Ten Things You Need to Know Today: Saturday 24 Nov 2018

1. May flies to Brussels - but will Spain block the deal?

Theresa May is travelling to Brussels ahead of a critical summit to formally sign off the Brexit deal. The PM will hold talks with European Union officials, before leaders of all 28 countries meet to endorse the agreement on Sunday. A major obstacle remains: Spain has said it will not attend unless a last-minute spat over Gibraltar is sorted out.

2. White House rejects government climate change report

Climate change will cost the United States economy hundreds of billions of dollars by the end of the century, according to a government report. The White House has rejected the report as inaccurate. Spokeswoman Lindsay Walters said the report was “largely based on the most extreme scenario, which contradicts long-established trends”.

3. Moscow is 'greater threat than Islamic State' says army

Russia is now a “far greater threat” to the UK's national security than Islamic State, says the head of the British army. Speaking to the Daily Telegraph, General Mark Carleton-Smith said Britain “cannot be complacent about the threat Russia poses” and that “the Russians seek to exploit vulnerability and weakness wherever they detect it”. London blames Moscow for the Salisbury poisoning and several cyber-attacks.

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4. Police officer hospitalised after London stabbing

A police officer has been stabbed while on duty outside a railway station in London. British Transport Police said the male officer was approached by a suspect outside Ilford Station and attacked with a knife. Although he was taken to hospital for treatment for his injuries, they are not thought to be life-threatening. A man has been arrested in connection with the incident.

5. DUP's Foster threatens May over Irish border backstop

DUP leader Arlene Foster will restate her party's opposition to the Irish border backstop in a speech to the annual conference later. Yesterday, she said the DUP would have to revisit its confidence and supply deal with the Tories if Theresa May's Brexit deal passes through parliament. The government says it is looking at ways to provide assurances to the DUP over the border backstop.

6. UK care firms cashing in despite providing inadequate service

Companies running inadequate UK care homes made a £113m profit, reports The Guardian. Analysis of 220 homes rated inadequate by recent inspection reports in England showed that at least 44 were owned by companies making millions in pre-tax profits. Many will receive government funding to care for residents.

7. Tijuana mayor declares crisis over caravan

The mayor of Tijuana has declared a humanitarian crisis in the border city. Juan Manuel Gastelum said he was asking the UN for aid to deal with approximately 5,000 Central American migrants. Donald Trump has claimed the caravan is filled with criminals, gang members and terrorists. Mexico has considered sending 20 tons of resources to Tijuana

8. Asylum: adult school pupil investigated by government

An adult asylum seeker who posed as a 15-year-old student is being investigated by the Home Office. The probe will examine how the man, who could be as old as 30, was allowed to join Stoke High School in Ipswich. The story arose when a pupil shared an image on social media with the message: “How's there a 30-year-old man in our maths class?”

9. Leading Syrian radio journalist shot dead in rebel city

A well-known Syrian radio journalist and activist has been shot dead by gunmen in the rebel-held Syrian province of Idlib. Raed Fares was killed in the north-western town of Kafranbel. His activism had enraged both militants and the Syrian government. He was attacked by Islamic State four years ago and left with broken bones and a punctured lung.

10. Married Bieber trying to emulate Jesus Christ

Justin Bieber has confirmed he is married and said he is trying to be more like Jesus Christ. The 24-year-old pop singer, who tied the knot with model Hailey Baldwin, told his 102m Instagram followers: “Relationships are hard and love isn't always easy but thank you Jesus for showing me how!”

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