Ten Things You Need to Know Today: Saturday 14 Apr 2018

1. US, UK and France launch air strikes on Syria

The US, UK and France have bombed government targets in Syria in an early morning operation targeting alleged chemical weapons sites. President Donald Trump says the "precision strikes" are in response to a suspected chemical attack on the Syrian town of Douma last week. Theresa May says four RAF Tornados were involved in a "limited and targeted strike" against Syria.

Syria strike: UK, US and France punish chemical attack

2. Russia warns of 'consequences' for Washington, London and Paris

Moscow's ambassador to the US says the attack on its ally Syria "will not be left without consequences". Writing on Twitter, the ambassador said: "A pre-designed scenario is being implemented. Again, we are being threatened. We warned that such actions will not be left without consequences. All responsibility for them rests with Washington, London and Paris."

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3. Trump's lawyer Cohen is under criminal investigation

Donald Trump's top lawyer is under criminal investigation, the US justice department has announced. Prosecutors will focus on Michael Cohen's business dealings rather than his work as a lawyer. A filing was made in response to efforts by Cohen's own lawyer to stop prosecutors reviewing material seized from Cohen's office earlier this week. Meanwhile, Trump has slammed ex-FBI director James Comey as an "untruthful slime ball".

4. Carney says automation may resuscitate Communism in West

Mark Carney has forecast that huge job losses driven by technology could revive Marxism in the West. The Governor of the Bank of England said "Marx and Engels may again become relevant" if automation destroys jobs, forces down pay and deepens inequality as a new elite of highly skilled workers and the owners of high-tech machines reap the rewards of the new era.

5. Around 750,000 people live in unsafe homes

Nearly three quarters of a million people are living in unsafe or unsanitary shared homes, according to analysis by The Times, which blames "rogue landlords" defying rules. The news comes after two men died from suspected carbon monoxide poisoning at an unlicensed house in multiple occupancy in north London. The Local Government Association is calling for common sentencing guidelines for landlords who flout rules.

6. Indian court orders arrest of politician on gang-rape charge

A court in India has ordered the arrest of a politician accused of gang-raping a teenager and beating her father to death. Following days of protest, the high court in Allahabad ordered the arrest of Kuldeep Singh Sengar, a member of the Uttar Pradesh state parliament with the Bharatiya Janata party. The Guardian says there is anger over Singh Sengar’s "defiant response and the apparent apathy of police".

7. Cabinet civil war over Gove's plan for 'green Brexit'

Michael Gove’s plans for a "green Brexit" are facing a backlash in the Cabinet. The Environment Secretary has committed to an independent "world-leading" statutory body to maintain environmental standards after Britain leaves the European Union. But Chancellor Philip Hammond is concerned over the potential cost of new regulations while Transport Secretary Chris Grayling says the plan could hinder the construction of new roads and railway lines.

8. Cliff Richard breaks down as he recalls raid broadcast

Sir Cliff Richard broke down in court yesterday as he told how the BBC had "smeared" his name worldwide and left him fearing a heart attack. The 77-year-old said his reputation was "forever tainted" after the corporation broadcast live footage of police searching his home as they investigated a sex assault claim against him. Sir Cliff, 77, was not charged with any offence. The BBC says its coverage was in the public interest.

9. Theresa May among eight landlord cabinet ministers

Theresa May is among nine cabinet ministers making more than £10,000 a year by acting as landlords, reveals The Guardian. Analysis of the parliamentary register of MPs’ interests shows the PM and eight other members of the cabinet own property that is rented out for a five-figure annual sum. Jeremy Hunt was forced to apologise after it emerged that he had failed to declare a business interest.

10. Waves from Prince Philip as he leaves hospital

The Duke of Edinburgh has been discharged from hospital after a successful hip replacement operation. Prince Philip waved as he was driven out of the King Edward VII's Hospital. The 96-year-old was admitted to hospital on 3 April and underwent the planned procedure the following day. He has thanked the public for their "good wishes".