Ten Things You Need to Know Today: Sunday 4 Nov 2018

1. Has Theresa May agreed a secret Brexit deal?

Theresa May has secured private concessions from the EU that will allow her to keep the whole of Britain in a customs union, avoiding a hard border in Northern Ireland, according to sources quoted in The Sunday Times. The report claims the PM is also set to agree a political deal with the European Union that could allow a free trade deal resembling that enjoyed by Canada.

2. Eight children injured as inflatable slide collapses in Surrey

Eight children have suffered “potentially serious injuries” after a giant inflatable slide collapsed at a fireworks display in Surrey. Police declared a major incident at Woking Park after the children fell from the slide at about 7.30pm on Saturday. All of the patients were taken to major trauma centres in London, one flown by air ambulance.

3. Joe Biden calls on American voters to reject division

Former vice president Joe Biden has called on US voters to reject division in this week’s mid-term elections, warning them that they are in a battle for the soul of their country. According to opinion polls, Democrats could take the 23 extra seats they need for a majority in the House of Representatives, but the Republicans are forecast to retain the Senate.

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4. Minister admits northern leg of HS2 may be scrapped

The Transport Secretary has admitted that the northern leg of HS2 may never be built. Admitting that the entire project could be dramatically scaled back due to public opposition, Chris Grayling said that the second phase of the line, which would connect Birmingham to Leeds, was “not in the bag”. Sir Terry Morgan, the chairman of HS2 Ltd, said “without the northern section of HS2 there isn’t a business case for the line at all”.

5. Business leaders call for public vote on Brexit plan

More than 70 business leaders have signed a letter calling for a public vote on the Brexit deal. Among those arguing that a “destructive hard Brexit” will damage the UK economy are the boss of Waterstones and former Sainsbury's chief Justin King. However, Downing Street says the Prime Minister is clear that there would be no new referendum.

6. Asia Bibi's husband makes urgent plea for asylum

The husband of the Pakistani Christian woman acquitted of blasphemy has pleaded for asylum from the UK, US or Canada. Asia Bibi's husband, Ashiq Masih, said he and his wife are in danger in Pakistan. Her acquittal caused violent protests, and the government has now agreed to try to stop her leaving the country. She was convicted in 2010 of insulting the Prophet Muhammad during a row with neighbours.

7. William and Harry say Charles took them litter-picking

Princes William and Harry say that Prince Charles once took them litter picking in Norfolk. The environmentalist Prince of Wales gave his sons steel spikes and black plastic bags, they have revealed. “Both of us thought, ‘This is perfectly normal, everyone must do it,’” said William. Meanwhile, Charles and Meghan have forged a strong bond because they're “both from dysfunctional families,” says the Mail on Sunday.

8. Schmeichel trembles in emotional weekend for Leicester City

Leicester goalkeeper Kasper Schmeichel said he was “shaking” during the warm-up before yesterday’s 1-0 win at Cardiff, the team’s first game since owner Vichai Srivaddhanaprabha and four others were killed in a helicopter crash at King Power Stadium. Leicester City players are flying to Thailand to attend the funeral of Srivaddhanaprabha. The ceremony began at a Bangkok temple yesterday.

9. New Caledonia voters polled on independence question

Voters in the French Pacific territory of New Caledonia are taking to the polls in a referendum on whether to remain part of France or become independent. Although pro-independence groups have told Kanak voters to cast off the “shackles of colonial authorities” in Paris, polls suggest a majority of voters will reject independence. French nationalism is strong among the territory's ethnic Europeans.

10. 'Sexting' Tory says he was having a breakdown

A former Tory MP forced to quit as a minister after sending two barmaids more than 2,000 explicit text messages says that he was suffering a “manic episode” at the time. Andrew Griffiths says he then had a breakdown and spent 31 days in a mental health hospital. He adds that he is “working on his marriage” with wife Kate, who gave birth to their first child in April.