Ten Things You Need to Know Today: Sunday 8 Apr 2018

1. US rage at Russia after chemical attack in Syria

The US has called on Moscow to end its support for the Syrian regime after at least 70 people were killed in a chemical attack. The State Department in Washington said it was closely following the "disturbing reports" of "one of the worst chemical attacks in Syrian history". It added: "Russia, with its unwavering support for the regime, ultimately bears responsibility for these brutal attacks."

2. New political party will 'break Westminster mould'

A new political party aiming to "break the Westminster mould" has been secretly under development for more than a year by a network of entrepreneurs, philanthropists and donors. The centrist party, with access to up to £50m in funding, has been created by people "frustrated by the tribal nature of politics, the polarisation caused by Brexit and the standard of political leadership on all sides", says The Observer.

3. Man dies in fire at Trump Tower in New York

A man has died and four firefighters have been injured in a blaze on the 50th floor of Trump Tower in New York. The victim was a male resident of the building. Donald Trump tweeted: "Fire at Trump Tower is out. Very confined (well built building). Firemen (and women) did a great job. THANK YOU!" The New York City Fire Department said the apartment had no sprinklers.

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4. Government denies rising violence is due to police cuts

Police cuts are not to blame for rising crime, claims the Home Secretary. Writing in the Sunday Telegraph, Amber Rudd says the "time for warm words and political quarrels is over". Rudd is launching a new Offensive Weapons Bill for England and Wales. She adds: "As we confront this issue, I know that the same arguments and criticisms will emerge."

5. Two dead after van crashes into crowd in Germany

Two people died and 20 were injured when a van drove into a crowd in the historical centre of Munster, Germany. The grey VW van crashed into pedestrians at the Kiepenkerl restaurant in Munster's crowded main square yesterday. The driver then shot himself inside the van. According to reports, after searching the suspect's apartment the authorities have ruled out a terror motive.

6. BBC presenter's 'incandescent rage' over gender pay gap

A top BBC presenter has revealed for the first time that she was "incandescent with rage" when she found out she was being paid less than male colleagues. Sarah Montague, who left Radio 4’s Today programme last month to join The World at One, told The Sunday Times that her lower salary was "professionally damaging" and made her feel like a "sap".

7. Prince Charles says 'bits' are 'falling off' him

Prince Charles says "bits" of him are "falling off at regular intervals" as he approaches his 70th birthday. Speaking during a tour of Australia and Vanuatu, he said: "It is hard to believe... that I shall soon be 70. I do know only too well — and understand — the strange feeling of disbelief that this is actually happening." He was speaking at Government House in Brisbane, during a tour of Australia.

8. Skripals to be offered new identities and life in the US

Sergei and Yulia Skripal are to be offered fresh identities and a new life in America to protect them from further murder attempts. MI6 has been in discussions with the CIA about resettling the victims of the Salisbury poisoning. Both victims are conscious and will soon begin helping investigators with their inquiries into the Salisbury nerve agent attack last month.

9. Undercover video exposes cruelty at 'Happy Egg' supplier

Britain’s leading "high-welfare" egg brand is under fire after campaigners filmed newborn chicks suspended by their necks in a machine that burnt off the tips of their beaks, before being transported by lorry 900 miles across Europe. The Sunday Times says the undercover video was shot in a German hatchery supplying Happy Egg with the chicks from which its "free range" hens are reared. Male chicks were gassed.

10. Government to outlaw sales of acid to under-18s

The government is to make sales of acid to under-18s and the possession of corrosive substances in public criminal offences after a series of attacks. Ministers will also extend police stop-and-search powers that will enable officers to seize acids and corrosives. Members of the public will require a licence to acquire, possess and use battery acid.