The latest shipping forecast

National and international news from BBC Radio 4

A short reflection and prayer with Canon Noel Battye

Global warming hits small companies harder than larger organisations according to a report published today by WWF Scotland. Show more

The latest weather forecast for farmers.

Sir David Attenborough presents the house wren found across the New World. Show more

News and current affairs programme, including Thought for the Day.

On Christmas Eve Andrew Marr is with novelist Michelle Paver, explorer Ben Saunders, materials scientist Mark Miodownik, and poet and writer Nancy Campbell. Show more

How much does it take to make a 'perfect' Christmas for those around you? Can you enjoy yourself after having run yourself ragged? Does anyone notice the lengths you've gone to? Show more

4 Extra Debut. There’s a plague of frogs, a visitation from an angel and even a miracle - maybe. Inspired by the old and new testaments. Show more

James is 24 and dreams of being a farmer. He has got sheep, but nowhere to keep them. A sought-after farm in Cornwall is open for applicants. Will he find a home for his flock? Show more

Will a married ‘for ever’ couple’s wish for a perfect Christmas ‘a deux’ come true? Stars Joanna Lumley and Roger Allam. From 2021. Show more

Maigret’s on the trail of a mysterious red and white intruder after two unexpected Christmas visitors. Read by Sir Derek Jacobi. Show more

Speaking to ex-Poundworld workers about how they're trying to find new retail jobs on a turbulent high street. Show more

The latest weather forecast.

Mon-Thurs: Analysis of news and current affairs, presented by Sarah Montague. Fri: Analysis of news and current affairs, presented by Mark Mardell.

Tim Hayward discovers how different cultures - today and back into history - have had very different attitudes to the human gut. Show more

Lynda issues a terrifying ultimatum and it's all change for Brian Show more

Rumpole encounters Father Christmas and recounts some seasonal legal cases. Julian Rhind-Tutt stars in John Mortimer’s drama. Show more

Live from the candlelit chapel of King's College, Cambridge in the centenary year of the Festival. Christmas carols and hymns sung by the world-famous chapel choir. Show more

Ernie Rea in conversation with guests about the religious and cultural meaning of angels. Show more

PM at 5pm: interviews, context and analysis.

Number killed in Indonesia tsunami climbs to almost 400
Drone couple speak out

Jancis Robinson recommends wine to ex-rugby player and wine connoisseur Brian Moore. Taste, opinion, sport and clinking glasses. Show more

David Mitchell gets Sandi Toksvig, Jon Richardson, Lucy Porter and Graeme Garden to lie with some truths. From December 2018. Show more

Emma is touched by some heartfelt words and Ben resorts to blackmail Show more

Andrew Davies on Les Misérables; Matthew Sweet, Arifa Akbar and Stephen Regan on Christmas literature; Poet Helen Mort on festive poetry Show more

4 Extra Debut. There’s a plague of frogs, a visitation from an angel and even a miracle - maybe. Inspired by the old and new testaments. Show more

Pro poker player and comedian Ken Cheng played poker online for a decade, but after an AI defeated top human players, he asks if one day it will really be game over, humans. Show more

How home DNA testing kits are revealing more than some people bargained for. Show more

The philosophy and philanthropy of the billionaire George Soros, and how it arouses both admiration and intense hostility. Show more

On Christmas Eve Andrew Marr is with novelist Michelle Paver, explorer Ben Saunders, materials scientist Mark Miodownik, and poet and writer Nancy Campbell. Show more

Donald Trump blames America's central bank. Show more

Maigret’s on the trail of a mysterious red and white intruder after two unexpected Christmas visitors. Read by Sir Derek Jacobi. Show more

4 Extra Debut. Don McLean talks about his timeless classic 1971 album, the career defining 'American Pie'. With John Wilson. From 2018. Show more

The Mass of the Nativity of the Lord, live from Leeds Cathedral. Celebrant and preacher: The Right Reverend Marcus Stock, Bishop of Leeds. Show more

The latest weather reports and forecasts for UK shipping

BBC Radio 4 joins the BBC World Service.