Ten Things You Need to Know Today: Saturday 3 Feb 2018

1. FBI boss says 'talk is cheap' after Trump releases memo

The boss of the FBI has defended his staff, telling them "I stand with you", after Donald Trump approved the release of a memo accusing the Bureau of abuse of power. Referring to the controversial document, Christopher Wray added: "Talk is cheap." Senior Democrats have warned President Trump not to use the memo as a "pretext" to fire the special counsel investigating alleged Russian involvement in the US election.

2. Johnson, Gove and Fox plan 'explosive' Brexit showdown

An "explosive" Cabinet confrontation will see Boris Johnson, Michael Gove and Liam Fox warn against joining a Customs Union with the EU after Brexit, reports the Daily Telegraph. The eurosceptic trio will say that Britain must be able to strike free trade deals after it leaves the EU. Other ministers including Philip Hammond and Amber Rudd have argued for a new Customs Union to limit the loss of trade.

3. Russian oligarchs will be confronted, says UK minister

Security minister Ben Wallace says Russian oligarchs suspected of corruption will be forced to explain their luxury lifestyles in the UK. Speaking to The Times, Wallace said wealthy foreign criminals would feel the "full force of government", adding that officials could now seize suspicious assets worth more than £50,000. It is estimated £90bn of illegal cash is laundered in the UK each year.

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4. Calls for prostate cancer funding to match breast cancer figure

Increasing prostate cancer funding to match the funds for breast cancer could save the lives of 7,000 men a year, according to experts. Prostate Cancer UK last night said a £15m annual increase could lead to a national screening programme within five years, improved medication and greater prevention. Official figures yesterday showed prostate cancer is now a bigger killer than breast cancer.

5. Straight couples to be granted civil partnerships

Heterosexual couples will be granted the right to enter civil partnerships in what is being described as the biggest shake up of marriage laws since the 1800s. Civil partnerships are currently only available to same-sex couples but the Home Office says it will review the "operation" of them "so the difference in treatment in the current system is resolved".

6. China praises May for not raising human rights concerns

China’s state-run media has praised Theresa May as "pragmatic" for resisting calls to challenge Beijing over human rights during her three-day visit. The Global Times said the British prime minister had wisely "sidestepped" such issues as she sought "pragmatic collaboration" between Britain and the world’s number two economy. It added: "Nothing can stop China-UK cooperation: noise and nagging will be carried away by the wind."

7. Victims' father tries to attack Larry Nassar in court

A father whose three daughters were abused by US gymnastics doctor Larry Nassar tried to attack him in court. Randall Margraves had requested to have "five minutes in a locked room with that demon" but Judge Janice Cunningham declined the request. After having a request for one minute with the defendant also denied, Marshall ran towards Nassar but was blocked by court staff.

8. 'Girl power' revival as Spice Girls confirm reunion

The Spice Girls have confirmed that they are planning a reunion to work on "new opportunities". In a statement, the girl band said: "We are always overwhelmed at how much interest there is across the whole world for The Spice Girls." Victoria Beckham, Emma Bunton, Geri Horner, Mel Brown and Melanie Chisholm added: "The time now feels right to explore some incredible new opportunities together."

9. Corbyn predicts the return of 'municipal socialism'

Jeremy Corbyn is to vow to bring back "municipal socialism" to the UK. In a speech to party councillors today, the Labour leader will say local authorities must reverse the privatisation of public services. He also expected to defend the party executive’s decision to ask Labour-run Haringey council to reconsider its contentious decision to introduce a private-public housing scheme.

10. 'Half of UK adults' adopting 'vegan buying behaviour'

UK supermarkets are reporting a surge in sales of vegan food and more than half of UK adults are now adopting "vegan buying behaviour", reports The Guardian. Waitrose revealed strong sales of vegan options in January, Tesco recently successfully launched a new range of vegan items, and other chains including Marks & Spencer, Co-op and Sainsbury’s are enjoying similar trends. The number of vegans in the UK has grown fourfold in the past 10 years.