Ten Things You Need to Know Today: Sunday 21 Jan 2018

1. CBI to demand that Britain stays in customs union

The Confederation of British Industry is to say that Britain should remain in a customs union with the EU long after Brexit. Carolyn Fairbain will argue tomorrow that retaining a customs union with the EU would "go a long way towards solving the border problem in Ireland," adding that it is part of a "practical, real-world answer" to the problems thrown up by Brexit.

2. Trump and Democrats play blame game after shutdown

A blame game has erupted following the US government shutdown. After a bill to fund the federal government for the coming weeks did not receive the necessary votes by midnight on Friday, President Trump accused the Democrats of putting politics above the interests of the American people. However, the Democrats hit back, blaming Trump for rejecting bipartisan compromise proposals.

3. Afghan authorities regain control of Kabul's siege hotel

Afghan security forces have regained control of a hotel in Kabul after it was stormed by gunmen. Up to four people armed with guns and hand grenades seized hostages at the five-star Intercontinental Hotel in the Afghan capital. The interior ministry said at least five civilians were killed and six were injured in the siege. Three of the attackers have been killed.

Subscribe to 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. Momentum 'wants to oust 50 moderate Labour MPs'

Jeremy Corbyn’s allies are plotting to oust up to 50 moderate Labour MPs and replace them with more left-leaning members, claims The Sunday Times. The paper says Labour is "turning in on itself". However, the grassroots movement Momentum tells the paper it is not campaigning for the deselection of any sitting members of parliament.

5. May says she will protect workers' pensions from bosses

Theresa May says the government will stop workers' pensions being put at risk from "executives who try to line their own pockets". Writing in The Observer, the Prime Minister said a government white paper would set out "tough new rules" for company bosses after construction firm Carillion's collapse. Other measures being considered would give regulators powers to block takeovers that endanger pension schemes.

6. 'Drunk' pilot is arrested at Gatwick airport

A British Airways pilot suspected of being drunk was arrested at Gatwick airport earlier this week. It has been revealed that Sussex Police were called to the airport at 8.25pm on Thursday after the pilot of the international flight "was suspected to have been under the influence of alcohol". The flight, from Gatwick to Mauritius, was delayed at the gate as officers boarded the plane and removed the pilot.

7. Women march in the US on Trump's first anniversary

Women's marches across America have drawn hundreds of thousands to protest against President Donald Trump and sexual assault. Adele, Natalie Portman, Scarlett Johansson and Whoopi Goldberg were among the supporters to attend the rallies, which took place in more than 250 US cities. The demonstrations were held on on the first anniversary of President Donald Trump's inauguration.

8. Sinn Fein's new president says united Ireland 'not pipe dream'

The new leader of Sinn Fein says a united Ireland is "not a pipe dream" and "is the road we're are on". Mary Lou McDonald was confirmed as the sole nominee to be the party's president following Gerry Adams' announcement in November that he would step down after 34 years in the role. She called on supporters at Sinn Fein's AGM to "build our new Ireland".

9. Riots as Arab Spring anger returns to Tunisia

The outrage that powered the Arab spring is "flaring again" in Tunisia, says The Observer. Riots have been provoked by a new law which will push up prices of basics including food and fuel, as well as years of "frustration" over government "failings and betrayals", says the paper. Tension is flaring seven years after the revolution that toppled dictator Zine al-Abidine Ben Ali.

10. Las Vegas shooter was 'germophobic gambler'

US police say Stephen Paddock, who carried out the Las Vegas shooting in October, was a germophobic, high-stakes gambler on a losing streak. The authorities say he was also possibly bipolar and going through difficulties with his girlfriend. However, The Observer points out that "hundreds of interviews and thousands of pieces of evidence have not answered the key question: why did Paddock open fire?"