Ten Things You Need to Know Today: Friday 30 Mar 2018

1. Poisoned spy: daughter ‘conscious and talking’

Yulia Skripal, the daughter of former Russian spy Sergei Skripal, has recovered from poisoning by a suspected nerve agent to the extent she is now conscious and talking. The 33-year-old’s father remains in critical condition, however, and it is not known what long-term damage she will suffer. Meanwhile, Russia is to expel 60 US diplomats.

2. MPs call on Corbyn to suspend Shawcroft

A group of 39 Labour MPs and peers have written to Jeremy Corbyn, calling on him to suspend Christine Shawcroft from the party’s governing body. Shawcroft resigned as head of Labour’s disputes panel this week after it emerged she had opposed the suspension of a local council candidate who reposted an ant-Semitic Facebook post.

3. Chinese space lab to burn up on re-entry

A Chinese space laboratory will crash to Earth this weekend. Tiangong-1 is 33 feet long and bigger than most debris which returns to the planet’s surface. Between 1.5 and 3.5 tonnes of the vessel are expected to survive re-entry and crash, with the likelihood being they will hit the ocean. China abruptly lost control of the module in 2016.

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4. Violent crime suspects released without conditions

Thousands of people suspected of violent crimes or sexual offences have been released without condition in the past year, because of a new 28-day limit on police bail. In one three-month period, 12 forces released 3,000 suspected of violence, murder, rape or sexual offences, the BBC says. There are fears victims are in danger.

5. Facebook memo defends ‘networking at all costs’

Facebook founder Mark Zuckerberg has been forced to distance himself from views expressed by a vice president of the firm, Andrew Bosworth, in a 2016 memo which has now been leaked. Bosworth wrote that the platform could lead to deaths – for instance suicide after bullying – but that this was an acceptable price for connectivity.

6. McCabe raises $300,000 Trump legal fund in hours

Andrew McCabe, former FBI deputy director fired by US President Donald Trump, has raised $300,000 (£214,000) in hours, largely via a crowdfunding website. The money will be used to cover legal costs as he defends himself against investigations. McCabe says he was fired because he is a crucial witness in the Trump-Russia inquiry.

7. Sarkozy to face trial for corruption and bribery

Nicolas Sarkozy, former French president, is to go on trial for allegedly trying to bribe a judge investigating claims that his 2007 presidential campaign was funded illegally. The 63-year-old is claimed to have offered the judge promotion in return for his compliance. He is also accused of accepting funding from Muammar Gaddafi.

8. Prince Charles delivers royal Easter message

The Prince of Wales has said he is “deeply moved” by the courage of people who forgive their religious persecutors, in a televised Easter message. The heir to the throne said his heart went out to people of all faiths who face persecution on religious grounds. His message was inspired by recent meetings with Christians in the Middle East.

9. Teacher given £250,000 after falling from table

Data from teaching unions shows millions of pounds were paid in compensation to teachers for injuries and discrimination last year. One woman, from the east of England, was given almost £250,000 after the slipped and fell from a chair balanced on a table while putting up a display. The local authority had not provided a stepladder.

10. Briefing: Passover

The Jewish holiday of Passover begins today, with millions of families across the globe marking the event.

One of the most significant dates in the Jewish calendar, Passover, called Pesach in Hebrew, is a week-long observance that involves eating specially prepared food, reciting Torah passages and helping the needy.

When is Passover 2020 and how will it be celebrated?