Daily Briefing

Ten Things You Need to Know Today: Monday 6 Feb 2012

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

Syria uprising
1. SYRIAN TROOPS RESUME HOMS SHELLING
The Syrian city of Homs is once again under heavy artillery fire from the army, according to a BBC correspondent who has entered the city. Mortar shells are falling every 30 seconds at times. On Saturday the UN's diplomatic efforts were frustrated by China and Russia, which vetoed a peace plan.
Hague faces calls to expel Syrian ambassador after Homs massacre
Politics
2. CLEGG BACKS ONSHORE WIND FARMS
Nick Clegg and energy secretary Ed Davey are today defying the 100 Tory MPs who have written to David Cameron demanding a "dramatic cut" in subsidies for onshore wind farms. The deputy PM will today reiterate his support for an industry which is "good for the planet … wallets, purses and pockets".
Wind farm-bashing Tories give Ed Davey a baptism of fire
UK snow
3. MET OFFICE WARNS MOTORISTS OF ICE
The Met Office has issued nine severe ice warnings for parts of England and Wales as motorists return to the roads in numbers for the first time since snow fell across the country on Saturday night. Many major roads are now clear of snow but drivers are warned to expect delays and to take care driving.
In pictures: Snow blankets much of the UK
Super Bowl XLVI
4. FINGER MALFUNCTION BLIGHTS SUPERBOWL
UK rapper M.I.A. has upset Americans by making an "obscene gesture" while mouthing an "expletive" as she joined Madonna onstage for the half time entertainment at the Super Bowl. In scenes reminiscent of Janet Jackson's famous nipple slip, NBC immediately apologised to viewers.
In pictures: Super Bowl XLVI
5. CONTADOR LOSES TOUR DE FRANCE TITLE
Spanish cyclist Alberto Contador has been stripped of the 2010 Tour de France title and banned from racing for two years after being found guilty of doping on appeal. He tested positive for clenbuterol during the 2010 tour, but claimed it came from a contaminated steak and was originally cleared.
Euro debt crisis
6. CRISIS TALKS TO RESUME OVER GREECE
Nicolas Sarkozy and Angela Merkel are holding a joint Franco-German cabinet session in Paris today where they will discuss the Greek governing coalition's failed attempt on Sunday to agree to back a proposed £108bn EU rescue plan for the country's troubled economy which may default.
Is Greece about to default - or is this just brinkmanship?
7. RAIL BOSS BONUSES UNDER PRESSURE
The coalition is piling pressure on Network Rail to reject a £20m bonus package for six senior executives after the public outrage over bonuses at nationalised banks shifted to other public sector workers. Transport secretary Justine Greening will take the unusual step of attending the company's AGM.
8. QUEEN: 'I DEDICATE MYSELF ANEW'
Sixty years ago today, she was told that her father had died and she would become queen. Now, Elizabeth II has formally rededicated herself to the service of the nation in a statement to mark the start of her diamond jubilee year, suggesting she is in no mood to hand over to her son – or grandson.
England manager
9. CAPELLO: TERRY SHOULD KEEP CAPTAINCY
England manager Fabio Capello has broken rank with the FA to join the growing number of voices saying John Terry should not have been stripped of the team captaincy as he awaits trial for a racially aggravated public order offence. He told an Italian TV station last night he objected to the FA decision.
Capello at war with FA over decision to sack John Terry
10. HOT TICKET: KATIE MELUA
The Georgia-born, British chanteuse makes a rare appearance at Ronnie Scott’s tonight, singing the song that made her famous, ‘Closest Thing To Crazy’, as well as numbers from her new album 'Secret Symphony'. “An angel on the microphone”, says The Independent. Until 7 February.