Ten Things You Need to Know Today: Sunday 1 Jul 2018

1. May defiant as six ministers plot to replace her

Theresa May has told cabinet plotters – oust me if you dare. The Prime Minister has insisted to her aides that she will not be bullied out of office. As six senior ministers are reportedly plotting to succeed her, May says she will fight her corner if Tory MPs force a vote to oust her — declaring that she is content to "win by one vote".

2. Crime-fighting agency examines evidence of Arron Banks ties

The National Crime Agency is investigating fresh evidence of links between Russia and Arron Banks, the Brexit campaign’s largest donor. The Sunday Times says leaked emails show that Banks was offered three Russian business deals during the EU referendum campaign including a gold mine venture in Guinea, west Africa, and a lucrative stake in the privatisation of Alrosa, Russia’s state-controlled diamond miner.

3. Are skirts for schoolgirls on the way out?

"For schoolgirls, the skirt is on the way out," says The Sunday Times, as at least 40 secondaries have stopped girls from wearing them. It is believed that the change to trousers comes as schools opt for gender-neutral uniforms to cater for transgender pupils. But feminists have opposed the move, arguing that all children should be offered a choice.

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4. Ministers run exercise to simulate aftermath of Queen's death

Ministers led a secret Whitehall exercise last week to prepare for 10 days of national mourning after the death of the Queen. Taking charge of plans for the days following the Queen’s death for the first time, their exercise, called "Castle Dove", focused on "D+1", the day after the Queen’s death, with ministers deciding when the prime minister would make public statements.

5. Syria's south surrenders as 160,000 flee to borders

Southern towns in Syria have surrendered to the forces of President Bashar al-Assad, reports The Observer. The United Nations says fighting has driven 160,000 people towards the borders with Jordan and Israeli-occupied Golan Heights, but both countries say they will not allow any Syrians to cross. A crucial opposition-held enclave in the southern Daraa province is shrinking under airstrikes and ground attacks.

6. Michael Gove's education reforms 'have fuelled inequality'

Education reforms introduced since 2010 are fuelling inequality in the schools system, according to a major new study. Academics at the UCL Institute of Education found that high-performing and improving schools are accepting fewer children from poor backgrounds. The reforms were mostly introduced under the coalition government and masterminded by Michael Gove as education secretary.

7. 'Major incident' declared as two UK blazes merge

A major incident has been declared after two "rapidly developing and aggressive" moorland fires merged in the north-west of England. Greater Manchester Police issued the warning after fires on Winter Hill and Scout Road near Bolton combined. Twenty-two fire engines are on the scene as moorland near Bolton continues to be ravaged by the "rapidly developing, aggressive" wildfires.

8. NHS: Corbyn says Theresa May's 'birthday present' insufficient

Jeremy Corbyn says Theresa May's "birthday present" funding pledge for the NHS will not tackle the immediate funding crisis. The Labour leader told Sky News that the Prime Minister’s pledge still falls short of the 3.7% increases the NHS has previously received. He said Labour would put "far more money in straight away" to deal with the NHS funding problems.

9. Demand for lettuce rises as heatwave stops growth

The heatwave is causing a spike in demand for lettuce and simultaneously stopping lettuce from growing. A record 18m heads were sold last week, 40% more than in the same period last year. But Dieter Lloyd, the spokesperson for British Leafy Salad Growers, said: "When the mercury hits 30C, lettuces can’t grow." He added that "we may be seeing some gaps on retailers’ shelves in the next two weeks".

10. Call for minimum rental term of three years

Ministers are planning a minimum tenancy term of three years to give people renting homes in England more security. Data shows 80% of tenants currently have contracts of six or 12 months. "Being able to call your rental property your home is vital to putting down roots and building stronger communities," said Communities Secretary James Brokenshire. Labour says the plans do not go far enough.