Ten Things You Need to Know Today: Saturday 7 Jul 2018

1. Cabinet agrees 'collective' stance on Brexit deal

Theresa May says the cabinet has reached a "collective" agreement on the basis of the UK's future relationship with the European Union after Brexit. The proposals would mean the UK will have the same rules for all goods as it presently does as a member of the bloc. However, following the crunch talks, ministers will step up "no-deal" preparations.

2. Ministers may ban coffee and baby powder from hand luggage

Baby powder, cosmetics, coffee, spices and protein mixes could be banned from hand luggage as part of new security measures being considered by the government. The move would see Britain follow in the footsteps of the United States, Australia and New Zealand, which ushered in restrictions on powder in hand luggage at the end of May.

3. Trump extends UK visit but will largely avoid London

Donald Trump has extended his visit to Britain next week and will then fly straight from Scotland to meet Vladimir Putin in Helsinki. He has decided to extend his three day visit by 24 hours to spend the whole weekend in Scotland. It has emerged that the US President will almost entirely avoid London during his visit.

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4. Novichok probe could take many months to complete

The investigation into the poisoning of a couple with a nerve agent in Salisbury is expected "to take months to complete", say police. Detectives say they have spoken to several key witnesses and have created a timeline. They believe Charlie Rowley and Dawn Sturgess were exposed to Novichok after handling an unknown object. They remain in a critical condition.

5. Pope Francis sounds fresh warning on environment

Pope Francis has warned against turning the planet into a vast pile of "rubble, deserts and refuse". Speaking at at a Vatican conference marking the third anniversary of his landmark environmental encyclical Praise Be, he urged governments to stick to their commitments to curb global warming. He added that the IMF and World Bank have important roles to play in encouraging sustainable development.

6. England 'to come to standstill' for World Cup quarter-final

The BBC says England will "come to a standstill" today as the national team faces Sweden for a place in the World Cup semi-finals. Millions are expected to tune in and watch the quarter-final tie. England have not reached the last four of the tournament for 28 years. Manager Gareth Southgate said: "We're improving and want to make history."

7. Warning as 'historic' rain and landslide kill 15 in Japan

Heavy rain, floods and a landslide have left 15 dead and dozens missing in Japan. The country’s Meteorological Agency has released special weather warnings across four prefectures in the west of Japan's main island of Honshu. It is encouraging vigilance against landslides, rising rivers and strong wind amid what it describes as "historic" rain.

8. Trapped Thai cave boys send letters to their parents

The Thai boys who have been trapped in a cave for two weeks have written letters to their parents, saying "don't worry... we are all strong". The notes also include please for food, including fried chicken. "Teacher, don't give us lots of homework!" read one. The 12 children were trapped after floodwater cut off their escape route.

9. Spider-Man creator Ditko dies at home in New York

Steve Ditko, the co-creator of the Spider-Man and Doctor Strange characters for Marvel Comics, has died at his home in New York aged 90. Ditko served in the army in Europe after World War Two and began working in comics in the 1950s. The authorities said he was found unresponsive at his Manhattan apartment and was pronounced dead at the scene.

10. 'Extreme' YouTubers die after slip at a waterfall in Canada

Three young YouTube stars have died at a waterfall in Canada. The authorities said Ryker Gamble, Alexey Lyakh and Megan Scraper - who belonged to extreme travel channel High on Life - were swimming at the top of Shannon Falls in British Columbia when they "slipped and fell into a pool 30 metres below". Last year, YouTuber Wu Yongning, who climbed dangerous skyscrapers, fell to his death filming a video.