Ten Things You Need to Know Today: Sunday 5 Aug 2018

1. Liam Fox says a 60/40 chance of no-deal Brexit

Britain is odds-on to crash out of the European Union without a deal, says the international trade secretary. Speaking to The Sunday Times, Liam Fox rates the chances of a no deal departure at "60-40". He points the finger of blame at the "intransigence" of the European Commission, which he says has a "theological obsession" with EU rules rather than "economic wellbeing".

2. Venezuela president survives 'drone assassination attempt'

Venezuela’s president says a drone explosion during a speech he was making was an "assassination" attempt on him. Nicolas Maduro blamed Colombia and US financiers for the episode, which happened when he was speaking at the event to mark the 81st anniversary of the national army. It is understood that two drones loaded with explosives went off near the president's stand.

3. New organ donor plan 'could save hundreds'

The government says a new law to tackle organ donor shortages in England could save up to 700 extra lives every year. The legislation would see the arrangement change to an opt-out scheme, under which people will be assumed to be willing to donate organs after death unless they have stated otherwise. Some 411 people in the UK died on the transplant waiting list in 2017.

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4. David Cameron says Michael Gove is a 'lunatic'

David Cameron has branded Michael Gove a "lunatic", reports The Sunday Times. The former PM blames Gove, rather than Boris Johnson, for his defeat in the EU referendum and the loss of his political career. It is believed that Cameron, who will launch a "withering attack" on him in his memoirs, timed his revelation to undermine Gove’s hopes of succeeding May.

5. Melania Trump praises LeBron after Donald's outburst

Melania Trump has said she would be happy to visit the NBA superstar LeBron James’s new public school, the day after her husband questioned the Los Angeles Lakers player’s intelligence. The US first lady said: "It looks like LeBron James is working to do good things on behalf of our next generation." Meanwhile, Trump’s former aide Omarosa Manigault-Newman has described the US President as "unhinged".

6. Give transgender patients access to fertility, orders watchdog

The equality watchdog says the NHS must offer transgender patients awaiting transitioning treatment access to fertility services or risk breaking the law. The Equality and Human Rights Commission is threatening legal action if "outdated" health service policies are not changed urgently. "A choice between treatment for gender dysphoria and the chance to start a family is not a real choice," says the EHRC.

7. Boys are leading the slump in university applications

Boys are dominating the slump in university applicants, fresh data has shown. The head of the universities admissions service said the number of young people winning degree course places on August 16 is expected to be "in the order of 2.5% lower" than last year. The applications by young men are at their lowest for three years.

8. BBC decides to drop appeal against Cliff privacy ruling

The BBC will announce it will not appeal against the Cliff Richard privacy ruling amid concern it would be criticised over the cost if it were to lose. The Sunday Telegraph says the corporation is already facing an estimated legal bill of more than £1.8m over its coverage of a raid on the singer’s home and its decision to enter its reporting of the raid for the Royal Television Society's scoop of the year.

9. Will it be eighth time lucky for Nigel Farage?

Allies of Nigel Farage say he is plotting a return to frontline politics with a fresh campaign to become an MP. The former Ukip leader is considering a number of potential by-election opportunities, including Peterborough, which overwhelmingly voted to back Brexit. It would be his eighth bid to become an MP. All his previous attempts failed.

10. England in sensational victory in tense tie with India

England managed a tense 31-run victory over India on a thrilling fourth morning of the first Test at Edgbaston. The home side held their nerve as India - resuming on 110-5 in pursuit of 194 - were bowled out for 162. The Guardian says it "may prove to be a significant victory not only for the team but also Joe Root, who led the side impressively out there".