'Tuesday briefing: How Britain has coped with an Arctic blast' diff viewer (0/1)

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Tuesday briefing: How Britain has coped with an Arctic blast	Tuesday briefing: How Britain has coped with an Arctic blast
2025-01-07 07:02:14 UTC	2025-01-07 13:36:57 UTC (about 7 hours later)
In today’s newsletter: Widespread flooding, snow and power outages have left thousands of households and travellers facing the aftermath of a cold snap – with more disruption to come	In today’s newsletter: Widespread flooding, snow and power outages have left thousands of households and travellers facing the aftermath of a cold snap – with more disruption to come
Good morning.	Good morning.
British winters have grown markedly milder over the past century: analysis has shown that the average UK winter has gotten 1C warmer and 15% wetter in the last century. Last February was the warmest in recorded history. There have been fewer and fewer snow days and the Met Office found that ground frost periods are three weeks shorter compared to the 1970s.	British winters have grown markedly milder over the past century: analysis has shown that the average UK winter has gotten 1C warmer and 15% wetter in the last century. Last February was the warmest in recorded history. There have been fewer and fewer snow days and the Met Office found that ground frost periods are three weeks shorter compared to the 1970s.
Though cold snaps are less frequent, when they do happen, they are disruptive. Over the last week, the UK has experienced a significant drop in temperatures due to a cold Arctic blast. Heavy snow, sleet and rain disrupted transport networks, closed roads and prevented thousands of pupils from attending their first day back at school. The Met Office has issued yellow warnings for snow and ice that are in place until this morning for most of Northern Ireland, the north and west of Scotland, most of Wales, and western and south-western regions of England.	Though cold snaps are less frequent, when they do happen, they are disruptive. Over the last week, the UK has experienced a significant drop in temperatures due to a cold Arctic blast. Heavy snow, sleet and rain disrupted transport networks, closed roads and prevented thousands of pupils from attending their first day back at school. The Met Office has issued yellow warnings for snow and ice that are in place until this morning for most of Northern Ireland, the north and west of Scotland, most of Wales, and western and south-western regions of England.
Today’s newsletter examines the toll of last week’s freezing weather. That’s right after the headlines.	Today’s newsletter examines the toll of last week’s freezing weather. That’s right after the headlines.
Five big stories	Five big stories
Canada \| Justin Trudeau has said he will step down as Canada’s prime minister. His resignation throws open the doors to a fierce political battle to be the country’s next leader, with polls showing the Liberals losing badly to the official opposition Conservatives.	Canada \| Justin Trudeau has said he will step down as Canada’s prime minister. His resignation throws open the doors to a fierce political battle to be the country’s next leader, with polls showing the Liberals losing badly to the official opposition Conservatives.
Child sexual exploitation \| Keir Starmer has condemned Elon Musk’s increasingly erratic attacks on the government, suggesting that his “lies and misinformation” on grooming gangs were amplifying the “poison” of the far right. Ministers meanwhile promised to implement a key demand of a 2022 child sex abuse inquiry so that professionals who do not report claims of abuse will be sanctioned.	Child sexual exploitation \| Keir Starmer has condemned Elon Musk’s increasingly erratic attacks on the government, suggesting that his “lies and misinformation” on grooming gangs were amplifying the “poison” of the far right. Ministers meanwhile promised to implement a key demand of a 2022 child sex abuse inquiry so that professionals who do not report claims of abuse will be sanctioned.
US politics \| The US Congress certified Donald Trump’s presidential election victory on Monday, in an event heavy with symbolism four years to the day since he incited a violent mob to disrupt a similar ceremony. Kamala Harris presided over a joint Senate and House of Representatives session to validate the result.	US politics \| The US Congress certified Donald Trump’s presidential election victory on Monday, in an event heavy with symbolism four years to the day since he incited a violent mob to disrupt a similar ceremony. Kamala Harris presided over a joint Senate and House of Representatives session to validate the result.
Foster care \| The UK is facing a fostering crisis where retiring carers are not being replaced by younger people, while the number of children entering care homes is rising, a charity has warned. The decline in foster carers is due to the impact of the pandemic, the costof living crisis, biological children staying at home for longer, spare rooms being used as home offices and changing family situations, Barnardo’s children’s charity said.	Foster care \| The UK is facing a fostering crisis where retiring carers are not being replaced by younger people, while the number of children entering care homes is rising, a charity has warned. The decline in foster carers is due to the impact of the pandemic, the costof living crisis, biological children staying at home for longer, spare rooms being used as home offices and changing family situations, Barnardo’s children’s charity said.
Tibet \| A magnitude 6.8 earthquake has struck near one of Tibet’s holiest cities, the China Earthquake Networks Centre has said, killing 53 people, injuring 62 and damaging buildings around Shigatse, according to state media.	Tibet \| A magnitude 6.8 earthquake has struck near one of Tibet’s holiest cities, the China Earthquake Networks Centre has said, killing 53 people, injuring 62 and damaging buildings around Shigatse, according to state media.
In depth: Flood alerts, dramatic rescues and emergency measures follow Britain’s big freeze	In depth: Flood alerts, dramatic rescues and emergency measures follow Britain’s big freeze
Because this is Britain, there is reasonable consternation every time the country seems to grind to a halt at the slightest shift in weather. Britain’s infrastructure has not been built to cope with harsh winters and regular flooding. With increasingly wet winters and unpredictable cold snaps, vulnerable regions face mounting risks from infrastructure failures that could leave communities isolated and essential services disrupted – as last week demonstrated.	Because this is Britain, there is reasonable consternation every time the country seems to grind to a halt at the slightest shift in weather. Britain’s infrastructure has not been built to cope with harsh winters and regular flooding. With increasingly wet winters and unpredictable cold snaps, vulnerable regions face mounting risks from infrastructure failures that could leave communities isolated and essential services disrupted – as last week demonstrated.
Flooding	Flooding
As of this morning, 200 flood warnings and 300 flood alerts have been issued in England, according to the government. The Environment ~~Agency~~ has said a combination of melting snow and rain could lead to “significant river flooding”, adding that it is monitoring swollen ~~rivers~~ ~~around~~ ~~the~~ ~~UK.~~	As of this morning, 200 flood warnings and 300 flood alerts have been issued in England, according to the government. The Environment Agency, which monitors flooding in England, has said a combination of melting snow and rain could lead to “significant river flooding”, adding that it is monitoring swollen rivers.
Flooding has brought rail services to a grinding halt, with widespread cancellation and delays due to flooded tracks across the country. In Scotland, dangerous water levels and a landslip triggered major disruption last week.	Flooding has brought rail services in several places to a grinding halt, with widespread cancellation and delays due to flooded tracks across the country. In Scotland, dangerous water levels and a landslip triggered major disruption last week.
Major rescue operations have unfolded: hundreds were evacuated in Manchester after torrential rain trapped residents, while Rutland and Leicestershire declared major incidents yesterday, with fire services fielding more than 200 emergency calls and rescuing a least 59 people.	Major rescue operations have unfolded: hundreds were evacuated in Manchester after torrential rain trapped residents, while Rutland and Leicestershire declared major incidents yesterday, with fire services fielding more than 200 emergency calls and rescuing a least 59 people.
In Newport, Wales, flooding was so severe that police had to seize drifting cars, and footage was released of a completely submerged car in Birmingham.	In Newport, Wales, flooding was so severe that police had to seize drifting cars, and footage was released of a completely submerged car in Birmingham.
The drop in temperatures	The drop in temperatures
Sudden temperature falls can lead to widespread power outages. The network operators Northern Powergrid said more than 27,000 homes and businesses across Yorkshire and north-east England lost power on Sunday night. In Ireland, almost 60,000 homes and businesses were without power and 40,000 without water.	Sudden temperature falls can lead to widespread power outages. The network operators Northern Powergrid said more than 27,000 homes and businesses across Yorkshire and north-east England lost power on Sunday night. In Ireland, almost 60,000 homes and businesses were without power and 40,000 without water.
Some households will struggle to warm their homes to the recommended 18C, which is likely exacerbated by power outages. Last week, the UK’s Health Security Agency issued an amber alert for social care in England, saying vulnerable people were at risk. London councils have also activated an emergency accommodation protocol for people sleeping rough in freezing conditions, which will involve extra beds being made available.	Some households will struggle to warm their homes to the recommended 18C, which is likely exacerbated by power outages. Last week, the UK’s Health Security Agency issued an amber alert for social care in England, saying vulnerable people were at risk. London councils have also activated an emergency accommodation protocol for people sleeping rough in freezing conditions, which will involve extra beds being made available.
Snow and sleet	Snow and sleet
Icy conditions rendered many motorways and roads impassable, with others brought to a standstill by traffic pile-ups. Despite speed restrictions and closures, treacherous conditions have still led to numerous vehicle collisions. Authorities are urging people to travel only when absolutely necessary, though this risks isolating rural and remote areas. The RAC reported that yesterday was likely the busiest day of the winter so far for vehicle breakdowns due to the severe weather. The harsh conditions have also left people stranded in perilous situations: in one instance, five men were rescued from a mountain in the Lake District, where they were found “waist-deep” in snow.	Icy conditions rendered many motorways and roads impassable, with others brought to a standstill by traffic pile-ups. Despite speed restrictions and closures, treacherous conditions have still led to numerous vehicle collisions. Authorities are urging people to travel only when absolutely necessary, though this risks isolating rural and remote areas. The RAC reported that yesterday was likely the busiest day of the winter so far for vehicle breakdowns due to the severe weather. The harsh conditions have also left people stranded in perilous situations: in one instance, five men were rescued from a mountain in the Lake District, where they were found “waist-deep” in snow.
Several airports, including Manchester and Liverpool, temporarily closed their runways because of heavy snow and ice. The UK’s typically mild climate means most airports have not invested in infrastructure to handle unusual or extreme weather events, leaving thousands of passengers in the lurch or waiting hours on end for their flight to take off.	Several airports, including Manchester and Liverpool, temporarily closed their runways because of heavy snow and ice. The UK’s typically mild climate means most airports have not invested in infrastructure to handle unusual or extreme weather events, leaving thousands of passengers in the lurch or waiting hours on end for their flight to take off.
With freezing temperatures expected to persist into next week, further disruption seems inevitable.	With freezing temperatures expected to persist into next week, further disruption seems inevitable.
What else we’ve been reading	What else we’ve been reading
After Demi Moore (above) celebrated her first major award win for the Substance, Steve Rose has a great profile of a star written off as a “popcorn actress”: “She has had the kind of Hollywood career most female actors would both dream of and never wish on their worst enemy”. Archie	After Demi Moore (above) celebrated her first major award win for the Substance, Steve Rose has a great profile of a star written off as a “popcorn actress”: “She has had the kind of Hollywood career most female actors would both dream of and never wish on their worst enemy”. Archie
On 6 January 2021, scores of people stormed the US Capitol in an insurrection that stunned the nation. Four years on, Rachel Leingang reports that some of those accused or convicted of participation in the attack are convinced that, with Donald Trump’s return to power right around the corner, pardons and redemption are imminent. Nimo	On 6 January 2021, scores of people stormed the US Capitol in an insurrection that stunned the nation. Four years on, Rachel Leingang reports that some of those accused or convicted of participation in the attack are convinced that, with Donald Trump’s return to power right around the corner, pardons and redemption are imminent. Nimo
Sociologist Dan Evans has a smart piece arguing that the “graduates without a future” are the voters who will decide future British elections: “The middle classes function as a stabilising rod for society, and the crumbling of this pillar has driven the febrility of modern politics.” Archie	Sociologist Dan Evans has a smart piece arguing that the “graduates without a future” are the voters who will decide future British elections: “The middle classes function as a stabilising rod for society, and the crumbling of this pillar has driven the febrility of modern politics.” Archie
ICYMI: Bethan McKernan and Sufian Taha’s report about the killing of 22-year-old journalism student Shatha al-Sabbagh in the West Bank is a fascinating must-read. Nimo	ICYMI: Bethan McKernan and Sufian Taha’s report about the killing of 22-year-old journalism student Shatha al-Sabbagh in the West Bank is a fascinating must-read. Nimo
As Elon Musk continues with his bewildering campaign against British politicians, this piece by Phil Tinline for the New Statesman – originally published in October – sheds useful light on why the UK has become such an obsession for the American right. Archie	As Elon Musk continues with his bewildering campaign against British politicians, this piece by Phil Tinline for the New Statesman – originally published in October – sheds useful light on why the UK has become such an obsession for the American right. Archie
After Demi Moore (above) celebrated her first major award win for the Substance, Steve Rose has a great profile of a star written off as a “popcorn actress”: “She has had the kind of Hollywood career most female actors would both dream of and never wish on their worst enemy”. Archie	After Demi Moore (above) celebrated her first major award win for the Substance, Steve Rose has a great profile of a star written off as a “popcorn actress”: “She has had the kind of Hollywood career most female actors would both dream of and never wish on their worst enemy”. Archie
On 6 January 2021, scores of people stormed the US Capitol in an insurrection that stunned the nation. Four years on, Rachel Leingang reports that some of those accused or convicted of participation in the attack are convinced that, with Donald Trump’s return to power right around the corner, pardons and redemption are imminent. Nimo	On 6 January 2021, scores of people stormed the US Capitol in an insurrection that stunned the nation. Four years on, Rachel Leingang reports that some of those accused or convicted of participation in the attack are convinced that, with Donald Trump’s return to power right around the corner, pardons and redemption are imminent. Nimo
Sociologist Dan Evans has a smart piece arguing that the “graduates without a future” are the voters who will decide future British elections: “The middle classes function as a stabilising rod for society, and the crumbling of this pillar has driven the febrility of modern politics.” Archie	Sociologist Dan Evans has a smart piece arguing that the “graduates without a future” are the voters who will decide future British elections: “The middle classes function as a stabilising rod for society, and the crumbling of this pillar has driven the febrility of modern politics.” Archie
ICYMI: Bethan McKernan and Sufian Taha’s report about the killing of 22-year-old journalism student Shatha al-Sabbagh in the West Bank is a fascinating must-read. Nimo	ICYMI: Bethan McKernan and Sufian Taha’s report about the killing of 22-year-old journalism student Shatha al-Sabbagh in the West Bank is a fascinating must-read. Nimo
As Elon Musk continues with his bewildering campaign against British politicians, this piece by Phil Tinline for the New Statesman – originally published in October – sheds useful light on why the UK has become such an obsession for the American right. Archie	As Elon Musk continues with his bewildering campaign against British politicians, this piece by Phil Tinline for the New Statesman – originally published in October – sheds useful light on why the UK has become such an obsession for the American right. Archie
Sport	Sport
Premier League \| Nottingham Forest extended their remarkable form and moved level with second-placed Arsenal with a convincing 3-0 win over Wolves. Wolves’ former head coach Nuno Espírito Santo and academy product Morgan Gibbs-White returned to haunt the Molineux, while New Zealand striker Chris Wood was again among the goals.	Premier League \| Nottingham Forest extended their remarkable form and moved level with second-placed Arsenal with a convincing 3-0 win over Wolves. Wolves’ former head coach Nuno Espírito Santo and academy product Morgan Gibbs-White returned to haunt the Molineux, while New Zealand striker Chris Wood was again among the goals.