Ten Things You Need to Know Today: Sunday 16 Dec 2018

1. 'Civil war' as May's aides plot second vote behind her back

Two of Theresa May’s most senior allies are preparing for a second EU referendum behind her back, in what The Sunday Times describes as “another Tory civil war”. David Lidington held talks with Labour MPs on Thursday in an effort to build a cross-party coalition for a new vote, and Gavin Barwell, the No 10 chief of staff, told a cabinet minister last week that holding a second referendum was “the only way forward”.

2. COP24 negotiators reach agreement on carbon cuts

Negotiators in Poland have reached agreement on a range of measures that will make the Paris climate pact operational in 2020. Delegates believe the new rules will ensure that countries keep their promises to cut carbon. The agreement was struck despite last-minute rows over carbon markets. “Putting together the Paris agreement work programme is a big responsibility,” said the chairman of the COP24 talks, Michal Kurtyka.

3. New chief of staff called Trump 'terrible human being'

A video has emerged showing Donald Trump's next chief of staff calling him a “terrible human being”. At a debate shortly before the November 2016 presidential election, Mick Mulvaney said: “Yes, I’m supporting Donald Trump; I’m doing so as enthusiastically as I can do. In fact, I think he’s a terrible human being.” The US president has previously tweeted that Mulvaney “has done an outstanding job” in his administration.

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4. Vladmir Putin wants to clamp down on 'degrading' rap music

Vladimir Putin has said he wants to control rap music so that it does not lead to “the degradation of the nation”. The Russian President told a meeting of cultural leaders in St Petersburg that they must come up with a means to “lead and direct” the genre. However, he expects resistance, as he believes “protest” is one of raps “three pillars” alongside “sex” and “drugs”.

5. Historic 3.2 tonnes ivory bust in Cambodia

Customs officials say Cambodia has seized more than 3.2 tonnes of elephant tusks hidden in a storage container sent from Mozambique. It is believed to be the country’s largest ivory bust. The discovery of 1,026 tusks at the Phnom Penh port followed a tip from the US embassy, the official said. Cambodia has a tiny elephant population but has emerged as a new trafficking hub, resulting in a series of seizures.

6. New row as Chelsea fans pictured holding 'Nazi' flag

Chelsea fans are in the headlines again after images posted on social media showed travelling fans in Budapest holding a Chelsea Headhunters flag featuring a Nazi symbol. A small section of Chelsea fans at the Groupama Arena that night were condemned for antisemitic chanting. Days earlier, Raheem Sterling was allegedly racially abused during Chelsea’s win over Manchester City, with four supporters subsequently suspended by the club.

7. Protests at US-Mexico border after girl dies in custody

There have been protests at the US-Mexico border after a seven-year-old girl who travelled north from Guatemala died in custody. Jakelin Caal Maquin was one of 163 people who handed themselves over to patrol agents. Customs and Border Protection told The Washington Post that the girl had not had anything to eat or drink in several days and was flown to hospital after she began to have seizures.

8. Tears as winners of Strictly Come Dancing are crowned

Stacey Dooley and Kevin Clifton have been named the winners of Strictly Come Dancing 2018. The broadcaster grabbed the top prize despite finishing bottom of the leaderboard. It was tearful Kevin's first victory after being a losing finalist four times on the BBC One show. The pair beat Joe Sugg, Ashley Roberts and Faye Tozer to win the series.

9. Prince Harry 'will miss traditional Boxing Day shoot'

Prince Harry will miss the customary Boxing Day pheasant shoot with his brother Prince William at Sandringham to avoid upsetting his animal-loving wife Meghan, claims the Mail on Sunday. Although Harry has taken part in the family event for more than 20 years, Meghan opposes blood sports and refuses to wear fur. Commentators say Harry’s absence will deepen alleged tensions between the siblings and their wives.

10. Brexit is 'sucking the life' out of the government

Brexit is “sucking the life” out of the government, a powerful cross-party group of MPs have warned. The chairpersons of six all-party select committees have signed a statement saying endless arguments over Britain’s withdrawal from the European Union are having a “serious detrimental effect” on wider domestic policy. Cabinet sources have admitted that the issue is forcing vital domestic business off the government’s timetable.