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The latest news from BBC Radio 4.

The bells of St Peter's Church, Congleton.

Economist Jeffrey Sachs, who advised Russia at the end of the Cold War, argues that many of today's global problems were caused by bad decisions at the end of previous wars. Show more

The latest national and international news.

On the shortest and darkest day of the year, almost universally a day of festival, Mark Tully looks at celebrations of the winter solstice, from ancient Rome to downtown LA. Show more

Shropshire stock woman Freda Bracecock is the Dame Edna of the farmyard and entertains farmers across the UK. Sybil Ruscoe joins the fun at Shrewsbury Cattle market. Show more

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The latest news headlines. Including a look at the papers.

The first woman bishop, the Pope and Cuba, and 60 years of Carols from Kings. Presented by Edward Stourton. Show more

Adjoa Andoh presents an appeal for Opportunity International, a charity providing loans, savings and business training to people in developing countries. Show more

The latest weather forecast.

The latest news headlines. Including a look at the papers.

The last service in a series for Advent, from Methodist College, Belfast, reflecting on Mary's role in the Nativity. Led by the Rev David Neilands. Preacher: Canon Noel Battye. Show more

Roger Scruton asks what makes for real art, as opposed to cliche or kitsch. Real art, he says, needs beauty, form and redemption. Show more

Liz Bonnin presents the formerly widespread saddleback of New Zealand. Show more

Sunday morning magazine programme with news and conversation about the big stories of the week. Presented by Paddy O'Connell.

Carol and Jim go under cover, and Jill gets a shock. Show more

Kirsty Young talks to the Most Rev Justin Welby, Archbishop of Canterbury. Show more

A welcome visit to the Marlowe Theatre in Canterbury for regular panellists John Finnemore and Graeme Garden and guests Susan Calman and Tony Hawks, with Jack Dee in the chair. Show more

As we prepare to tuck into our festive family meal, Sheila Dillon uncovers the food stories of those who won't be home for Christmas with the help of food writer Joe Warwick.

The latest weather forecast.

Global news and analysis, presented by Mark Mardell. Show more

The ageing population - a ticking time bomb and always a crisis. Matthew Sweet meets the fastest growing sector of society and asks why we are so anxious about old age. Show more

Eric Robson chairs the horticultural panel programme from Dalston. Pippa Greenwood, Christine Walkden and Matthew Wilson answer questions from an audience of local gardeners. Show more

Fi Glover hears about being stared at because you look different, being persecuted because you behave differently, and being in love with the land you farm. Show more

The arrival of the handsome Adolphus Crosbie causes quite a stir at Allington, especially with Lily Dale, who lives at the Small House due to the benevolence of her rich uncle. Show more

A celebration of the best - and funniest - modern writing about Christmas. John Mullan and Jessie Burton join Mariella Frostrup for a look at festive literature. Show more

Paul Farley introduces a new poem from Alice Oswald for the year's midnight, called Tithonus. With music from nykelharpist Griselda Sanderson. Show more

Now in her 80s, Joan Bakewell admits she is becoming more forgetful. But is this a normal part of ageing, or dementia? And what might she expect and how she should prepare? Show more

In a week that started with the coffee shop siege in Sydney and ended with Sony Pictures withdrawing a film after threats, Marcy Kahan reflects on the global climate of fear. Show more

The latest shipping forecast.

The latest weather forecast.

The latest national and international news from BBC Radio 4.

The best of BBC Radio this week. Show more

There is a crisis at Brookfield, and Helen brings a ray of hope. Show more

Frank Skinner with guests Kate Williams, Victoria Coren Mitchell and Andy Zaltzman ponder history’s funniest moments. From 2014. Show more

Vienna 1939. Leah is hurried through the city's streets by her mother to try and catch the last kindertransport. Read by Bryony Hannah. Show more

Listeners speak directly to the controller of Radio 4, Gwyneth Williams, to discuss changes to the Archers, ongoing budget cuts and the station's 'dazzling digital future'. Show more

Matthew Bannister on former show girl Mandy Rice-Davies, family planning expert Dr Tim Black, photographer Michel du Cille and conservationist Ian Player. Show more

Paul Lewis speaks to a whistleblower who reveals how he unwittingly became a cog in the wheel of a fraud perpetrated on people who booked a hotel online. Show more

Adjoa Andoh presents an appeal for Opportunity International, a charity providing loans, savings and business training to people in developing countries. Show more

Britain's cathedrals have defined the landscape for centuries, but what is their role today? Peter Day hears about the business of running some of the country's most famous places. Show more

Weekly political discussion and analysis with MPs, experts and commentators.

George Parker of the Financial Times analyses how the newspapers are covering the biggest stories.

Angelina Jolie tells Francine Stock why she is planning to give up her acting career to concentrate on directing. The star of Kon-Tiki on recreating Thor Heyerdahl's epic voyage. Show more

On the shortest and darkest day of the year, almost universally a day of festival, Mark Tully looks at celebrations of the winter solstice, from ancient Rome to downtown LA. Show more

The latest national and international news from BBC Radio 4. Followed by Weather.

Fat gay men - resisting the stigma. Laurie Taylor explores how such men respond to a 'body beautiful' gay culture. Also, the masculine world of the butchers. Show more

The bells of St Peter's Church, Congleton.

The latest shipping forecast.

BBC Radio 4 joins the BBC World Service.