Daily Briefing

Ten Things You Need to Know Today: Saturday 28 Jan 2012

The Week’s super-quick catch-up on the main news talking points, available from 8am daily

1. ARCHBISHOP WARNS PM ON GAY MARRIAGES
David Cameron will be acting like a "dictator" if he allows gay couples to get married, the Archbishop of York tells The Daily Telegraph. Dr John Sentamu said: "I don't think it is the role of the state to define what marriage is. It is set in tradition and history and you can't just [change it] overnight."
2. SYRIA ACCUSED OF 'RACIAL CLEANSING'
The Syrian army has been accused of "racial cleansing" as 14 members of one family were killed, allegedly because they were Sunni Arabs. Meanwhile, the UN Security Council met yesterday to consider a resolution against Syria. Over the past 10 months, more than 5,000 Syrian civilians have been killed.
3. DEMI MOORE 911 AUDIO RELEASED
Demi Moore was convulsing and "barely conscious" when she was rushed to hospital on Monday night, newly released audio of the emergency call made by her friends reveals. The friends tells the operator that the actress "smoked something" and adds: "She's been having some issues lately with some other stuff".
4. TWO CHARGED IN DECAPTIATION CASE
Two brothers from Stockport have been charged with the murder of John Grainger, whose decapitated body was found on fire in a car park on Thursday. His head was found nearby. Anthony Jenkins, 22, and Joseph Jenkins, 19 will appear at Stockport Magistrates Court later today.
5. NHS IN DANGER, WARN PROMINENT GPS
The NHS will be "in peril" if the Government's controversial health reforms are derailed, a group of leading GPs have warned. In a letter to The Daily Telegraph, they say the British Medical Association - which opposes the Health and Social Care Bill - is not representative of GPs.
6. DOREEN LAWRENCE ATTACKS CAMERON
The Prime Minister is "not doing enough to tackle racial prejudice", says the mother of murdered black teenager Stephen Lawrence. Doreen Lawrence tells The Guardian that police have stopped and searched her other son 20 times since Stephen was murdered and that she has been pulled over while driving.
7. PARALYSED MAN IN COURT VICTORY
A paralysed man who is pursuing his right to die secured immunity from prosecution for his lawyers and doctors at the High Court yesterday. Judges described the case of the 43-year-old man, who suffers from "locked-in" syndrome, as “tragic” and “exceptional". The man now plans to challenge policy on assisted suicide.
8. BULLET THREAT TO ANTON FERDINAND
A bullet has been sent to QPR defender Anton Ferdinand ahead of the club's FA Cup clash with Chelsea today, the first time the sides have met since Chelsea's John Terry was charged with racially abusing Ferdinand. Both clubs have announced that "full searches" will be carried out on all fans as they arrive.
9. CROWDS HEAR PAISLEY'S FINAL SERMON
Over 3,000 people flocked to hear the Rev Ian Paisley's final sermon as he ended six decades of full-time ministry. Now known as Lord Bannside, the 85-year-old preached his first sermon at the age of 16. The former DUP leader and Stormont First Minister stepped down from politics last year.
10. THREE OCCUPY ACTIVISTS ARRESTED
Three people have been arrested on suspicion of trespassing on diplomatic premises after Occupy London protestors briefly took over another building in the financial district. The protestors entered a building on Leadenhall Street which they say belongs to Rafidain Bank, a defunct Iraqi institution.