British journalist Sami Hamdi ‘to be released following ICE detention’

British journalist and commentator Sami Hamdi is to be released and returned to the UK after being detained by ICE.

The activist and outspoken critic of Israel’s military action in Gaza was arrested by US immigration agents at San Francisco International Airport on 26 October.

Mr Hamdi had spoken at a gala for a chapter of the Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR), in California and was heading to Florida for another event prior to his arrest.

His wife Soumaya Hamdi said that, during his time in detention, the father-of-three had suffered a medical emergency while in custody and experienced delays in treatment.

She told The Independent that her husband’s immigration hearing was due to be held on Monday 10 November after being postponed following an administrative error.

The campaign for his release shared a statement on Monday, writing: “Alhamdulillah [praise be to God], good news.

“The government has agreed to release Sami. He will be able to return home soon insha’Allah [God willing]. Additional details forthcoming.”

In a post shared on the campaign’s Instagram page, a statement said: “Alhamdulilah, Sami’s legal team, CAIR-CA, and Hassan Ahmad and MLFA today welcome an agreement to release British Muslim journalist Sami Hamdi from politically motivated ICE detention.”

The statement continued: “Sami is choosing to leave the U.S. and reunite with his family and will insha’Allah [God willing] continue speaking truth to power, inspiring us all.”

CAIR-CA (California) CEO Hussam Ayloush said on Monday: “Sami’s case shows how quickly our government officials are willing to sacrifice our First Amendment and free press when a journalist uses his platform to dare put America first before Israel.

“His forthcoming release is welcome, but it does not erase the message this sends to every activist and journalist watching – and every authoritarian dictatorship worldwide who can now claim they are following America’s example.”

Department of Homeland Security assistant secretary Tricia McLaughlin was unapologetic in a statement after the journalist’s arrest.

“Under President Trump, those who support terrorism and undermine American national security will not be allowed to work or visit this country,” she said. “It’s common sense.”

The official cited a report from the advocacy group Rise Align Ignite Reclaim (RAIR), which the Southern Poverty Law Center has previously described as an anti-Muslim hate group, about Hamdi in the post announcing the arrest.

RAIR accused Hamdi of endorsing terrorism and operating alongside foreign terror networks through his various speaking engagements, claims which he and his team have denied.

His detention was one of the latest high-profile attempts by Donald Trump’s administration to identify and potentially expel thousands of foreigners in the United States who it says have either fomented or participated in unrest or publicly supported protests against Israel’s military operations in Gaza.

The administration has denied visas to applicants whose social media histories have been critical of its policies, as rights groups have warned of violations of the rights of citizens’ constitutional protections of freedom of speech.

The Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office had said: “We are in contact with and providing consular assistance to a British man detained in the USA. We are in touch with the local authorities and his family in the UK.”

Jobless rate hits highest since Covid in blow to Reeves before Budget

Unemployment in Britain has risen to the highest level in close to five years, after Office for National Statistics (ONS) data showed a higher-than-expected rise to five per cent in the three months to September.

That’s an increase from 4.8 per cent up to August and the highest level since early 2021 – while wage growth has also slowed further, signalling a weakened labour market.

Most analysts had forecast a jobless rate of 4.9 per cent, according to Pantheon Macroeconomics.

The ONS said average regular wage growth also pulled back again, to 4.6 per cent in the three months to September, down from 4.7 per cent in the previous three months, and was 0.8 per cent higher after taking Consumer Prices Index (CPI) inflation into account.

Wage growth is now the lowest seen since April 2022.

In further evidence of a tough jobs market, the ONS said the number of workers on UK payrolls fell by 32,000 during October to 30.3m, following a 32,000 drop the previous month.

ONS director of economic statistics Liz McKeown said: “Taken together these figures point to a weakening labour market.

“The number of people on payroll is falling, with revised tax data now showing falls in most of the last 12 months. Meanwhile the unemployment rate is up in the latest quarter to a post-pandemic high.”

Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, Pat McFadden said: “Over 329,000 more people have moved into work this year already, but today’s figures are exactly why we’re stepping up our plan to Get Britain Working.

“We’ve introduced the most ambitious employment reforms in a generation to modernise jobcentres, expand youth hubs and tackle ill-health through stronger partnerships with employers.

“And this week we’re going further by launching an independent investigation that will bolster our drive to ensure all young people are earning or learning.”

Experts are now raising the prospect of an interest rates cut in December, after the Bank of England (BoE) opted to hold tight at 4 per cent base rate last week – albeit by a split vote.

Thomas Pugh, chief economist at audit firm RSM UK said: “A rise in the unemployment rate, the highest level since the pandemic, and a further slowing in private sector pay growth throws the door wide open to a December rate cut – as long as the budget is as deflationary as the Chancellor hinted at last week.”

Deutsche Bank’s chief UK economist, Sanjay Raja, noted that the voting members of the BoE – the Monetary Policy Committee – had asked for more data before committing to a cut, which this will form a part of.

“Big picture, bar any revisions, today’s data speaks to two things: one, there’s more slack building in the labour market – and perhaps more so than assumed by the MPC in its November projections; and two, pay momentum continues to slow. Both should be encouraging for the MPC,” he said.

“Indeed, Governor Bailey talked up the need for a larger accumulation of evidence for the MPC to cut Bank Rate later this year. And today’s data should give the majority of the MPC some added confidence that weakness in the labour market is translating into weaker pay momentum, which should ultimately feed through into inflation in the months and quarters to come.”

A statement from the Trades Union Congress (TUC) after the figures were announced noted there were “no easy fixes” for the job market but urged Rachel Reeves to put workers’ rights at the heart of her announcement later this month.

“Living standards and decent jobs must be at the heart of the Budget,” said TUC general secretary Paul Nowak.

“Households up and down the country are still feeling the pinch, with real pay sluggish. After years of falling living standards there is still much ground to make up.

“The government is on the right track with serious public investment, stronger workers’ rights and improving the support people need to get into work.

“The Chancellor must build on this at the Budget by boosting living standards and bringing down household bills, sustaining investment in our infrastructure and continuing to repair our public services.”

Additional reporting by PA

St George’s flags create ‘no go zones’ for NHS staff, trust staff warn

St George’s flags are creating “no go zones” for NHS staff, with some facing frequent abuse, health leaders have warned.

Several NHS trust chief executives and leaders have said that staff feel intimidated by the presence of the flags across the country, including when they are visiting people in their own homes to give them treatment.

It comes as a poll of senior managers found 45 per cent were extremely concerned about discrimination towards NHS staff from patients and the public, while a further 33 per cent were moderately concerned.

One trust leader spoke anonymously and they said there were particular issues with nurses entering people’s homes alone when they work in the community. When St George’s flags went up, staff members of minority ethnicities felt “deliberately intimidated”.

“You’re going in on your own, you’re locking the door behind you,” he said. “I have been into homes with people who have been convicted of sex offences, and we go in and provide care to them.

“It can be a really precarious situation, and they (the nurses) handle that absolutely brilliantly”, he added. “We saw during the time when the flags went up – our staff, who are a large minority of black and Asian staff, feeling deliberately intimidated.

“It felt like the flags were up creating no go zones. That’s what it felt like to them.”

The trust leader added he thought that this was “designed to feel” intimidating and exclusionary for the staff, who had seen “individual instances of aggression”.

Another NHS trust leader said one member of their staff, who is white and has mixed-race children, had asked some people putting up flags to move so she could park her car.

“The individuals filmed what was happening, and then followed her, and she continued to receive abuse over a series of several days, not because she objected to the flags, but because she disturbed them,” they said.

They added that this was one of many stories of staff facing abuse as a result of the flag-raising operation.

Daniel Elkes, chief executive of NHS Providers, which represents trusts, said that the NHS relied on overseas recruitment and couldn’t deliver without a diverse workforce.

“We have a really diverse workforce, and without that, you can’t deliver the NHS,” he said. “We are trying to recruit from the very places where we provide healthcare, so the intake into the NHS is representative of British people from more diverse backgrounds.”

A large number of St George’s Flags were raised across the UK over the summer as part of a controversial movement called “Operation Raise the Colours”, backed by far-right figures. In the midst of the movement, a Chinese takeaway in York was covered in racist graffiti and St George’s crosses.

It comes as NHS Providers said the resident doctor strike, scheduled to start next Friday, could wipe out a “once-in-a-generation” chance to fix the NHS. Industrial action, which will last five days, could badly affect NHS recovery, it said.

The NHS Providers’ annual survey of health leaders and managers found that while a growing proportion report high or very high quality care for patients, concerns remain over industrial action, finances and winter pressures.

Regarding strikes, one NHS leader said: “When people take industrial action, you have to then spend a huge amount of time covering their shifts, which means that you don’t have the staffing that you would have had had they not been on industrial action – and your focus is all about how to keep the most people safe.

“You’re not as focused on treating everybody as well as you could… There is a risk that people will die who wouldn’t otherwise have come to harm.”

Prince William urges youth to wear red poppy to honour troops

The Prince of Wales is set to deliver a video message to young people across the UK for Armistice Day.

William will emphasise the significance of wearing a red poppy and declare that “remembrance is for everyone”.

His address will be broadcast during the Royal British Legion’s virtual Remembrance Assembly on Tuesday morning.

The event will connect children aged 9-14 in schools, libraries, and other learning environments nationwide.

In his message, the prince says: “Armistice Day is an important time for us to stop and reflect – it is a reminder that remembrance is for everyone.

“When we remember, we connect with service in a personal way.”

William’s message goes on to say: “We learn from the courage of others, and we carry their stories forward, so they are not forgotten.

“It’s not just about the past – it’s about shaping who we become in the future.

“Remembrance teaches us empathy, resilience and responsibility.

“And when we wear a red poppy or take a moment of silence, we are saying, ‘Thank you. We have not forgotten, and we will not forget’.”

William will encourage young people to remember veterans and serving members of the armed forces alike.

“Through my own military experience, as well as through my work in connection with units across the Royal Navy, the Army and the Royal Air Force, I have seen first-hand the hard work, dedication and duty the armed forces carry out to ensure we are protected,” his message will say.

“Coming together for remembrance is a vital way to honour those whose service keeps us safe.

“Even today, as we continue to face a number of conflicts across the world, we honour those who have gone before us, and those who are serving now.

“Their memories matter, their lives matter, and they remind us to be respectful, kind, brave and thoughtful every day.”

The online learning event created in partnership with the National Literacy Trust will be accessible on YouTube or Zoom from 10.25am, and includes a two-minute silence at 11am, the RBL said.

It will also include first-hand testimonies from Second World War veterans, including 101-year-old George Durrant, who served in Burma from 1944 in the Intelligence Corps, and 100-year-old Prince Albert Jacob, who joined the Royal Air Force aged 17 and travelled to the US and Britain to repair planes.

Meanwhile the Princess of Wales will attend the Service of Remembrance at the National Memorial Arboretum in Staffordshire, which will begin at 10.45am with a two-minute silence at 11am, followed by a wreath laying on the Armed Forces Memorial.

The service will feature the reading of a specially commissioned poem by the arboretum’s poet in residence, Arji Manuelpillai.

“A Sonnet For Us All captures the stories etched into the hundreds of memorials within the National Memorial Arboretum, it invites people to listen, reflect and consider the emotion that was the inspiration for these sculptures,” Mr Manuelpillai said.

“These human connections, and the gentle responsibility to carry love forward, are themes that resonate not only with me, but also with HRH The Princess of Wales, for whom the importance of service and compassion lies especially close to the heart.”

Once the service has concluded, Kate will view newly dedicated names on the Armed Forces Memorial before meeting veterans in attendance at the service, the arboretum said.

Later on Tuesday, William will join the King and Queen at Windsor Castle where a reception will honour veterans who served in the Pacific during the Second World War.

The event, which the Duke of Edinburgh and the Duchess of Gloucester will also attend, continues the commemorations for the 80th anniversary of VJ Day (Victory over Japan).

Reform council led by ‘captain chaos’ accused of risking public safety

The leader of Reform UK’s “flagship” council has been branded “captain chaos” by a union boss after councillor suspensions have created a “threat to public safety”.

Reform UK took control of Kent County Council (KCC) in May winning 57 of the 81 seats, but they now sit with 48 councillors after a string of suspensions and removals.

The chair and vice-chair of the Kent and Medway Fire Authority were two of the affected councillors, leaving the authority in “disarray”, according to the Fire Brigades Union (FBU).

Steve Wright, the FBU general secretary, called for the KCC administration to “get a grip” of the structures which appear to have broken down.

“This situation is a shambles and a threat to public safety. Without sound governance, fire and rescue services will not be able to do their jobs properly,” Mr Wright said. “The public has a right to expect that its emergency services are accountable to them and their elected representatives. At the moment, the structures for that have broken down in Kent.

“It’s time for the council administration to get a grip.”

Kent’s Fire and Rescue chief executive cannot sanction large spending without the Fire Authority, which is currently missing key members. Former chair of the Fire Authority Brian Black, along with Robert Ford, Paul Thomas and Oliver Bradshaw, have all been kicked out of Reform UK. Isabella Kemp, who was vice-chair, was suspended last week ahead of a full council meeting.

The FBU says that local union representatives have written to the KCC leader Linden Kemkaran asking for a meeting but have not received a response. With a budget of more than £2.5bn, Ms Kemkaran has said KCC is a “shop window” for what Reform UK could do if it ran the country.

Joe Weir, an FBU executive council member for the South East, said: “Kent firefighters work around the clock to keep the public safe. The least they deserve is political leadership that functions.

“Since Reform took over the council in May, we have seen a deeply worrying lack of care and diligence. The FBU has written to Linden Kemkaran, or ‘captain chaos’ as she is becoming known, to ask for a meeting, but nothing has been forthcoming.

“The FBU will continue to defend the safety and welfare of firefighters, as well as the safety of the public.”

In a speech in the council chamber last Thursday, Ms Kemkaran drew parallels between the recent suspensions and her son’s army training.

“Some had quit because they couldn’t hack it, others have been thrown out for bad behaviour, because they weren’t good enough or they weren’t team players – not up to the challenge or were simply unable or unwilling to accept discipline,” she said.

The co-Labour group leaders at KCC, Alistair Brady and Vince Maple have said it is clear that “the Reform UK chaos” is “spreading beyond KCC”.

“This undoubtedly poses more questions to be answered about the Reform UK political leadership of KCC who would have selected these councillors before sacking them,” they said.

Mark Hood, leader of the Green group at KCC, who is one of the members of the Fire Authority, has said the FBU are “absolutely right” to sound the alarm.

“Luckily we have some experienced figures still in place but this underlines why Reform are unfit to control the services that the people of Kent rely on,” said Mr Hood.

Reform UK has been contacted for comment.

From cuisine and culture to history and nature, find the ideal cruise

If you want to see the world from a fresh perspective, then taking to the water is a great way to do it. Not only can travelling by ship  take you to far flung corners of the globe, it can also show you a different side of your favourite destinations and provide some unique experiences, from spotting rare wildlife and glancing remote landscapes to seeing iconic sights from a whole new viewpoint. From epic adventures exploring Antarctica or uninhabited archipelagos in the South Pacific, to itineraries taking the cultural capitals of Europe or sampling the cuisine of South East Asia, there’s a trip for everyone, whatever your passion or wherever you’d like to go.

Combining a cruise with carefully curated time on land gives you the best of both worlds. Audley cruise offerings are tailor made, with the land and water elements of your trip meticulously planned to create a bespoke itinerary that’s as relaxing or as adventure packed as you wish. Audley’s cruise experts will listen to what your dream trip looks like and help you pick the best route, ship and experiences to bring it to life. They work with a range of cruise partners, hand picking vessels for their facilities, service, onboard activities and the experiences they offer in port, so you’ll enjoy the journey just as much as the destination.

Each Audley trip is tailor-made to the traveller – but if you need some inspiration, here’s a taste of the adventures you can experience.

A cruise can offer immersive cultural experiences, from learning about a country’s centuries old traditions to touring cities with world-class galleries and museums. One of the benefits of a cruise is that you can explore multiple stops, giving you plenty of time to take in each destination and tailor the trip to your specific interests.

“For example, a 24 day cruise around Japan visits 10 different ports,” says Audley cruise specialist Caroline. “In the city of Sakaiminato, you can explore the artistry of Japan with a guided visit that takes in both the Adachi Museum of Art and the Yushien Garden. The museum provides a deep dive into Japan’s contemporary art before you head to a nearby island to explore the exuberant peony beds at Yushien. The garden is most spectacular in the spring, but carefully timed plantings mean you’ll always see many of the 250 types of peonies in gloriously full bloom.”

Or how about exploring the art cities of Italy in the largest five-masted, full-rigged sailing ship in the world – a romantic call-back to the golden age of sailing? You’ll enjoy personal tours of the Colosseum and Sistine Chapel in Rome, explore Florence’s Renaissance heritage and discover hidden haunts in Venice.

Audley can make sure your time at sea is just as enriching, with ships that include a variety of experiences and activities to choose from – from expert talks and lectures on subjects like art history, archaeology and local wildlife to art classes like watercolour painting to glassblowing.

With cruises covering all seven continents, and many featuring unique culinary experiences, there’s plenty of trips to tickle the tastebuds of foodies. Wine lovers will enjoy a river cruise of Portugal’s Douro region that takes in port houses in the vibrant city of Porto and stops at vineyards along the picturesque Douro Valley. You’ll enjoy a traditional home cooked meal at a quinta (country house), visit Mateus Palace and Gardens — home of the famous rosé wine – and finish the trip in Madrid, sampling the local tapas.

On a Bali to Bangkok trip you can check out the Indonesian street-food scene, trying delicacies such as Java’s rawon (a black beef soup) and Bangkok’s drunken noodles. In Singapore, watch locals haggle for seafood and spices in the markets and try a Singapore Sling in the very place they were invented: Raffles’ Long Bar.

Wherever you’re heading, the options are just as tasty on board the ship. “The larger and medium-sized cruises we’ve chosen to work with always offer a variety of dining options,” explains  Audley cruise specialist Franki. “With usually at least one buffet-style restaurant, and also usually at least a couple of specialty restaurants, such as trattorias or steakhouses. Audley hand-picks the best vessels with some also offering cooking demonstrations and wine tasting.

From experiencing the world’s wildest and most remote landscapes to spotting rare species, travelling by water offers one-of-a-kind adventures for nature lovers. “No other type of voyage gets you as close to unpeopled landscapes or feeds your curiosity about the world’s wildlife and habitats as expedition cruises,” says Audley cruise specialist Caroline, “Wherever you are, expedition leaders will help root you in your destination, pointing out intriguing features and what to look for.”

There’s also plenty of expert knowledge you can tap into onboard, as Audley cruise specialist Jon explains. “Many of our polar expedition cruises are accompanied by leading researchers who can enlighten you on the icy formations and distinctive wildlife you sail past. Some ships also feature onboard helicopters, offering you the chance to follow the flight paths of Arctic birds and get a rare glimpse of this pristine landscape from the air.”

In the Galapagos Islands, for example, Audley’s Luxury Ecuador and Galapagos tour includes a seven night expedition around the islands where you’ll come face to face with countless incredible species from iguanas, penguins and albatross to sea lions, sea turtles and sharks. The trip also includes a stay in a luxury lodge in the Ecuadorian cloudforest, surrounded by 400 types of wildlife.

A cruise is also the ideal way to discover the landscapes of Alaska. You’ll sail down through fjords, past glaciers and waterfalls – with the option to kayak to the places your cruise ship can’t reach. You might spot otters, seals, sea lions, porpoises, and even orca whales in the water or, on shore, moose, mountain goats and wolves. At the end of the cruise, there’s a stay in Great Bear Rainforest on Berry Island, a haven for bears, whales, marine mammals and birds.

With knowledgeable local experts on hand across the globe, Audley cruises allow you to delve into the history of a destination. A cruise of Croatia’s cities and coasts offers all the spectacular scenery you’d expect – but also give you the chance to walk Dubrovnik’s UNESCO-protected walled city with an expert guide, explore the medieval streets of Šibenik and visit a working 13th century monastery on the island of Visovak.

If you like your history to be ancient, try a luxury river cruise along the Nile, with an exclusive private tour of the pyramids of Giza, Saqqara and Dahshur, and visits to other significant sites including ancient tombs in the Luxor Valley of the Kings and the Temple of Horus, all with an expert local guide ensuring you get the most out of the experience.

With Audley, experiences on land are carefully planned to fit seamlessly with your cruise. “As your trip takes shape, I’ll take care of every aspect of your voyage.” says Audley cruise specialist Steph. “If I need to, I’ll call on the expertise of our most experienced destination-specific specialists to help you make the most of your time – wherever you’d like to go.”

Fellow Audley cruise specialist Jon adds: “Some trips span vast geographical routes, jumping between a myriad of countries that are often challenging to link in one trip. That involves a lot of moving parts, but your specialist will take care of all the logistics so you can focus on getting the most out of your time on land and water.”

With all the organising in hand, you’ll have plenty of time to soak everything in before you set sail again to continue your dream journey.

Audley offer bespoke land-and-sea cruises that you can tailor to your personal travel passions. To find out more and start planning your trip, visit Audley

New £500 levy proposed for business class and private jet flyers

Business and first class passengers, as well as private jet users, could face a “solidarity levy” of around £500 under proposals to be discussed at the UN Cop30 summit in Belem, Brazil. Such journeys generate much higher emissions per passenger than basic economy class.

The governments of France, Spain and Kenya have demanded “a special focus on premium flyers” with the proceeds of a levy going to “resilient investments and fair transitions”.

But the International Air Transport Association (Iata) has dismissed the idea from the Global Solidarity Levies Task Force as “crazy”.

The task force submission to Cop30 says: “A levy on premium flyers and private jets implemented globally could raise €78bn [£68bn] per year.”

According to the Iata, 117 million travellers flew in premium classes in 2024. Analysis by a Swedish researcher calculated that emissions from private jets climbed by nearly half in the four years to 2023.

While the number of passengers flying on private jets is not clear, The Independent calculates around 5 million such flights were made in 2025. Assuming an average of four passengers on each aircraft, that adds 20 million to the number of travellers who could be affected by the levy.

Were the levy to be applied equally to passengers, it would add about £500 per person to the cost of such a flight.

The aim, says the task force, is to ensure “a minimal impact on households and businesses while maximising the impact the revenues can have for climate and development”.

The task force says: “A significant share of the revenues raised by solidarity levies would be used domestically, including in developing countries where it would contribute to enhancing domestic resource mobilisation to support climate and development priorities.”

But Thomas Reynaert, senior vice president for external affairs at Iata, told The Independent: “It’s a bit crazy that this comes up at Cop30.

“The principle, unfortunately, is very much the same as we’ve seen with a lot of so-called green taxes or ticket taxes: it’s not going to resolve your emissions problem.”

Airlines are committed to reaching net zero carbon emissions by 2050 under an international framework called the Carbon Offsetting and Reduction Scheme for International Aviation (Corsia).

Mr Reynaert said: “We in aviation have made a lot of effort. Airlines have committed to contribute up to $60bn (£47bn) in climate finance.

“The tax that is being discussed at Cop30 is actually counterproductive and beside the point. The real instrument to get emissions down is Corsia, not just yet another tax. It is a proven system, one that works and is internationally accepted, so we really should continue and go full speed with that.”

According to the travel policy published by the United Nations in 2013, UN staff are entitled to travel in business class “when a single leg journey is nine hours or more, or for multi-leg journeys, the combined travel time of the journey is 11 hours or more”.

With no nonstop flights from the organisation’s New York HQ, staff travelling to Cop30 are believed to qualify for business class travel.

Unlike almost all other nations, the UK taxes passengers in premium cabins and private jets more. For a longhaul flight up to 5,500 miles, passengers in any cabin “other than the lowest class of travel” pay £216 in air passenger duty (APD), while private jet users pay £647.

APD is expected to rise in the Budget later this month.

Read more: As Britain’s biggest budget airline turns 30, what did easyJet ever do for us?

Met Office reveals where snow could hit UK as rain warnings issued

The Met Office has issued yellow weather warnings across the country as it reveals what areas may see snow this week. 

Parts of south-west Scotland, southern Wales, south-west England and Northern Ireland have been hit with yellow warnings, as outbreaks of rain arrive on Tuesday morning. 

Bands of heavy and persistent rain will be followed by cooler air moving in from the North, which will bring below freezing overnight temperatures to Scotland, with potential for some snow on higher ground. 

Met Office chief forecaster Neil Armstrong said: “The UKis in for an unsettled week of weather, with frequent spells of heavy rain and at times strong, gusty winds. 

“There will be spells of drier and brighter weather at times, and temperatures will begin to fall closer to average for the time of year from the north. We will see a return of below freezing temperatures in Scotland overnight, with even the chance of some snow over mountains on Wednesday night.” 

Around 20 to 40mm of rain is expected in parts of south-west Scotland, accompanied by winds, which will strengthen along exposed coastlines, with gusts to gale force possible.

England, Wales and Northern Ireland will continue to see precipitation falling as rain, according to the Met Office.

Devon and Cornwall should expect heavy rain and southerly winds, with a 20 to 40mm downpour widely.

Meanwhile, around 30 to 50mm of rain could fall widely in southern Wales, and 20 to 30mm in Northern Ireland.  

The yellow warnings will all have lifted by midnight on Tuesday, with no other warnings issued for the rest of the week. The Met Office has warned of delays to traffic and possible flooding and disruption across the regions affected. 

Here is the weather forecast for the UK for the coming week, according to the Met Office:

Rain will spread into the North and West through Tuesday, turning heavy at times, particularly in the West. Staying dry in the East but largely cloudy. Turning windy through the morning, but staying fairly mild.

Outbreaks of rain will continue, gradually becoming less heavy overnight. Rain will also move into the East. Winds gradually easing. Chilly in the North, but mild in the South.

Further rain on Wednesday across parts of England and Wales, and northern Scotland. Some drier and brighter intervals in northern areas and later in the South East. Breezy.

Turning colder in the north with overnight frosts. Outbreaks of heavy rain continuing in southern and central areas. Strong easterly winds developing.