Ten Things You Need to Know Today: Saturday 4 Nov 2017

1. Andrea Leadsom 'knifed' Fallon over 'dud' statement

Andrea Leadsom "knifed" Sir Michael Fallon after he described her as a "dud" who would have to be fired to secure Cabinet agreement on the Brexit deal, claims the Daily Telegraph. Ministers say Leadsom launched a "pre-emptive strike" against the former defence secretary to protect her own job and is now "unsackable" because of her status as a whistleblower.

2. Police may arrest Weinstein after 'credible' rape accusation

Police in New York say a rape allegation against Harvey Weinstein is "credible" and they are gathering evidence ahead of a possible arrest. Actress Paz de la Huerta claims the Hollywood producer raped her twice in her apartment. "She put forth a credible and detailed narrative to us," said New York's chief of detectives, Robert Boyce. Police in London and Los Angeles are also investigating claims against the movie boss.

3. No-deal Brexit 'would add £930 to shopping bills'

UK families face hikes of up to £930 in their annual shopping bills if Britain crashes out of the European Union without a trade deal, according to new research. The Study for the National Institute Economic Review found that meat, vegetables, dairy products and clothing would suffer the largest price rises at the tills, and there would be a disproportionate impact on poorer families and the unemployed.

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4. Trump demands Clinton investigation on string of issues

Donald Trump is increasing pressure on the Department of Justice to investigate Hillary Clinton. Writing on Twitter, the US President called on the FBI to "do what is right and proper" by opening a criminal inquiry into a string of controversies linked to Clinton. "What about the deleted E-mails, Uranium, Podesta, the Server, plus, plus … People are angry," he wrote.

5. Spanish judge issues arrest warrant for Catalonia president

A judge in Spain has issued an international arrest warrant for Catalonia’s ousted president. Carles Puigdemont flew to Brussels earlier this week with a group of deposed ministers after Spanish authorities removed them from office for pressing ahead with the declaration of independence. They face charges of rebellion, sedition and misuse of public funds for pursuing Catalan independence.

6. Campaigners go legal as Hunt 'tries to Americanise NHS'

Jeremy Hunt is facing legal action over his bid to 'Americanise' the National Health Service, reports The Independent. Senior health professionals have joined forces with campaigners to take legal action and demand a judicial review amid plans to convert the health service into a public/private enterprise, which opponents say is modelled on the US private health insurance-based system.

7. Tories suspend Elphicke over 'serious' allegations

Charlie Elphicke MP has been suspended by the Conservative Party after "serious allegations" that have been referred to the police. Elphicke, a former party whip and the MP for Dover since 2010, said: "I am not aware of what the alleged claims are and deny any wrongdoing." Meanwhile, the Labour party is investigating a complaint of sexual harassment against former frontbencher Clive Lewis.

8. Only half of UK speed cameras are switched on

Around 50% of fixed speed cameras in Britain are switched off, police figures show. Responding to a Freedom of Information request by the Press Association, data released by 36 out of a total 45 police forces showed only 1,486 (52%) out of 2,838 cameras are switched on. However, road safety groups have warned that gambling on whether a speed camera is active is a "dangerous game".

9. Hammond to overhaul VAT system after major review

Philip Hammond is planning a major reform of Britain's VAT system after a review found the current rules are hurting the economy by discouraging small businesses from growing. Currently, businesses with a turnover of £85,000 and above must enter the VAT system and charge VAT on their sales, while smaller firms are exempt. The Office for Tax Simplification says this discourages businesses from expanding beyond this point.

10. British woman jailed in Egypt for carrying painkillers

A British woman is languishing in a cramped Egyptian jail after the authorities arrested her for arriving in the country carrying painkillers. Laura Plummer, 33, was arrested after 290 tramadol tablets and naproxen for her husband’s sore back was found in her suitcase. The shop worker who lives in Hull was put into a cramped cell with 25 other women, where she has stayed for almost a month.