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The latest news from BBC Radio 4.

A spiritual comment and prayer to begin the day with Cardinal Vincent Nichols.

At the start of Christmas, Caz Graham catches up with Cumbrian farmers as they clear up after the devastating floods. Show more

The latest weather forecast for farmers.

Michael Palin presents the Asian koel's arrival to an Indian orchard. Show more

Morning news and current affairs. Including Sports Desk, Weather and Thought for the Day.

Andrew Marr discusses space travel with expert in space medicine Kevin Fong, astronomer royal Martin Rees, astrophysicist Carole Haswell and sci-fi writer Stephen Baxter. Show more

The wisdom of Lucy van Pelt, Baroness Verma tackling violence against women and girls overseas, impact of homelessness on a mother and her daughters, alternatives to the LBD. Show more

It is 1877, and Gilbert and Sullivan cast George Grossmith, a touring comedian, as the leading man in their new opera, The Sorcerer. But there is one problem: he is not a singer. Show more

4 Extra Debut. Petroc Trelawny investigates what has happened to a notable feature of Cornwall's identity, its Methodist chapels. From 2015. Show more

Hancock’s Strolling Players’ cautionary tale of Christmas as it might be. Stars Kevin McNally. 1955 episode re-recorded in 2015. Show more

The first episode of Season 6: as Folkestone begins to recover from a major landslide, it appears that the Wilsons have all developed little rituals. Show more

The man who has bought a ticket into space: when will tourists take off? Plus is it still worth getting solar panels on your roof? And how loneliness is being tackled in Japan. Show more

The latest weather forecast.

Sepp Blatter and Michel Platini, have been banned from the game for eight years. Plus the Taliban has made advances in Sangin, Afghanistan. Show more

Artist Roger Law explores discovers how Korean potters became so skilled at ceramics that the Japanese decided to kidnap them. Show more

It is a big day for Eddie, and is Susan organising a cover-up? Show more

4 Extra Debut. A man leaves the comfort of the city to search for his brother in rural Somerset, to bring him to see their dying father. With Tim van Eyken's drama and soundscape. Show more

The contest of cryptic cultural clues continues with Scotland playing Northern Ireland for the final time this season. Tom Sutcliffe is in the chair. Show more

A trifle can be a star centrepiece or a nightmare reminder of 1970s food hell. Tim Hayward investigates the 'golden rules' and the secret underground culture of the 'dirty trifle'. Show more

Playwright and actress Jane Godber explores the UCAS personal statement. How can you sum yourself up in 4,000 characters? Show more

Ernie Rea and guests explore the pagan origins of Christmas. Show more

The latest shipping forecast.

Sepp Blatter and Michel Platini get 8 year bans after an ethics enquiry

A return visit to York for regulars Tim Brooke-Taylor, Barry Cryer and Graeme Garden, plus Sandi Toksvig on the panel and Jack Dee in the chair. Show more

David feels vulnerable, and Helen just needs a good rest. Show more

Arts news, interviews and reviews with guests Tony Jordan and Ron Howard. Plus Kurt Masur remembered and an alternative image of Christmas. Presented by John Wilson. Show more

It is 1877, and Gilbert and Sullivan cast George Grossmith, a touring comedian, as the leading man in their new opera, The Sorcerer. But there is one problem: he is not a singer. Show more

The Philosopher's Arms asks whether speech can harm. In Radio 4's favourite abstract pub, we have a philosopher, cartoonist and a man who was arrested for hate speech. Show more

A recent health scandal in Cambodia has prompted the government to clamp down on unlicensed doctors. But these 'doctors' are often the preferred option for many in the countryside. Show more

Can science clean up dirty vehicle emissions? Jim Al-Khalili brings three scientists together to find the best technology for reducing air pollution in our cities. Show more

Andrew Marr discusses space travel with expert in space medicine Kevin Fong, astronomer royal Martin Rees, astrophysicist Carole Haswell and sci-fi writer Stephen Baxter. Show more

The latest weather forecast.

Yanis Varoufakis on Podemos gains in the Spanish election. Bacteria in the UK resists a 'last resort' antibiotic. Crace on the SNP. Show more

Ducking out of the rain, a woman finds herself in an unusual shop that might just offer her the gift she needs most this Christmas. Show more

4 Extra Debut. Georgie Fame talks to John Wilson about his 1963 debut album, 'Rhythm & Blues At The Flamingo'. From 2015. Show more

Piers Plowright returns to the small Welsh village he was evacuated to during the Second World War to find the family that took him, his mother and his sister into their house. Show more

Questions in the House of Lords over what progress is being made on talks to reform the EU. Sean Curran reports. Show more

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

Robert Penn begins his search for the perfect tree in woodland near his South Wales home. It is a bitter winter, and snow lies on the forests. Show more

The latest shipping forecast.

BBC Radio 4 joins the BBC World Service.