Ten Things You Need to Know Today: Wednesday 17 Nov 2010

published 17 November 2010

Our popular news catch-up service is posted Monday to Friday at 8.0 am. You can rely on it to keep you up to date through the working day with the main news talking points. ROYAL FAMILY 'SHOULD FUND WEDDING CEREMONY'The Royal Family must pay the entire costs of the wedding of Prince William and Kate Middleton, whose engagement was announced yesterday, because it is "a private matter", says anti-monarchist group Republic. The Taxpayers' Alliance said a "lavish ceremony" during a time of austerity would be inappropriate. A royal spokesman said the couple would be "mindful of the economic situation". Pressure mounts for a non-lavish royal wedding A GOOD DAY TO BURY PHOTOGRAPHERSAs The Mole reported yesterday, David Cameron has rescinded the appointments of a photographer and videographer to the government payroll following a storm of protest at such "vanity" appointments. Cameron's decision was revealed shortly before the royal engagement was announced - leading to accusations that he was trying to "bury bad news" on a day when he knew the tabloid headlines would all be about William and Kate. The Mole: Cameron rescinds 'vanity' photographer appointment TRAPPED DRIVERS RESCUED IN CORNISH FLOODS Motorists are being advised not to travel in Cornwall after floods caused chaos in the county. Rescue helicopters have been used to rescue drivers trapped in their cars by flood waters rising up to 6ft. Many roads are closed and some schools are shut. The main train line from Penzance to Paddington is closed because of a landslide at St Austell. In pictures: Cornwall floods KATE MOSS NAMED BEST DRESSED OF THE DECADEKate Moss (above) has been named Best Dressed of the Decade by US Vogue in an end-of-year special supplement. Fellow Brits Alexa Chung and Carey Mulligan also made the Best Dressed list of 10 women, as 'Street Cool' and 'Free Spirit' respectively. Vogue said: "No one has had more influence for the past decade on the way women have dressed than Kate Moss." AT LEAST ONE DEAD IN SUNNINGDALE INCIDENT At least one man is dead following a serious incident in Sunningdale, Berkshire this afternoon. First reports suggested that police had foiled a bank robbery. Three men were seen being led from a white van. Thames Valley Police said: "There has been a serious incident at the location and the roads are closed and likely to be closed for some time." IRAQI PRESIDENT BLOCKS TARIQ AZIZ HANGING The president of Iraq, Jalal Talabani, has refused to sign the death warrant of Saddam Hussein's former deputy Tariq Aziz, who was condemned to hang in October for persecuting Shiite Muslim religious parties. "I cannot sign an order of this kind because I am a Socialist," Talabani told France 24. However, the Iraqi parliament is able to overcome any presidential veto. EUROZONE CRISIS: IRELAND BAILOUT IN PLACE The European Union is in "a survival crisis" according to Herman Van Rompuy, president of the European Council, because of the threat posed by Ireland's finances. A rescue package is being put in place, but the Irish still hope to avoid a bailout because they want to keep control of their fiscal programme - including the super-low 12.5 per cent corporation tax. Briefing: the Irish crisis CAPE TOWN MURDER: 'IT WAS NOT RECKLESS'The Bristol man whose wife was murdered in a township outside Cape Town says it was her decision to ask the taxi driver to show the newlyweds "the real South Africa". But Shrien Dewani denied the decision to leave the motorway and head into Gugulethu was either reckless or careless. Local police say a 26-year-old man is being questioned about the carjacking and murder. British bride murdered in Cape Town BROADBAND BLACKSPOTS: BAD LUCK FARNINGHAM A survey of broadband blackspots in Britain shows that people living in rural areas are much more likely to receive a poor service. The Kent village of Farningham fares worst with an average download speed of only 1.30Mb. According to Top10.com, that means 45 minutes to download an album and 12 hours to download a film. STUDENTS TARGET CLEGG'S CONSTITUENCY Student activists have decided to increase the pressure on Lib Dem leader Nick Clegg following his perceived U-turn on tuition fees - by taking their protest to his constituency, Sheffield Hallam. The Education Activist Network has told The First Post that it is organising a walkout at Sheffield University on November 24 and a march to the town hall. Get Clegg! Jilted students target Lib Dem love rats