At least 73 migrants have died trying to cross the English Channel to Britain this year, according to French authorities, making 2024 the deadliest year on record for the crossings.

Groups of migrants could be seen arriving in Dover after successfully crossing the Channel for the first time in two weeks.

More than 110 migrants have arrived in Dover harbour on Christmas Day morning, as hundreds more attempt the Channel crossing in dangerous conditions.The Border Force vessel Volunteer brought the migrants from two boats just before 5am,

Helen-Ann Hartley, who as Bishop of Newcastle has been a vocal critic of Mr Cottrell, described his sermon as "empty words. I have no words more than that to describe their meaning." At York Minster on Christmas morning, the archbishop appeared to address criticism of the church directly.

The Bishop of Newcastle has criticised the Christmas Day sermon delivered by the Archbishop of York, describing his suggestion that the Church of England needs to change as “empty words”. Stephen Cottrell said the Church should “kneel in penitence” as it continues to face criticism over failures in its handling of various abuse scandals.

Following the resignation of the Archbishop of Canterbury Justin Welby, the Archbishop of York Stephen Cottrell is to become the temporary leader of the Church of England next month. Dr Welby stood down in November after a damning report exposed a “conspiracy of silence” about the abuse of children and young men perpetrated by barrister John Smyth.