Nationwide cold weather alerts have been issued for a week as temperatures plunge. Officials warn of higher risks for older and vulnerable people and pressure on health and care, with hospital beds near capacity. Yellow warnings for snow, ice and wind; drivers urged to take care and check on neighbours.

Eurostar asked travellers to postpone trips after a power supply fault closed the Channel Tunnel, halting services between London, Paris, Amsterdam and Brussels. Some trains later ran with heavy delays. LeShuttle also faced queues, and flights rose towards £500.

England’s Lionesses headline the New Year Honours after retaining the European crown. Manager Sarina Wiegman receives an honorary damehood; captain Leah Williamson a CBE, with Alex Greenwood, Keira Walsh, Georgia Stanway and Ella Toone awarded MBEs.

Trump says a peace deal is “within reach” after meeting a European counterpart in Florida. A whistleblower chemist warns a state may be developing new banned agents, prompting renewed UK and allied vigilance on chemical security as talks continue.