King Charles’s Christmas Day broadcast location revealed

King Charles will deliver his Christmas broadcast from Westminster Abbey this year, centred on the theme of pilgrimage.

It marks his fourth festive message and the second staged outside a royal residence.

The historic central London landmark is a site of pilgrimage, home to the tomb of Edward the Confessor. Edward, who reigned for 24 years before dying in 1066, was canonised in 1161, with his shrine attracting pilgrims for centuries.

The broadcast was filmed within the Abbey’s Lady Chapel, a late medieval construction built for Henry VII, the burial place for 15 kings and queens.

Repurposed Christmas trees from the Princess of Wales’s carol concert, held earlier in December, form the backdrop, beneath the chapel’s spectacular fan-vaulted ceiling and the colourful banners of the Order of the Bath’s knights.

Out of view above the King’s head are the colourful banners of the chivalry order’s knights, hanging beneath the chapel’s spectacular fan-vaulted ceiling.

It is understood the King asked for a filming location away from a royal setting and suggestions were made by the BBC, which produced the broadcast this year, and the royal household.

This follows last year’s message, recorded at Fitzrovia Chapel, a former sacred space in central London, notable as the site where Diana, Princess of Wales, opened the capital’s first dedicated Aids ward.

It has seen a surge in visitor numbers for exhibitions and open days since the broadcast on Christmas Day 2024.

The King’s message is one of the rare occasions where the monarch can voice personal views without government advice.

Written by the monarch, it typically features a strong religious framework, reflects current issues, and often draws on personal experiences.

The broadcast will be transmitted on both television and radio at 3pm on Christmas Day.

How should the government handle the Palestine Action hunger strikers?

A third Palestine Action prisoner on hunger strike has now ended their protest. Qesser Zuhrah, one of the first to take part in the action, which began on 2 November, has decided not to continue, leaving five of the original eight still refusing to eat either completely or intermittently.

Amy Gardiner-Gibson (also known as Amu Gib), Heba Muraisi, Teuta Hoxha and Kamran Ahmad have reportedly been refusing food for between 42 and 49 days; because of diabetes, Lewie Chiaramello has only been eating every other day. Gib and Zuhrah are in hospital. All are aged between 20 and 31, and all are due to stand trial in 2026 or 2027.

On Tuesday, climate activist Greta Thunberg was arrested in central London at a demonstration in support of Palestine Action. In a video shared by Prisoners for Palestine, the 22-year-old can be seen holding a sign: “I support the Palestine Action prisoners. I oppose genocide.” The group targeted the offices of Aspen Insurance, saying it provides services to Israel-linked defence firm Elbit Systems.

Demands include immediate bail; a fair trial (they say authorities must release “unredacted correspondence about activists between British and Israeli officials and arms dealers”); unbanning Palestine Action; and the closure of UK factories “that are supplying arms to Israel”. They also claim that prison officers have been denying them mail, calls and books.

The closure of private businesses, a change in the government’s stance, and a vote in parliament lifting the ban on Palestine Action are particularly difficult to achieve, because they are matters of policy. Palestine Action was proscribed as a terrorist organisation and banned by the government last July. To reverse that now, simply because of a prisoner protest, would be a considerable blow to the authority of the government. Closing defence factories would probably be even more difficult.

In any case, granting bail is not up to David Lammy; the judiciary is supposed to be independent.

Guidelines operated by HM Prisons and the NHS suggest that doctors should supervise decisions taken about the medical treatment of hunger strikers. Force-feeding or using a drip isn’t a readily available option under the guidance, as it requires consent, but perhaps it could be if the prisoners lacked the mental capacity to make a decision.

The group’s lawyers have asked for talks with Lammy, which he has refused. They have warned him that they will ask the High Court for a judicial review if he continues to refuse. The Ministry of Justice says Lammy “has responded to and will continue to respond to correspondence on this issue, and is being kept informed of the situation”.

It is possible, and relatively soon, depending on how the authorities decide to care for them. The hunger strikers’ lawyers say: “We are concerned that, should this situation be allowed to continue without resolution, there is the real and increasingly likely potential that young British citizens will die in prison, having never even been convicted of an offence.”

The consequences of martyrdom can be grievous indeed, including the kind of wider violence that the proscription of Palestine Action was supposed to stop.

It is difficult for him to reverse counterterrorism policy or end all arms sales to Israel. The last time there was a major campaign involving hunger strikes was when IRA prisoners demanded political status in the 1970s and 80s. This episode included the death in 1981 of republican hero Bobby Sands, who had by then also been elected an MP in his absence at a by-election; his case led to a huge upsurge in violence.

Those strikes ended when the families intervened and requested the authorities to save the prisoners’ lives, while the British government made symbolic concessions to their “special status”.

Another precedent Lammy could look to is that of the suffragettes who were starving themselves to death in the early 20th century in order to secure votes for women. Force-feeding them through a tube was a deeply humiliating tactic that shocked the public.

In response, the then Liberal government passed the Prisoners (Temporary Discharge for Ill-Health) Act 1913, allowing the home secretary to temporarily release any prisoner morbidly weakened by hunger strike; it meant the government could not be blamed if the prisoner died at home, but the prisoner could be re-arrested and returned to jail if they recovered.

This was likened to the way that a cat will allow its prey to “escape” before catching it again, and the law became known as the “Cat and Mouse Act”. However, this solution incentivises all kinds of prisoners to starve themselves to freedom in the hope of evading subsequent recapture. It’s probably not what Keir Starmer and Lammy went into politics to do.

Andy Burnham apologises for police failings towards LGBTQ+ people

Greater Manchester mayor Andy Burnham has apologised for historic police failings towards LGBTQ+ people.

In a letter to the Peter Tatchell Foundation, who have been seeking apologies for “the past homophobic persecution” of LGBTQ+ people by UK police forces, Mr Burnham acknowledged the “unacceptable discrimination and the pain and suffering” caused by police failures.

He said: “There is no doubt in my mind whatsoever that the LGBTQ+ community historically were treated shamefully by this country and clearly subject to discrimination in many ways.

“That discrimination did not only play out in policing, but in all public services and beyond, though I of course acknowledge the distinct consequences of discriminatory and targeted policing.

“Fortunately, as you acknowledge, things have moved dramatically forward since the 1980s and 1990s.”

He continued: “As Mayor of Greater Manchester, I acknowledge the unacceptable discrimination and the pain and suffering it caused. I apologise to all LGBTQ+ people in Greater Manchester and across the UK for the past failing of GMP in this regard.”

Mr Burnham’s comment comes as Greater Manchester Police chief constable Sir Stephen Watson has faced criticism for refusing to apologise on behalf of his force, as he said that to do so could be seen as “superficial and merely performative”.

Activist Peter Tatchell has said that Greater Manchester Police was once “one of the most homophobic police forces in the UK”, citing comments made by 1980s chief constable Sir James Anderton who said that “gay men dying of Aids were ‘swirling around in a human cesspit of their own making’.

“Motivated by his homophobic religious beliefs, he ordered the police to ‘go after’ LGBTs.”

More than 20 chief constables across the UK have apologised for their history of homophobia, including those for City of London, Sussex, Merseyside, Police Scotland, Northumberland, and Durham. The Police Commissioner for the Metropolitan Police has also apologised.

Mr Tatchell said that “GMP has so far refused to do the same. We urge Stephen Watson to do so.”

The Independent understands that there is no change in GMP’s stance at this stage.

The Greater Manchester Mayor commented on Sir Stephen’s comments, acknowledging in his letter that while the Chief Constable hadn’t acceded Mr Tatchell’s request, he believed it was “considered and respectful.”

“It is important for me to point out that Mayors and Police and Crime commissioners have no statutory powers to instruct chief constables, as in law they are operationally independent.”

Mr Tatchell said: “I am grateful to Andy Burnham for his clear and unequivocal apology for the historic mistreatment of LGBT+ people by Greater Manchester Police.

“However, it is deeply disappointing that the Chief Constable continues to refuse to say sorry. A mayoral apology, welcome though it is, cannot substitute for an apology from the police force that carried out these abuses.

“An official GMP apology would be a powerful act of accountability, reconciliation and trust-building with LGBT+ communities. We urge the Chief Constable to follow the example set by Mayor Burnham and other police chiefs across Britain.

“Our foundation will continue to campaign for a full and formal apology from Greater Manchester Police.”

Man appears in court charged with 56 sexual offences against ex-wife

A man accused of drugging and raping his ex-wife over a 13-year period has been remanded in custody after appearing in court on Tuesday morning.

Philip Young, 49, was charged with 56 sexual offences alleged to have been committed against Joanne Young, including multiple counts of rape and administering a substance with intent to stupefy.

The 48-year-old alleged victim waived her legal right to anonymity, asking that she be named in coverage of the case.

Appearing in courtroom 3 at Swindon Magistrates’ Court, in front of more than 10 members of the press and a packed public gallery, Mr Young spoke only to confirm his name and provide his home address in Enfield.

Mr Young, formerly from Swindon, appeared in the dock unshaven and wearing a black fleece with jeans. He sat cross-armed for most of the 10-minute hearing.

Asked if he wished to enter a plea on the charges, which also include voyeurism and possession of indecent images of children, he said “No.”

Mr Martin Clarke, chair of the bench, told Mr Young that the charges were too serious to be dealt with at the magistrates’ court, and that his case would be sent to Swindon Crown Court, with a hearing set for 23 January.

Addressing Mr Young, Mr Clarke said: “You understand everything that has happened here this morning… Very short and sweet. We are sending [this case] to crown court. You are remanded in custody until that particular time.”

Mr Young did not react as the dock officer handcuffed him and took him to the cells.

He is one of six men charged with offences allegedly committed against Ms Young between 2010 and 2023.

On Tuesday afternoon, five other men appeared at the same court accused of committing sexual offences against Ms Young. Two pleaded not guilty to the charges they faced, while the other three gave no plea.

With only four seats in the dock, not all of the accused were able to sit down as they lined up to face Mr Clarke during the short proceedings.

Mr Clarke told the defendants their respective indictments were “inextricably linked” and would be sent to the crown court together with that of Mr Young, to be heard next month.

All were released on conditional bail, and none of them showed any reaction as they left the court building.

Police are trying to identify another man in connection with the case, and have appealed to the public for help. The man, seen in images taken in 2022, is of large build and has a distinctive tattoo on the left side of his chest.

Senior investigating officer Detective Superintendent Geoff Smith said: “This is a significant investigation with multiple suspects. We appreciate the graphic nature of these images and that they may be triggering to some people, however, we need the public’s help to identify this man.

“It is unknown whether he lives in Swindon or is from outside the county, which is why we request that this is shared as widely as possible to assist our bid to identify him.”

Anyone who recognises the man should call 101 and quote reference number 54240080286.

Keir Starmer focuses on high cost of living in Christmas message

Sir Keir Starmer has highlighted the persistent struggle with the cost of living across Britain, noting that “hardship can feel even more acute” during the festive season, in his Christmas message. The Prime Minister, meanwhile, urged the public to “reach out” to friends, family, and neighbours, stressing that “we should each do our bit”.

These messages arrive at the close of a challenging year for the government, which has seen little progress in its economic growth agenda.

The Bank of England recently cautioned that growth is projected to stagnate in the final quarter of 2025, following a downward trend throughout the year. Consumer confidence also remained subdued in the run-up to Christmas, impacted by ongoing cost-of-living pressures.

In his video address released on Christmas Eve, Sir Keir extended gratitude to those working through the holidays.

“Just as so many put their feet up, some truly special people will be pulling on their uniforms and heading out to work,” he stated.

He specifically acknowledged “Our NHS staff emergency services and the brave men and women of our armed forces all playing their part, doing their bit to care for the nation and to keep us safe.” He also paid tribute to volunteers: “Many volunteers will be out there as well. Serving food. Reaching out to help those lonely or in need.”

Sir Keir concluded his thanks by saying: “So on behalf of the whole country, I want to say a big thank you. As a nation, we should raise a glass to you this Christmas. But more than that, we should each do our bit as well.”

He reiterated his focus on economic challenges: “I know many across Britain are still struggling with the cost of living. Helping with that is my priority.” Emphasising community spirit, he added: “But at this time of the year, which celebrates love and abundance, loss or hardship can feel even more acute. So call around to a neighbour. Check in on a friend or a relative who you haven’t heard from for a while. Reach out. It can make a huge difference. That is what Christmas is about.”

The Labour leader has navigated internal party challenges this year, leading to shifts on several policy fronts, including proposals to cut winter fuel payments and reforms aimed at curbing the rising welfare bill.

Concurrently, Tory leader Kemi Badenoch, who completed her first year as leader without a formal challenge after facing leadership speculation, reflected on a demanding period.

She described it as “the biggest challenge of my life” in her own Christmas message. “Life can be amazing, but it can also be bumpy,” she remarked.

“Christmas is a chance to reflect on the year that’s been, be grateful for the good things, mourn what we may have lost, and look forward to what we are going to do in the coming year.” She expressed gratitude, stating: “With that in mind, I want to say a big thank you to everyone who has supported me during my first year as Leader of the Opposition. It’s been the biggest challenge of my life, but it’s also been a wonderful year. I can’t wait to get back to work next year to create a better United Kingdom.”

Her message followed a government announcement to increase the inheritance tax relief threshold for farmers from £1 million to £2.5 million, a move that came after months of protests and warnings from the agricultural sector.

While Sir Keir and Mrs Badenoch opted for Christmas trees as backdrops for their video messages, Liberal Democrat leader Sir Ed Davey made the Norwegian spruce behind him the central theme of his address. He noted: “Now this Christmas tree behind me gets a lot of abuse every year. The social media trolls who spread right wing conspiracy theories like to compare it to the tree in New York City, in Warsaw and in Budapest. They say it is an example of our country’s decline.”

Sir Ed conceded: “And I have to admit – on the surface it does look a little underwhelming. But it’s also my favourite Christmas tree.” He then explained its significance: “You see, this tree is a gift from the people of Oslo to the people of Britain for our support during the Second World War. They’ve sent one every year since 1947. It’s a wonderful tradition that reminds us of the greatest generation and the sacrifices they made.” He added that it evoked thoughts of “people standing together in tough times – whether against the Nazis in the 1940s, or right now in Ukraine.”

Reform UK leader Nigel Farage shared images of himself undertaking “Christmas deliveries in Clacton” on Tuesday.

It’s about experience: Further Education teachers share what it takes

In the modern world, many of us are working longer than ever. Research based on ONS Labour Market data found that there are almost one million more workers aged 65 and above since the millennium and the state pension is set to rise to 67 by 2028 and 68 by the late 2030s. Subsequently, having multiple careers is becoming increasingly popular. And after decades working in a specific industry, sharing the work-based knowledge you have gained via teaching in further education is one of the most rewarding career shifts you can make.

Further Education teaching (defined as any education for people aged 16 and over who aren’t studying for a degree) allows you to switch up your working days and harness the skills and experience you have developed, all while helping shape the next generation of workers in your field.

To find out more about the role, from what it takes to the best parts of the job, we spoke to Further Education teachers who have switched from doing their day job to teaching it…

John Ryan, 51, from Weston Super Mare, worked for more than a decade on site in the construction industry, mainly in bricklaying and supervising roles, before an opportunity to become a Further Education assessor changed his path in his thirties. Travelling nationally to assess the work of new bricklayers in order to sign off their NVQs (National Vocational Qualification), the college John was associated with then started offering him some teaching work.

With no prior teaching qualifications, John completed these alongside his assessing and teaching roles with the fees picked up by the teaching college. “I liked the idea of passing on my knowledge and giving young people the skills and confidence to progress in a trade,” he says. “Teaching in Further Education felt like a natural next step because it would allow me to combine my practical background with coaching and mentoring.” There were practical draws too. “On site in the construction industry you are self-employed so you do not get holidays or sick pay. The stability of income and regular paid holidays was a big draw of Further Education teaching,” he adds.

Since his first assessing role 18 years ago, John has worked between assessing, teaching and jobs back on the construction site and now, he currently teaches bricklaying and groundwork full-time at South Gloucestershire and Stroud College.

John’s extensive site and supervisory experience has proved to be hugely valuable when it comes to teaching his students there. “I can explain not just the ‘how’ but also the ‘why’ behind industry standards,” he explains. “Learners often respond well to hearing about real jobs, site challenges, and the professional behaviours that employers expect. It makes the lessons more relatable and credible,” he shares.

“For example, I can share stories of accidents when teaching site safety, or explain how a mistake of a few millimetres on a construction site can cost you time to rectify, which in turn will cost you money,” he says. “These hands-on, real world experiences make the theory relatable and show learners the real value of getting it right.”

Coral Aspinall, 52, who became a full-time Further Education teacher 12 years ago, agrees. “My experience allows me to put my teaching into context,” she says. Coral started out her engineering career at 16 as an apprentice in a local engineering company. Following a BSc in Engineering and Business Management, she worked for many years in the engineering industry before enrolling on a part-time PGDE (Professional Graduate Diploma in Education) course for teaching. She’s now the Engineering Programme Leader at the Stockport campus of the Trafford and Stockport College Group. Here, they offer qualifications such as Level 2 Performing Engineering Operations as well as engineering-focused Level 3 T Levels and Level 3 Btec Awards. They also offer Level 3 apprenticeships across engineering including Technical Support, Engineering Fitter and Maintenance Management.

“Because I’ve been an engineering apprentice myself, I understand what the student needs to be successful in terms of skills, knowledge and behaviour,” she explains. “I also have contacts in the wider engineering community and understand what an employer is looking for in an apprentice, and can also share insights in terms of how the sector is shifting and evolving to help support their progress.”

Working for an extensive period of time in a field before passing on that knowledge gives teachers maturity and empathy which can be hugely helpful for students, especially those facing complex life situations.

Beyond the practical techniques, a big part of John’s role is helping learners build confidence, teamwork, communication, and problem-solving skills that employers look for. “Many of my learners have different challenges, so they value teachers who are approachable, who believe in them, and who prepare them for real opportunities in work or further study,” he says. For John, his previous work experience has allowed him to do this. “On site, I worked with people facing all sorts of pressures, from work to life issues, which taught me to be patient and supportive,” he explains.

Coral has had a similar experience. “I see my role as more than imparting knowledge; it is about preparing the young person for the next stage of their journey. The students trust me to have their best interests at heart; they come to me for advice on their next steps and how they can achieve their aspirations, and I’ll support them with both practical advice and words of encouragement.”

For Coral, teaching later in life allows her to draw from a mature perspective, and teach her students positive workplace behaviours alongside skills and knowledge. “Students thrive when they have clear unambiguous boundaries, so I’m firm around expectations in terms of timekeeping, attendance and attitude. This is particularly important to succeeding in the workplace as employers value these behaviours as much as, or even more than having specific expertise or know-how (which can generally be developed).”

If you’re looking for a fresh career option, and keen to share your skills with the next generation, Further Education teaching could be a really enriching new phase. Further Education covers a huge range of career sectors including construction, law, engineering, digital, hospitality, tourism, beauty and more. This includes BTECs (Business and Technology Education Council qualifications), T Levels, NVQs (National Vocational Qualifications) or City & Guilds Qualifications.

Teaching in a mixture of colleges (often General Further Education Colleges or Sixth Form Colleges) and Adult and Community Learning Centres as well as workplace and apprenticeship settings, further education teachers share their years of real world industry skills with a diverse mix of people from those straight out of school aged sixteen to those making career switches later in life.

You don’t always need an academic degree or prior teaching qualifications to start teaching in further education. You can undertake teacher training on the job, often funded by your employer, so you can start earning straight away.. Furthermore, it doesn’t mean you have to stop working in your chosen field. Further education offers hybrid opportunities – so you could teach part time alongside your other commitments. This means you could have the best of both worlds, where you are still working in your chosen industry and teaching alongside it at a time that suits your schedule. Find out if it’s the right move for you here.

If, like John and Coral, you see the appeal in sharing the knowledge and skills you’ve developed with the next generation, exploring the option of becoming a Further Education teacher can be a great next step. As John shares, the reward is always worth it: “It never gets old passing on my knowledge to people starting on their journey, knowing I have made a difference and getting a smile and thanks in return!”

Looking for a new role that’s rewarding, flexible and draws on your current career? Why not consider sharing your experience where it matters most – helping inspire the next generation of workers in the field you love? Visit Further Education to find out more

Reginald D Hunter court summons quashed after attempt to get comedian ‘cancelled’

A summons against Reginald D Hunter by the Campaign Against Antisemitism has been quashed after a judge ruled the “abusive” private prosecution was intended to get the comedian “cancelled”.

The 56-year-old US stand-up comedian had been accused of three counts of sending an offensive communication on three different occasions – on August 24, September 10 and September 11 last year – to Heidi Bachram on X, formerly Twitter.

The summons was quashed at Westminster Magistrates’ Court on Tuesday by District Judge Michael Snow following an application by the defence.

Hunter wrote on Instagram “I sure hope I’m employable again!” and thanked his legal team.

The judge ruled that the Campaign Against Antisemitism (CAA) charity’s motive in seeking to prosecute Hunter was “to have him cancelled” and that the prosecution was “abusive”.

Judge Snow added that the CAA was seeking to use the criminal justice system for “improper reasons” in the case.

In his ruling, Judge Snow said: “The CAA have demonstrated by the misleading and partial way in which it summarised its application and its wilful, repeated, failure to meet its disclosure obligations, that its true and sole motive in seeking to prosecute Reginald Hunter is to have him cancelled.

“I have no doubt that the prosecution is abusive.

“My view of the conduct of the CAA is consistent with them as an organisation which is not ‘playing it straight’ but is seeking to use the criminal justice system, in this case for improper reasons.”

Judge Snow said the summary of Ms Bachram’s tweeting in the application case summary was “wholly inadequate”.

He added: “It did not reveal the extent of her tweets directed against Reginald Hunter in the period immediately preceding the complaints (her tweets were sent between 15 August and 11 September 2024).

“The summary misled me into believing that his comments were addressed to her involvement with the Jewish faith as opposed to his response to attempts that were being made to have him ‘cancelled’.”

The judge added that the CAA had failed to inform him of a compliance investigation by the Charity Commission into the CAA in November 2024.

Hunter’s lawyer Rebecca Chalkley KC told the hearing on Tuesday that “very little was disclosed” to the judge and the “lack of candour” meant the summons should be quashed.

Ms Chalkley said: “It calls into question the whole juridical process as judges before issuing summonses need to have everything in front of them.”

The lawyer told the judge: “You were led to believe in papers in front of you that the CAA was no more than a charity, that it had no history – as since demonstrated as a vexatious litigant – no complaints, no criticism in Parliament, no investigations by the Charity Commission.”

The lawyer added: “The CAA are weaponising and using the courts for their own political agenda and not just in this case.”

The CAA’s prosecutor Donal Lawler told the hearing that the charity had complied with its duty of candour.

A spokesperson for the CAA said: “We are of course deeply disappointed by the District Judge’s decision.

“Our mission is, and always has been, to stand up for British Jews and their allies, particularly at a time when levels of antisemitism and antisemitic violence are rising at an alarming rate.

“Our lawyers are examining the ruling and considering our next steps.”

Hunter regularly tours the UK and has appeared on comedy panel shows Never Mind The Buzzcocks, Have I Got News For You and 8 Out Of 10 Cats.

Christmas Day forecast revealed by Met Office

Christmas Day will be cold and windy in the UK, but the sun will shine for many, forecasters have predicted.

Many will wake up to a frosty Christmas Day morning as the Met Office reports that brisk winds picking up from Christmas Eve will make the slightly below-average temperatures feel close to freezing for much of the country.

While the forecaster have cast doubt on prospects of a white Christmas for most people, there’s a small chance that a smattering of snow may fall on Dartmoor, as afternoon rain showers push into parts of Devon and Cornwall.

Christmas Day and Boxing Day swimmers in the south could face big waves due to easterly winds. Christmas Eve and Day will be dry and sunny for most with cloudier weather expected in the east.

Met Office meteorologist Becky Mitchell said: “It will turn colder from Christmas Eve, with a strong wind across much of England and Wales, so temperatures on the thermometer will be a little bit below average: around 6C or 7C as a max, generally.

“And then when you add on that wind chill of an easterly wind, it will probably feel more like freezing from Christmas Eve onwards.”

Weather maps show that most areas will see temperatures peak at 4C or 5C during the Christmas period. Temperatures are forecast to plummet below freezing overnight across much of the country, with northern Scotland potentially reaching minus 5C.

Clouds could accumulate in some southern counties on Boxing Day but elsewhere will remain largely dry with sunny spells.

“It’s a bit colder than average, not unusual for the time of year, but in terms of averages it would be a bit below”, Ms Mitchell said.

“The weather’s all very similar really, out towards New Year’s Eve. The Christmas period is quite a nice forecast.”

This is a colder Christmas than the UK has seen in recent years, making it too close to call whether 2025 will break records as the country’s hottest year. Currently the mean temperature value for the year so far, up to 21 December, is tracking well ahead of the previous highest year set in 2022. The mean temperature is currently predicted to settle at 10.05C, compared with 2022’s record-breaking 10.03C.

If the record is confirmed, this will be only the second year in observational records where the UK’s annual mean temperature has exceeded 10.0C.

Tuesday evening:

Outbreaks of rain across Scotland fading, otherwise mostly dry. Cloudy for many with a few breaks developing to the west of any hills. Breezy away from the north.

Wednesday:

Mostly dry with variable amounts of cloud. Some sunny spells, these typically in the south and west. Windy across much of England and Wales. Feeling colder than Tuesday.

Outlook for Thursday to Saturday:

Cloud breaking through the Christmas period with more sunny spells emerging. Largely dry, but also feeling cold with a notable wind chill across England and Wales. Frosty by night.