Ten Things You Need to Know Today: Sunday 2 Dec 2018

1. Legal advice says 'Britain would be trapped in customs union'

Leaked details of the attorney-general’s legal advice suggest Britain would be trapped “indefinitely” in a customs union with Brussels if MPs back Theresa May’s Brexit deal. According to The Sunday Times, the PM is refusing to publish the advice because it contains a stark passage that makes clear the UK could end up locked in a “backstop” arrangement with the European Union.

2. Trade: US and China 'agree to halt new trade tariffs'

Donald Trump and China’s Xi Jinping have agreed to halt new trade tariffs for 90 days to allow for talks. After the two men met in Buenos Aires after the G20 summit, China says they agreed not to impose any new trade tariffs after 1 January. US officials say Trump will wait 90 days before imposing 25% tariffs to allow negotiations

3. More clashes during third weekend of Paris protests

Protesters have scaled the Arc de Triomphe in Paris and clashed with riot police during a third weekend of “yellow vest” rallies in the French capital. President Macron said those involved in the violence would be “held responsible for their acts”. The ongoing protests, initially over fuel tax, have grown into wider anger at higher living costs.

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4. 'Brexit Betrayal organiser' is a convicted kidnapper

An activist who claims to be one of the organisers of a Ukip rally and who attended a top level meeting with the party’s leader Gerard Batten, has a conviction for attempted kidnap. The Sunday Telegraph says that Daniel Thomas has been pivotal in preparations for “The Brexit Betrayal” march, at which the newly appointed Ukip advisor Tommy Robinson is expected to speak.

5. Putin refuses to return Ukrainian sailors seized by Moscow

Vladimir Putin says it is “too early” to return Ukrainian sailors and naval vessels seized by Russia in the Sea of Azov. The President accuses the Ukrainian government of provoking an incident as a distraction from domestic problems. “We need to establish the fact that this was a provocation by the Ukrainian government and we need to put all these things on paper,” he said.

6. Doctors investigated for prying Alex Ferguson's details

Two doctors and a senior hospital consultant are being investigated for illegally prying into Sir Alex Ferguson’s medical records while he was in hospital earlier this year. An audit of the computer system at Salford Royal hospital found that at least two nurses, who had no responsibility for his care, were accessing the football legend’s confidential medical notes out of personal curiosity.

7. Pope Francis troubled by 'fashion' of homosexuality

Pope Francis says he is “concerned” about what he describes as the “serious issue” of homosexuality. The pontiff said in an interview that being gay is a “fashion” to which the clergy is susceptible. “The issue of homosexuality is a very serious issue that must be adequately discerned from the beginning with the candidates,” he said in reference to would-be priests.

8. George HW Bush will lie in state next week

The body of former US president George HW Bush will lie in state next week ahead of a day of national mourning. Bush, who served as the 41st US president between 1989 and 1993, died late on Friday. An arrival ceremony will be held on Monday evening at the US Capitol. A funeral service will be held at a later date at the National Cathedral in Washington DC.

9. Fury and Wilder share thrilling draw in Los Angeles

Tyson Fury shared an enthralling draw with WBC heavyweight champion Deontay Wilder in Los Angeles. In what has been welcomed as one of the most thrilling heavyweight contests for years, the Brit was floored in the ninth round and dropped in the 12th. The match was scored 115-111 for Wilder, 114-112 for Fury and 113-113.

10. Corbyn on hand as Mexico's left-wing president sworn in

Mexico's first left-wing president in seven decades has been sworn in at a ceremony in the country's parliament. Andrés Manuel López Obrador, the former Mexico City mayor, has vowed to end corruption and impunity to transform the nation on behalf of the poor and marginalised. He won a landslide victory in July - his third bid for the top job. Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn was present at the ceremony.