Ten Things You Need to Know Today: Wednesday 19 Dec 2018

1. Business groups ‘watching Brexit rows in horror’

The UK’s five main business groups, including the British Chambers of Commerce and Confederation of British Industry, have issued a joint statement saying firms are “watching in horror” as political infighting over Brexit continues. With only 100 days left until the UK leaves the EU, the groups say a no-deal Brexit is not a credible option.

2. Javid unveils tough post-Brexit immigration rules

Home Secretary Sajid Javid is today publishing long-delayed proposals for a tough new immigration system to be introduced after the UK leaves the EU. The plans do not include preferential treatment for European Union migrants over other groups. Instead, the existing £30,000 salary threshold imposed on non-EU migrants would also apply to those from EU states.

3. May to drop manifesto pledges for Brexit cash

A “senior figure” in government claims that Theresa May is preparing to drop manifesto commitments, including much-trumpeted reforms to social care, in order to find the extra funds needed to cope with a no-deal Brexit, The Times reports. The newspaper says a Department of Health aide confirmed that staff were already being moved off the project.

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4. J.K. Rowling ‘unapproachable’, says ex-PA

A former PA to J.K. Rowling yesterday told a court that the Harry Potter author had been a “generous” but “unapproachable” boss. Amanda Donaldson, 35, is accused of fraudulently using Rowling’s credit card for spending sprees. Donaldson, who denies the charges, told the court that Rowling once bought her a pushchair for her child.

5. Bank of England rebuked for £5m spending

The National Audit Office has rebuked the Bank of England for spending as much as £5m without keeping proper track of its outlay – and for having 800 unoccupied desks at its Threadneedle Street office in London. The regulator said Bank staff made 200 purchases above £25,000 without following policy procedures

6. Trump charity ‘little more than a chequebook’

Donald Trump’s charitable foundation, which he yesterday agreed to close down, was “little more than a chequebook to serve [his] business and political interests”, according to New York state prosecutor Barbara Underwood. Her office has brought a lawsuit against the Donald J. Trump Foundation, alleging unlawful political use of funds.

7. Dying neighbour leaves girl 14 years worth of presents

An elderly man bought and wrapped 14 years worth of presents for his neighbours’ young daughter before his death, it has emerged. Ken Watson of Barry, South Wales, was known as a “daredevil pensioner” for exploits including wing-walking. He passed away recently at the age of 86, leaving enough Christmas gifts for two-year-old Cadi Williams to see her through until she is 16.

8. Blind worm-like creature named after Trump

A blind worm-shaped amphibian that buries its head in the sand is to be named after Donald Trump in sarcastic reference to the US president’s denial of climate change. The animal, discovered in Panama, will be designated Dermophis donaldtrumpi, a name chosen by the head of a private firm which paid £20,000 for the privilege.

9. Hamilton: I’m proud to be from Stevenage

F1 star Lewis Hamilton yesterday back-pedalled after causing outrage in his home town by saying that driving had allowed him to escape its “slums”. In a video posted to social media, the 33-year-old told fans to ignore the furore over his comments at Sunday’s BBC Sports Personality of the Year show, and sent a message to the people of Stevenage that said he was “incredibly proud” of the town.

10. Briefing: the PewDiePie hacks explained

The Wall Street Journal has been hacked in the latest of a series of attacks by fans of YouTube star PewDiePie.

The US newspaper has launched an investigation after an article in the sponsored section of its online edition, WSJ.com, was edited to say that the publication would “like to apologize to pewdiepie” because he had been “misrepresented” by its journalists. So what is going on?

PewDiePie hacks: what’s going on?