Ten Things You Need to Know Today: Saturday 21 Oct 2017

1. 'Weather bomb' as Storm Brian arrives in UK

Gale-force winds and possible flooding are expected in the UK today as Storm Brian arrives. Gusts as strong as 70mph are predicted on Saturday morning. Sky News says the storm, caused by a "weather bomb" of low pressure in the Atlantic, will be a "mature" storm by the time it arrives. A flood alert has been issued for the west coast of Dorset.

2. EU leaders soften stance amid fears of May collapse

EU leaders have broken the deadlock with London amid fears in Brussels that Theresa May’s government could collapse unless progress was made. In a softening of stances, German chancellor Angela Merkel said she was now in "absolutely no doubt" that the EU and the UK could make a success of negotiations, while Donald Tusk, the European Council president, said talk of deadlock had been "exaggerated".

3. Shock as Mugabe is named 'goodwill ambassador'

Robert Mugabe has been appointed "goodwill ambassador" by the World Health Organisation, causing widespread surprise. Praising Zimbabwe for its commitment to public health, the WHO announced the decision during a conference in Uruguay. Mugabe's critics pointed to his long record of alleged human rights abuses. Health officials said they were "shocked and deeply concerned".

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4. Watchdog study finds 15m have no pension savings

Around 15m people have no pension savings and face a bleak retirement, according to a study by the Financial Conduct Authority. The survey of 13,000 consumers found that 31% of UK adults have no private pension provision. The full state pension is £159.55 per week, but it is only offered to those who have a complete record of national insurance contributions.

5. Spain prepares to enforce direct rule on Catalonia

The Spanish government is expected to approve measures allowing it to impose direct rule over Catalonia. Although Madrid says the recent referendum was illegal, Catalan leader Carles Puigdemont says he has been given a mandate to declare independence. The central government is expected to trigger Article 155 of the constitution, which allows it to impose direct rule in a crisis.

6. Domestic violence victims forced to sleep rough

Women fleeing domestic violence are struggling to find a space in a refuge and often end up sleeping rough, says Women's Aid. The charity says almost 20% of specialist refuges have closed over the past seven years, meaning victims of domestic abuse can be denied a safe space to escape to. One refuge manager said: "There are women calling every day needing a space and not being able to find one."

7. Crime: London 'more dangerous than New York'

London is now more dangerous than New York City, with rape, robbery and violent offences far higher than the Big Apple. Fresh data has revealed that crime across the UK was up by 13%. Experts say the rise was more to do with the way the city was policed and pointed the finger of blame at the reduction in neighbourhood patrols across the capital.

8. 'Health tourists' to be charged for NHS care under new laws

So-called 'health tourists' will be charged upfront for NHS care under new laws coming into force on Monday, reports the Daily Telegraph. Medics will ask patients for utility bills, bank statements and proof of employment to identify those who should be paying for NHS treatment. Overseas patients will be charged "upfront" for NHS treatment.

9. Theatre boss stands down over 'sexualised behaviour'

A leading British theatre director was forced to stand down from his company after being accused of inappropriate, sexualised behaviour, claims The Guardian. Max Stafford-Clark was forced out after a formal complaint that he made lewd comments to an employee. The 76-year-old reportedly told a 29-year-old woman: "Back in the day, I’d have been up you like a rat up a drainpipe but now I’m a reformed character."

10. Ed Sheeran admits he slipped into 'substance abuse'

Ed Sheeran has admitted that his year off was due to "substance abuse". The singer-songwriter said he found himself "slipping into" the pitfalls of fame. "Mostly, like, substance abuse," he said. "I'd never touched anything. I started slipping into it, and that’s why I took a year off and buggered off." He added: "Some people took me to one side and were like, 'Calm yourself down'."