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An ice alert for the South East and West Midlands is among new weather warnings now in force across the UK.

Wintry conditions caused widespread travel problems on Tuesday and forced more than 200 schools to close.

Forecasters say the difficult conditions will last until Wednesday morning, raising the prospect of a tricky rush hour on the roads and public transport.

The ice alert covers London and most of southern England as far west as Exeter, and as far north as Birmingham, Leicester and Chester, and expires at 10am.

A snow and ice warning also covers nearly all of Wales apart from some far western areas, most of western and northern Scotland and all of Northern Ireland – again until 10am.

The warnings are in force until between 10 am and noon on Wednesday. Pic: Met Office
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The warnings are in force until between 10 am and noon on Wednesday. Pic: Met Office

Another snow and ice warning snakes up the coast from East Anglia to the Scottish border and is in force until noon.

The Met Office has warned some journeys by road and rail could take longer in the morning.

It says drivers should allow extra time and pack items such as a blanket, spade, phone charger, and food and water.

Walkers should also be wary of icy surfaces and cyclists are advised to stick to main roads that are more likely to have been treated.

Temperatures in many places are set to be close to or below zero overnight, while snow accumulations are forecast to range from a couple of centimetres to potentially 10cm or more on higher ground.

Areas above 300m in Scotland could see build-ups of 15-20cm, the Met Office said.

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People play in the snow on the hills of Buxton, Derbyshire. . The UK is bracing for snow, ice and cold temperatures as up to 20cm of snow could hit the UK over the coming days. Picture date: Tuesday November 19, 2024.
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People play in the snow on the hills of Buxton, Derbyshire. Pic: PA

Snow over the village of Brandon in Durham. The UK is bracing for snow, ice and cold temperatures as up to 20cm of snow could hit the UK over the coming days. Picture date: Tuesday November 19, 2024. PA Photo. See PA story WEATHER Snow. Photo credit should read: Owen Humphreys/PA Wire
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The village of Brandon in Durham. Pic: PA

The Met Office’s chief meteorologist, Neil Armstrong, said: “With cold Arctic air firmly in place over the UK, continued winter hazards are likely through much of this week, with further updates to warnings likely in the coming days.”

Monday night saw sub-zero temperatures for much of the UK, reaching as low as -11.2C at Braemar, Aberdeenshire.

Snowfall was also widely reported, with 12cm recorded at Watnall in Nottinghamshire on Tuesday morning.

Horses on the gallops at Sam Drinkwater's Granary Stables, Strensham, Worcestershire. Picture date: Tuesday November 19, 2024. PA Photo. Photo credit should read: David Davies/PA Wire
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Sam Drinkwater’s Granary Stables, Strensham, Worcestershire. Pic: PA

By Tuesday afternoon, around 140 school closures had been reported in Wales, around 50 in the West Midlands and 20 in Derbyshire.

There was also a travel headache for thousands of train passengers as National Rail warned of disruption to various routes.

By midday, around 64 of 120 services (53%) planned by East Midlands Railway had been cancelled or delayed by at least half an hour, according to punctuality website trains.im.

Snowy conditions in Carr Gate, West Yorkshire. The UK is bracing for snow, ice and cold temperatures as up to 20cm of snow could hit the UK over the coming days. Picture date: Tuesday November 19, 2024.
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Carr Gate, West Yorkshire. Pic: PA

Figures for other operators included London North Eastern Railway (37%), Transport for Wales (13%), West Midlands Trains (13%) and CrossCountry (12%).

Rail travellers have been advised to check online before setting out and drivers should also plan ahead.

Luton, Bedfordshire
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Luton, Bedfordshire

A view of a snow covered park after the overnight snowfall in Buxton, Derbyshire. The UK is bracing for snow, ice and cold temperatures as up to 20cm of snow could hit the UK over the coming days. Picture date: Tuesday November 19, 2024. PA Photo. See PA story WEATHER Snow. Photo credit should read: Peter Byrne/PA Wire
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Buxton, Derbyshire. Pic: PA

Darren Clark, from National Highways, said: “Gritters will be out treating our roads around the clock when ice or snow is forecast, but it is still important to drive to the conditions.

“Keep your distance and reduce your speed, because even in conditions that seem normal, and where the snow is not settling, it can be slippery if ice patches have formed, or where fresh grit has not been worked into the carriageway.

“Drivers should plan their journeys, monitor weather reports and pack a snow kit of blankets, food, water and a shovel.”

A person walks their dog through snow in Warwick. The UK is bracing for snow, ice and cold temperatures as up to 20cm of snow could hit the UK over the coming days. Picture date: Tuesday November 19, 2024. PA Photo. See PA story WEATHER Snow. Photo credit should read: Jacob King/PA Wire
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Snowfall in Warwick. Pic: PA

Brill, Buckinghamshire
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Brill, Buckinghamshire

Wednesfield in the West Midlands. Pic: Phil Bateman
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Wednesfield in the West Midlands. Pic: Phil Bateman

The first amber cold health alert of the season has also been issued by the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) covering all of England, except the South, until 6pm on Saturday.

The amber warning is issued when the weather is likely to “cause significant impacts across health and social care services”, including the potential for a rise in deaths, particularly among older people or those with health conditions.

UKHSA map showing cold health alerts
https://ukhsa-dashboard.data.gov.uk/weather-health-alerts/cold?v=map&type=cold
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An amber cold health alert covers most of England. Pic: UKHSA

Dr Agostinho Sousa, head of extreme events at the UKHSA, said: “It is vital to check in on vulnerable friends, family and neighbours to ensure they are well prepared for the onset of cold weather. Particularly if they are elderly or otherwise at increased risk.”

Yellow health alerts – the second lowest – are in place for the South East, South West and London.

Belper in Derbyshire. Pic: Ben Drane
Image:
Belper in Derbyshire. Pic: Ben Drane

More expected in coming days

The Met Office has warned there could be further heavy rain, strong wind and more snow during the rest of the week as temperatures stay below average

“Further snow accumulations are expected through the week, mostly by night at low levels, in northern Scotland and exposed parts elsewhere,” it said.

Snow and ice at Corgaff in Aberdeenshire. The UK is bracing for snow, ice and cold temperatures as up to 20cm of snow could hit the UK over the coming days. Picture date: Monday November 18, 2024. PA Photo. See PA story WEATHER Snow. Photo credit should read: Jane Barlow/PA Wire
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Snow and ice at Corgarff in Aberdeenshire. Pic: PA

A dusting of snow at the Glenshee Ski Centre near Braemar in Aberdeenshire. The UK is bracing for snow, ice and cold temperatures as up to 20cm of snow could hit the UK over the coming days. Picture date: Monday November 18, 2024. PA Photo. See PA story WEATHER Snow. Photo credit should read: Jane Barlow/PA Wire
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A dusting of snow at Glenshee Ski Centre. Pic: PA

Snow and ice surround The Watchers sculpture at Corgaff in Aberdeenshire. The UK is bracing for snow, ice and cold temperatures as up to 20cm of snow could hit the UK over the coming days. Picture date: Monday November 18, 2024. PA Photo. See PA story WEATHER Snow. Photo credit should read: Jane Barlow/PA Wire
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Snow and ice surround The Watchers sculpture at Corgarff in Aberdeenshire. Pic: PA

Those in the impacted areas have been told power cuts are possible and mobile phone coverage might be affected.

The Met Office said there was also a slight chance some rural communities could be cut off.

Sutton Coldfield, West Midlands. Pic: Raj Patel
Image:
Sutton Coldfield, West Midlands. Pic: Raj Patel

Chipping Norton, Oxfordshire
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Chipping Norton, Oxfordshire

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My week with Prince William, the quiet disruptor

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My week with Prince William, the quiet disruptor

Photographed in a beam of sunlight, Prince William walked through Westminster Abbey with the King behind him.

The ornate robes of the Order of the Bath service, two weeks ago, felt like a world away from the more modern image he wants to portray.

But as a man bestowed with so many traditional titles, it’s a new role he’s shaping for himself that is more intriguing – William, the quiet disruptor.

The Prince of Wales at the Order of the Bath Service at Westminster Abbey, in the Order’s 300th anniversary year. Pic: Andrew Parsons / Kensington Palace
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The Prince of Wales at the Order of the Bath Service at Westminster Abbey. Pic: Andrew Parsons / Kensington Palace

In a week when Time Magazine named the Prince and Princess of Wales in its top 100 philanthropists list for “modernising royal philanthropy”, I spent the week following the prince on various engagements.

None of them particularly headline-grabbing, but all examples of how he’s setting out to do things differently, or underlining the challenges, and potential criticisms, he faces doing things his own way.

Take Tuesday, for example.

We weren’t expecting him to turn up as we waited at the Soho Hotel in London to watch a new series of films about the dangers faced by wildlife rangers, a project described as “the brainchild” of Prince William.

But all of a sudden, there he was in the room, taking the mic to explain what it really means to him.

Speaking about his drive to “give a voice to the voiceless”, it was indicative of what feels like a greater desire from him to articulate more publicly what he stands for.

Since November, when he described how he wanted to carry out his duties with “a smaller r in the royal”, you’ve got the sense William, and his team, have further wanted to cement in our minds where he sees his role.

From conversations this week, with those who work closely with him, the word “convening” came up time and again; the prince doesn’t want to waste what he knows is a unique position, to bring people together, start conversations and support those who are already doing amazing things in their communities.

Prince William recording the opening scenes for a documentary focusing on rangers and the dangers they face.
Pic: PA
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Prince William recording the opening scenes for a documentary about rangers and the dangers they face.
Pic: PA

Shifting the dial

But this isn’t just about him personally.

This is now a man whose vision for the monarchy, I’m told, is increasingly driven by a desire to “shift the dial on global leadership” where others may be failing.

With palace sources telling me he’d be more than happy to “be acknowledged” as a quiet disruptor, despite the criticism his new ways of working might bring.

Those who’ve known him a long time will tell you this compulsion to do things differently has been there for some time.

Prince William during a recent royal visit.
Pic: PA
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Prince William during a recent royal visit.
Pic: PA

Dr Tessy Ojo, the chief executive from The Diana Award, has worked with Prince William and Prince Harry for over 20 years.

She said: “They would never do royal engagements from the sense of cutting the ribbon or simply being poster people. We were very clearly warned if you wanted any form of engagement, it almost had to have a whole strategy behind it.”

She told me she has always sensed how much William appreciates the responsibility that comes with his role, especially in a world where “there’s a massive demand on leadership… there’s a lot of distrust on leaders”.

“What people wanted 40 years ago from their monarch is completely different,” she said.

“I think it’s super important that as the heir, as the next monarch, he’s very in tune with what the people want, and what people expect. And being able to be that 21st century monarch, who is a present dad, but also a leader who understands how to use your leadership for social good”.

A modern royal

Wednesday, and William walked into a sweaty, but infectiously positive, community hall in Leith in Edinburgh.

No ribbon cutting here, but this is the kind of visit the prince now sees as a big deal, “impact” the buzz word ahead of any engagement now.

A very lively game of football launching what they hope will be a long-term tie-up between the Royal Foundation (their charitable trust), Leith community centre and Street Soccer Scotland.

The Prince of Wales playing football during the visit to Leith.
Pic: PA
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The Prince of Wales playing football during the visit to Leith.
Pic: PA

The Prince of Wales,  known as the Duke of Rothesay when in Scotland, and Street Soccer Scotland founder and chief executive David Duke (back centre left) pose with football coaches and players during his visit to Leith Community Centre, Edinburgh.
Pic: PA
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Pic: PA

On Thursday, the sight of a guard of honour saluting the prince and princess, as the national anthem was played alongside HMS Glasgow, just emphasised the regular handbrake turns they face from the more relaxed to the formal, as they want to make the monarchy feel connected and relevant.

Then there is family to consider, in a way that past generations just haven’t.

Their working diaries are now arranged around their children. They’ve made no secret of that.

On paper, it means fewer engagements compared to other members of the family, and it has led to mutterings of that word no one within the palace wants to hear: “workshy”.

The Prince and Princess of Wales attend the naming ceremony for HMS Glasgow.
Pic: PA
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The Prince and Princess of Wales attend the naming ceremony for HMS Glasgow.
Pic: PA

Making an impact?

But talking to people in Glasgow, away from the royal visit, I overwhelmingly found most thought William was setting a good example by putting family first.

What people were less clear on was his “social impact” work and what that is all about.

The community projects may not necessarily grab as much attention as William and his advisors want, but what will be fascinating to watch is the potential long-term impact of this new kind of ethos.

As the Prince and Princess of Wales stood on the steps of Buckingham Palace at a garden party on Tuesday, pausing for the national anthem, you can’t help but wonder whether those traditional elements of royal life could face a shake-up when one day he leads the firm full time.

Understandably, no one likes to talk about transition, and Prince William certainly doesn’t shout about his thoughts on what will come.

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But as heir, his vision for the future and what royal leadership should look like could have huge consequences for the institution.

An impact far more significant and lasting than the noisy disruptions it’s faced from other family members in recent years.

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South Western Railway: First renationalised train service starts today… with replacement bus

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South Western Railway: First renationalised train service starts today... with replacement bus

South Western Railway (SWR) has been renationalised this weekend as part of the government’s transition towards Great British Railways.

The train operator officially came under public ownership at around 2am on Sunday – and the first journey, the 5.36am from Woking, was partly a rail replacement bus service due to engineering works.

Pic: PA
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Pic: PA

So what difference will renationalisation make to passengers and will journeys be cheaper?

What is nationalisation?

Nationalisation means the government taking control of industries or companies, taking them from private to public ownership.

England’s railway lines are currently run by train operating companies as franchises under fixed-term contracts, but Labour have said they want to take control of the lines when those fixed terms end.

Transport Secretary Heidi Alexander. Pic: Andrew Matthews/PA Wire
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Transport Secretary Heidi Alexander. Pic: PA

In its manifesto, the party vowed to return rail journeys to public ownership within five years by establishing Great British Railways (GBR) to run both the network tracks and trains.

Transport Secretary Heidi Alexander, who travelled on the first renationalised departure from London Waterloo, said, before boarding, it was “a new dawn for our railways” and “a watershed moment”.

“But I know that most users of the railway don’t spend much time thinking about who runs the trains – they just want them to work,” she added. “That’s why operators will have to meet rigorous performance standards and earn the right to be called Great British Railways.”

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How reliable are UK trains?

How will ticket prices be affected?

Labour have argued cutting off payments flowing into the private sector could save the taxpayer £150m a year.

But the government has not explicitly promised the savings made from nationalisation will be used to subsidise fees.

It is unlikely rail fares will fall as a result of nationalisation, rail analyst William Barter told Sky News.

“The government could mandate fare cuts if it wanted to, but there’s no sign it wants to,” he said.

“At the moment, I’m sure they would want to keep the money rather than give it back to passengers. The current operator aims to maximise revenue, and there’s no reason the government would want them to do anything differently under government control.”

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UK has most expensive train tickets in Europe

What difference will it make for passengers?

Britain’s railways are frequently plagued by delays, cuts to services and timetable issues, but Mr Barter said nationalisation will make very little day-to-day difference to passengers.

There was “no reason to think” the move would improve issues around delays and cancellation of services, he said.

“It’s going to be the same people, the same management,” he explained.

“The facts of what the operator has to deal with in terms of revenue, infrastructure, reliability, all the rest of it – they haven’t changed.”

Pic: iStock
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Pic: iStock

Which services are next to be nationalised?

In the longer term, the move is likely to bring “a degree of certainty compared with relatively short-term franchises”, Mr Barter said, noting the government would only want to renationalise a franchise “because in one way or another something very bad is going on in that franchise, so in a way it can only get better”.

It also means the government will have greater accountability for fixing problems with punctuality and cancellations.

Mr Barter said: “If this is the government’s baby, then they’re going to do their best to make sure it doesn’t fail. So rather than having a franchise holder they can use as a political scapegoat, it’s theirs now.”

He added: “In the short term, I don’t think you’d expect to see any sort of change. Long term, you’ll see stability and integration bringing about gradual benefits. There’s not a silver bullet of that sort here.”

Britain’s railway services were privatised in the mid-1990s.

South Western Railway came under public ownership at around 2 am on Sunday. Andrew Matthews/PA Wire
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South Western Railway came under public ownership at around 2am on Sunday. Pic: PA

Now, all services run by private companies will be renationalised as contracts reach the end of their minimum terms, with the process due to be completed by the end of 2027.

The next operator’s services to be brought under public control will be c2c – which runs between London and Essex – on 20 July, with Greater Anglia following in October, before seven more companies transfer over when their franchises end in the future.

Operators that were already under public ownership are LNER, Northern, Southeastern and TransPennine Express.

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Former BBC executive and presenter Alan Yentob dies

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Former BBC executive and presenter Alan Yentob dies

Alan Yentob, the former BBC presenter and executive, has died aged 78.

A statement from his family, shared by the BBC, said Yentob died on Saturday.

His wife Philippa Walker said: “For Jacob, Bella and I, every day with Alan held the promise of something unexpected. Our life was exciting, he was exciting.

“He was curious, funny, annoying, late, and creative in every cell of his body. But more than that, he was the kindest of men and a profoundly moral man. He leaves in his wake a trail of love a mile wide.”

Read more on Sky News:
First renationalised train service starts

My week with Prince William, the quiet disruptor

Yentob joined the BBC as a trainee in 1968 and held a number of positions – including controller of BBC One and BBC Two, director of television, and head of music and art.

He was also the director of BBC drama, entertainment, and children’s TV.

Yentob launched CBBC and CBeebies, and his drama commissions included Pride And Prejudice and Middlemarch.

Alan Yentob with former BBC director general Tony Hall in 2012. Pic: Reuters.
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Alan Yentob (left) with former BBC director general Tony Hall in 2012. Pic: Reuters.

The TV executive was made a Commander of the Order of the British Empire (CBE) by the King in 2024 for services to the arts and media.

In a tribute, the BBC’s director-general Tim Davie said: “Alan Yentob was a towering figure in British broadcasting and the arts. A creative force and a cultural visionary, he shaped decades of programming at the BBC and beyond, with a passion for storytelling and public service that leave a lasting legacy.

“Above all, Alan was a true original. His passion wasn’t performative – it was personal. He believed in the power of culture to enrich, challenge and connect us.”

BBC Radio 4 presenter Amol Rajan described him on Instagram as “such a unique and kind man: an improbable impresario from unlikely origins who became a towering figure in the culture of post-war Britain.

“I commend his spirit to the living.”

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