A poll finds 1.8m people expect to spend Christmas Day alone. Ministers urge the public to check in on neighbours and friends, and are considering measures to tackle loneliness. Charities call for visits, phone calls and community events to support isolated people.

Scientists who delivered the first effective COVID treatment are turning to a severe H3N2 flu strain that’s straining the NHS. Led by Prof Sir Peter Horby and the Recovery trial, they aim to find viable therapies, noting there are currently fewer treatment options for flu than for COVID.

BBC lawyers are preparing a robust defence to Donald Trump’s $10bn claim, expected to seek his testimony about his conduct around the Capitol unrest and a related speech. The approach could put him under oath in US proceedings, shifting focus from the broadcaster to his actions.

Paul Doyle, 51, is to be jailed for driving into crowds at a Liverpool parade, injuring bystanders. A 12-year-old describes the fear of being hit as celebrations turned to chaos. The case underscores event safety concerns and the consequences of reckless driving.