Ten Things You Need to Know Today: Sunday 15 Apr 2018

1. Trump tells Syria US is 'locked and loaded'

Donald Trump has warned Syria the US is "locked and loaded" to strike again if it carries out new chemical attacks. UK foreign secretary Boris Johnson has stated that global powers will not "turn a blind eye" to the use of chemical weapons. However, the Syrian government denies any chemical use and says that attack in the town of Douma was fabricated by rebels.

2. 'Criminals' - world leaders respond to allies' air strikes

World leaders have been reacting to the air strikes carried out in Syria by the US, UK and France. The Syrian foreign ministry described the strikes as "a flagrant violation of international law". Iran branded Donald Trump, Theresa May and Emmanuel Macron as "criminals". China said it was "opposed to the use of force" but Germany said the strikes were a "necessary and appropriate military intervention".

3. Leave.EU and Arron Banks probed over data allegation

Leave.EU and its donor Arron Banks are being investigated over possible breaches of the Data Protection Act. The Information Commissioner’s Office has issued "information notices", which require the group and Banks to provide it with specified information within a certain time period. Banks said he and Leave.EU were "responding" to the notices, adding at the ICO’s move was not an "investigation" but an "information request".

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4. Martin Sorrell stands down from WPP after 33 years

Sir Martin Sorrell, chief executive of the world's largest advertising agency WPP, is stepping down after 33 years. The move comes ahead of the findings of an investigation into alleged personal misconduct. The 73-year-old told staff that for him WPP and its future is "more important than a matter of life or death". The agency’s chairman, Roberto Quarta, will sit in the role until a new CEO is appointed.

5. Stephen Lawrence officers face criminal misconduct charges

Four police officers involved in the original investigation of Stephen Lawrence’s murder are facing criminal charges that could lead to life imprisonment. A four-year investigation by the National Crime Agency found the retired Scotland Yard detectives were so negligent they could face charges for "misconduct in public office". The black A-level pupil was killed 25 years ago.

6. Europe poised for first genetically engineered patients

Europe is set to see its first genetically engineered patients using a ground-breaking gene-splicing therapy. After trials were approved by regulators, the biotech company Crispr Therapeutics is hoping to cure the blood disorder beta thalassaemia. Experts in Britain hailed the new treatments as "very promising" and said the trial marked the start of clinical gene therapy.

7. Mumsnet boss slams transgender 'thought police'

Mumsnet’s founder Justine Roberts says transgender "thought police" are pressing advertisers to withdraw from the popular parenting forum because it allows the discussion of trans topics. Roberts said she had been approached by three significant advertisers who had been threatened with boycotts by trans groups. Last year, Mumsnet reported pre-tax profits of £2.1m on a turnover of £7.2m.

8. Environmental campaigner burns himself to death in park

An environmental advocate and celebrated gay rights lawyer burned himself to death in New York yesterday. David Buckel, 60, reportedly used fossil fuel in a protest against ecological destruction. His charred remains were found by passers-by in Brooklyn’s Prospect Park. The New York Times says he left a note, stating he he hoped his death was "honorable" and "might serve others".

9. Tory MP suspended as he faces sex offences investigation

Conservative MP Charlie Elphicke has been suspended by his party as he faces a police investigation for alleged sexual offences involving two female members of his staff. The Sunday Times reports that the MP for Dover and Deal is accused of targeting two young female aides when he was alone with them. He denies any wrongdoing.

10. Scotland's Hawkins collapses at Commonwealth marathon

Scottish athlete Callum Hawkins collapsed just over one mile from the end of the marathon at the Commonwealth Games. The 25-year-old, who was taken away in an ambulance, had a two-minute lead and looked set for gold but began struggling before falling over the kerb. Team Scotland said: "He is undergoing further tests as a precaution and we all wish him a speedy recovery."