Ten Things You Need to Know Today: Saturday 13 Oct 2018

1. Will Brexit transition be extended by twelve months?

The Brexit transition period could be extended by another year, claims the Daily Telegraph. The EU’s chief negotiator, Michel Barnier, has proposed the move, which would allow Theresa May more time to find a solution to the Irish border problem and to strike a trade deal with Brussels. It would mean Britain remaining tied to the European Union until the end of 2021, rather than December 31, 2020.

2. Are carcinogens responsible for the Grenfell cough?

"Huge concentrations" of toxins have been found in soil around the site of Grenfell tower. Prof Anna Stec says she has found the potential carcinogens in the dust and soil around the tower in west London and in burned debris. She said the so-called "Grenfell cough" reported by survivors "seems indicative of elevated levels of atmospheric contaminants".

3. HS2 impact will be far worse than thought admits firms

The impact of the HS2 railway link will be "far worse" than first feared, the firm behind the project has admitted. The line from London to Birmingham, Leeds and Manchester will lead to the destruction of almost 900 homes, 1,000 business premises and at least 61 ancient woodlands. The company added that there would be "adverse" health impacts on those relocated.

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4. Saudis say that journalist killing claims are 'baseless'

Saudi Arabia says accusations it ordered the killing of journalist Jamal Khashoggi inside its Istanbul consulate are "lies and baseless allegations". The denial comes 11 days after Mr Khashoggi was last seen entering the consulate, where Turkish sources allege he was killed by Saudi agents. Saudi Arabia is finding itself increasingly isolated over the issue.

5. Tory rebels say they will block Philip Hammond's budget

Philip Hammond has been told that Tory rebels may block his tax-raising budget. The chancellor says that tax breaks for pension saving, which benefit millions of middle and high earners, had become "eye-wateringly expensive". Just over two weeks before his third budget, Hammond needs to find some of the money to fund a promised £25 billion-a-year boost for the NHS.

6. Patisserie Valerie has been 'rescued' says chairman

Patisserie Valerie's chairman says he has "rescued the business" with a package that saved nearly 3,000 jobs and the company from collapse. Following a torrid 72 hours for the chain, Luke Johnson said it will be "business as normal" at the cafe chain and that his "huge personal commitment" to the business should be enough to reassure both shareholders and employees.

7. Princess Eugenie weds at star-studded Windsor ceremony

Princess Eugenie, the younger daughter of Prince Andrew and Sarah, Duchess of York, married Jack Brooksbank, a "tequila ambassador", at Windsor Castle yesterday. Stars, including Demi Moore, Robbie Williams, Ricky Martin, Liv Tyler and Kate Moss attended the marriage. A fairground-themed party with dodgems and a coconut shy lasted deep into the night.

8. Facebook could face 'mind-boggling' fines after data admission

Facebook says 30m accounts were affected in last month’s data breach. The social network giant also revealed that the hackers were able to access personal information for nearly half of those accounts, including name, relationship status, religion, birthdate, workplaces, search activity, and recent location check-ins. Pravin Kothari, CEO of security firm CipherCloud, said there could be "mind-boggling" fines.

9. Israeli forces shoot dead six more Palestinians

Israeli troops have shot dead six Palestinians in one of the deadliest days in months of mass protests along the security fence separating Gaza and Israel. The Gaza ministry said four were killed in one location, where the Israeli military said it opened fire on Palestinians who breached the fence and approached a military post. No Israeli troops were harmed in the incidents.

10. HS2 firm admits link's impact will be 'far worse' than feared

The impact of the HS2 railway link will be "far worse" than first feared, the firm behind the project has admitted. The line from London to Birmingham, Leeds and Manchester will lead to the destruction of almost 900 homes, 1,000 business premises and at least 61 ancient woodlands. It added that there would be "adverse" health impacts on those relocated.