The latest weather reports and forecasts for UK shipping.

The latest news from BBC Radio 4

A spiritual comment and prayer to begin the day with Canon Rachel Mann. Show more

Fishing quotas criticised by conservation groups. Community bus takes mobile food bank to villages. Which is best for nature and budgets - land sharing or land sparing? Show more

Alison Steadman provides a seasonal offering from Tweet of the Day for the Christmas period. Show more

News and current affairs, including Sports Desk, Weather and Thought for the Day.

Mark D'Arcy reports as the home secretary faces questions over her asylum policy - and looks back on the year of three prime ministers.

Melvyn Bragg and guests discuss Jane Austen's final completed novel: the story of Anne Elliot and Captain Wentworth, their broken engagement and their chance meeting 8 years later. Show more

Returning to your childhood bedroom at Christmas. Scottish Gender Recognition Reform Bill. Show more

How Spain's most iconic music and dance tradition has suffered as a result of the Covid lockdowns, and what performers and club owners are doing to revive its fortunes Show more

Cathy FitzGerald takes a closer look at one of the most beautiful and deeply mysterious paintings in the National Gallery's collection - 'Mystic Nativity' by Sandro Botticelli. Show more

Dinner is served. A dozen white women, a frank discussion of racism, and one rule - no crying. Join Helen Lewis in exploring the world of the diversity gurus. Show more

Greg Foot investigates claims that massage guns help you warm up before exercise, perform better during it, and recover quicker afterwards. Show more

The latest weather forecast

Forty-five minutes of news, analysis and comment, with Sarah Montague.

Oliver explores the impact of looking elsewhere for news. If you avoid the mainstream outlets how does that shape your view of the world and what's important.

Ben has an important errand to run, and Jakob gets some domestic help. Show more

In Katie Redford's drama, Mr Needson and Miss Rayner watch the annual nativity play from the wings. It's their first time together since their stolen kiss at the Christmas party. Show more

We visit the town near Land's End where the landscape inspires creativity and celebration in the depths of winter, with Helen Mark. Show more

Nicki Durbin, mother of missing person Luke Durbin, makes the Radio 4 Appeal on behalf of the charity Missing People. Show more

Katherine Rundell talks to Chris Power about The Golden Mole and Other Living Treasures. Show more

Brian Cox and Robin Ince head to Canberra to visit Australia's Deep Space Network, communicating with more than 200 spacecraft exploring our solar system and beyond. Show more

How many Scientists does it take to cook Christmas dinner? Marnie seeks help from a food scientist, a geneticist, a doctor and a botanist to create the perfect festive feast.

Afternoon news and current affairs programme, reporting on breaking stories and summing up the day's headlines

The latest weather reports and forecasts for UK shipping

The Scottish Parliament has approved legislation which allows a self-identification system for people who want to change their legal gender.

Nathan Blakely was a popstar, but he died and was reincarnated - as a Snowshoe Hare. Series 3 of the comedy starring Daniel Rigby, Ashley McGuire and Elis James. Show more

Who’s ready for a quick duet? Kate remembers Christmases past. Show more

Critics Tim Robey and Rhianna Dhillon on The Pale Blue Eye and the return of Happy Valley. Artist Alexander Creswell on painting Windsor Castle after the fire in 1992. Show more

Nasa and other space agencies plan to set up a lunar base in the next decade. Is that goal achievable? And is it worth it? Show more

Adventures into the night with writer Dan Richards who invites you into the world of freight at Southampton Docks Show more

How many Scientists does it take to cook Christmas dinner? Marnie seeks help from a food scientist, a geneticist, a doctor and a botanist to create the perfect festive feast.

Melvyn Bragg and guests discuss Jane Austen's final completed novel: the story of Anne Elliot and Captain Wentworth, their broken engagement and their chance meeting 8 years later. Show more

Also tonight:
Putin’s unexpected press conference.
David Hockney at 85.
And what is a “nepo-baby” ?

When Miss Marple accepts Dolly Bantry's invitation to a traditional Christmas dinner, the iconic detective has little idea what she's let herself in for. Read by Georgie Glen. Show more

The Room Next Door Man takes on an ageing anti-woke comedy hero, rails against an oppressive office dividing wall and refuses to accept that this is a Christmas episode. Show more

Why do we celebrate Christmas with cards, crackers and a tree? Greg Jenner and guests Dr Fern Riddell and Russell Kane explore the surprising history of the Victorian Christmas. Show more

The latest news and weather forecast from BBC Radio 4.

After her divorce, Agatha finds adventure and perhaps love in Iraq, as Lucy Worsley continues reading her biography of the 'Queen of Crime'. Show more

The latest weather reports and forecasts for UK shipping.

BBC Radio 4 presents a selection of news and current affairs, arts and science programmes from the BBC World Service.