Afghanistan surge

The SAS has been put on standby to return to Afghanistan as part of Donald Trump’s planned military surge. Theresa May is prepared to approve a deployment of special forces personnel to hunt down Islamic State and al-Qaeda militants, according to sources. She could also contribute drones and aircraft to co-ordinate attacks.

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4. Obese patients 'fare better after common heart treatments'

Skinny patients are far more likely to die after common heart treatments than those who are overweight, new research has suggested. After studying more than one million adults, scientists found those who were underweight were five times as likely as obese patients to die after a routine cardiac procedure. The phenomenon has been dubbed "the obesity paradox".

5. Texas braces for 'major water event' as Harvey hits

The governor of Texas has warned of severe flooding as cities receive as much as 20in (50cm) of rain. Greg Abbott said another 40in of rain could be due before the storm subsides midweek. The mayor of Houston told people to prepare for a "major water event". Asked for his message to the people of Texas, US President Donald Trump said: "Good luck."

6. Notting Hill Carnival to open with Grenfell tribute

Notting Hill Carnival will open with a "small act of remembrance" for victims of the Grenfell fire tragedy. A multi-faith prayer and release of doves will take place this morning, and organisers are encouraging revellers to wear or accessorise in "green for Grenfell". Unprecedented security will be in place amid fears of a terrorist attack

7. Has Theresa May decided her date of departure?

Theresa May has reportedly set the date she will quit as Prime Minister. According to the Mail on Sunday, she has chosen Friday August 30th 2019 as the day she will step down from 10 Downing Street. In a bid to face off leadership revolts, she has launched a "prosecco and chocolates" charm offensive for Tory MPs. Downing Street denies the claims, saying: "We have hit peak silly season."

8. Amazonian monkey spotted after eight elusive decades

A "mysterious and elusive" Amazonian monkey has been seen in the wild for the first time in 80 years, reports The Independent. With its shaggy black hair and trademark golden legs, the Vanzolini bald-faced saki was spotted near Brazil's border with Peru. The lucky explorer said: "I was trembling and so excited I could barely take a picture."

9. Labour councillor says party has 'problem' with black women

A Muslim Labour councillor says the party has "a particular problem with black and minority ethnic women". Amina Lone, who was sacked after campaigning against extremism and sexism, told The Sunday Times: "So many black and minority ethnic women in the Labour Party are terrified. The silencing is so acute, the fear is so acute."

10. Mayweather sets new record as he beats McGregor

Floyd Mayweather stopped Conor McGregor in the 10th round of one of the richest fights in boxing history. Mayweather, who came out of retirement for the fight, now has a record of 50 fights unbeaten, surpassing heavyweight great Rocky Marciano's 49-0 record. "He's a lot better than I thought he was," admitted Mayweather of McGregor afterwards.

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