Daily Briefing

Ten Things You Need to Know Today: Friday 22 Feb 2013

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

1. OSCAR PISTORIUS GRANTED BAIL

Oscar Pistorius has been granted bail by a South African court as he awaits trial on a charge that he murdered his girlfriend, Reeva Steenkamp. Magistrate Desmond Nair took almost two hours to announce his decision on the fourth day of the hearing. Pistorius wept and there were cheers as the decision was announced.

Oscar Pistorius granted bail after epic two-hour ruling

UK News

2. SECURITY SERVICES FEAR 'NIKE TERRORISTS'

The conviction yesterday of three Birmingham-based jihad extremists who were planning attacks that would have eclipsed the London 7/7 bombings marks the emergence of a new generation of "Nike terrorists", named for the sports brand's "Just do it" motto. Security services were alarmed at how quickly the men were able to find support for their "home grown" plot from al-Qaeda.

Birmingham bomb plot: fears over UK-born 'Nike terrorists'

Rennard scandal

3. LORD RENNARD DENIES SEX CLAIMS

Liberal Democrat peer Lord Rennard last night denied allegations of sexual impropriety made against him on Channel 4 News last night by women who have worked for the party. The women claimed he abused his position as party chief executive by touching them inappropriately and propositioning them. Rennard claims the C4 report is a total distortion of his character.

Nick Clegg under pressure over alleged Rennard cover-up

Health & Science

4. DOCTORS ATTACK PLAN TO WORK WEEKENDS

The doctors' union has attacked plans to offer a seven-day hospital service, saying the NHS has more urgent priorities than "catering for the convenience of the middle class" at the weekends. Paul Flynn, chairman of the BMA consultants' committee, said companies and school close at weekends and the already stretched NHS should too.

Is it just the middle classes who want a seven-day NHS?

UK News

5. SAVILE AND GIRLS WAS 'COMMON GOSSIP' - PAXO

Thousands of pages of transcripts from the BBC's Pollard Inquiry into the shelving of Newsnight's Jimmy Savile inquiry were published today. Jeremy Paxman told Pollard it was "common gossip at BBC that Savile liked young girls". Lord McAlpine accused the BBC of behaving like the "secret service" in blacking out criticism of senior executives.

Pollard review: edited witness statements a 'PR disaster'

Religion

6. POPE QUIT 'AFTER GAY CLERGY DISCOVERY'

Pope Benedict decided to retire after receiving a 300-page report that revealed a network of gay prelates inside the Vatican, the Italian newspaper La Repubblica has claimed. The Pope's spokesman refused to confirm or deny the report linking the 'Vatileaks' affair - in which his butler was convicted of selling secret documents - with the cabal of gay clergy who allegedly were being subjected to blackmail.

Pope quit after 'gay clergy network discovered in Vatican'

7. PETROL PRICES SET TO KEEP SOARING

UK petrol prices are expected to break the record high prices reached last March of 142.48p a litre by Easter this year. The AA has placed the blame for the soaring wholesale price of fuel on market speculators as well as the effects of the tumbling pound. The cost of filling a typical family car has risen by almost £5 in just six weeks.

8. IRAN TAKES 'ANOTHER PROVOCATIVE STEP'

Iran has begun installing advanced centrifuge machines for enriching uranium at its nuclear plant at Natanz, the UN nuclear watchdog has warned. The US State Department called it "another provocative step". International talks over Iran's nuclear programme, which Tehran insists is for peaceful purposes, are due to resume in Kazakhstan next week.

9. THREE DIE IN VEGAS SHOOT-OUT

Three people died and at least six others were injured in a shoot-out and car crash on the Las Vegas Strip yesterday. A gunman fired from a Range Rover Sport at a Maserati, which prompted the Maserati to bolt from the traffic lights, hitting a taxi which burst into flames. Both drivers and a taxi passenger died. The dispute started at a 'valet parking' stand at a casino hotel.

Film

10. HOT TICKET: STAMP'S SONG FOR MARION

British musical comedy drama, 'Song for Marion', is released in UK cinemas today. Terence Stamp plays a grumpy pensioner who reluctantly joins a choir to please his ailing wife Marion (Vanessa Redgrave). Also stars former Bond girl Gemma Arterton as the choir leader. "Utterly charming", says View London.

Stamp, Arterton and Redgrave charm in Song for Marion