The Telegraph looking at the world 2022 December 29

Good morning. A landmark review by William Shawcross, pictured above, into the Government’s flagship Prevent programme has found that taxpayers’ money has been handed to groups promoting Islamist extremism. Meanwhile, teachers’ unions fear that ballots for national strike action in 2023 have been put at risk by postal strikes.

Headlines: Today’s essential news China | UK transport and home office officials will consider today whether the UK should follow the US and other countries in imposing Covid restrictions on travellers flying in from China. The United States announced last night that all travellers from China must test negative for Covid-19 before entering the country, joining India, Italy, Japan and Taiwan in taking new measures after Beijing’s decision to lift stringent zero-Covid policies. Counter-terrorism | Islamist groups funded by taxpayer, Prevent review finds The review by William Shawcross, a former head of the Charity Commission, is expected to say that the “unacceptable” cases undermined Prevent’s ability to “effectively undertake counter-radicalisation” work.As part of the Prevent de-radicalisation strategy introduced after the 9/11 attacks, groups and charities have been given taxpayers’ money to steer young Muslims away from terrorism. But the review finds that a number of the organisations went on to promote extreme Islamist ideas. “These findings raise serious questions about whether Prevent is knowingly taking this approach and, if not, whether it operates robust due diligence procedures and has an acceptable level of understanding of Islamist extremism,” the report will say. Academics’ warning | BBC guilty of ‘rewriting British history’ to promote woke agenda in ‘biased’ documentaries Broadcaster failing in its duty of impartiality by allowing ‘politically motivated campaigners’ to present shows, say leading academics A report said the BBC was failing in its duty of impartiality by allowing “politically motivated campaigners” to present “tendentious” views of British history as fact.Lord Roberts, the author and broadcaster, accused the BBC of pursuing a “fatwa” against Sir Winston Churchill. The dossier said documentaries on subjects including slavery, colonialism and the Irish famine distort the truth about Britain’s past through inaccuracy or omitting important facts. Marie Kawthar Daouda, a lecturer at Oxford University, said the BBC needs to “stop apologising” for Britain’s history. Jeremy Black, the former professor of history at Exeter University, said the BBC was guilty of “systemic failure” through an inability to present a rounded picture of the past. Covid travel | UK to consider following US in requiring Covid tests for arrivals from China Ballot delay | Postal strikes ‘could put teachers’ strikes at risk’ Military law | Army instructors who start sexual relationships with recruits could face jail within a year Around the world: Top Stories Police rescue | Tiger cub found in couple’s car boot during routine traffic stop Space | Jets of water from one of Saturn’s moons could harbour signs of alien life Clues to living organisms may be found among the cells ejected from the surface of Enceladus, one of Saturn’s moon, scientists argue Middle East | West Bank mourns deadliest year in decades as young Palestinians take up arms Tensions between Israeli forces and militants have soared and many fear a new generation of young men could turn their backs on peace + Benjamin Netanyahu, the incoming prime minister, put West Bank settlement expansion at the top of its list of priorities, vowing to legalise dozens of illegally built outposts and annex the occupied territory as part of his coalition deal with its ultra-national allies.All Israeli settlements, including outposts, are illegal under international law. Record play | How Taylor Swift masterminded the big vinyl comeback Russia-Ukraine war | Kherson hit by 33 rockets in single day as Russian tanks close in Hundreds of civilians forced to flee as Putin’s troops pummel civilian targets including maternity ward … Ukraine’s armed forces said the recently liberated southern city had been targeted by 33 rockets in the 24 hours leading up to its morning update on Wednesday.More tanks and armoured vehicles were also deployed on the southern frontline by Russian forces, the Ukrainian military added. The warning came as Ukraine’s armed forces appeared to make progress in an attempt to recapture the strategically important city of Kreminna in the Luhansk region.

Comment and analysis

Julian Jessop | House prices will fall faster and further than anyone expects Matthew Lynn | Mark Drakeford is bringing Wales to its knees Matt Ridley | China’s Covid nightmare is the final proof: lockdowns were a total failure Telegraph View | The West’s support for Ukraine must not waver now Letters | One way for overcharged energy customers to take back control

Editor’s choice: Take 5

Covid | Whistleblower who could blow open the lab leak theory Lightyear, Moonfall and beyond | Biggest box office flops of 2022 Travel | I binned my 35-year-old ski boots – and will never look back ‘The best buy of 2022’ | Telegraph readers defend the air fryer Property | How failed stamp duty policy is squeezing the life out

Culture: The best films of 2022, ranked From Tom Cruise’s triumphant return flight in Top Gun: Maverick to British indie gem Aftersun, here are the four and five-star film choices of 2022 from our critics Robbie Collin and Tim Robey.

Looking back at 2022: Death of the Queen It was the day the country had dreaded. After a lifetime dedicated to service, Queen Elizabeth II died at Balmoral Castle on September 8. She was the longest-reigning monarch in British history and the most celebrated. Here, we bring you 154 photographs that pay tribute to her remarkable life: from her marriage, to her relationships with her children, as well as her work with more than 600 charities – and the people around the world whose lives she touched. And Gordon Rayner reveals what the late Queen was really like, by those who knew her.

Here is a selection of articles we think you’ll be interested in today. Passengers left stranded at Gatwick Airport after rail strikes Concern grows for Olympian’s 13-year-old cousin who went missing a week ago Shop worker injured in violent brawl during Boxing Day sales Couple stabbed dog breeder’s throat in revenge attack after £800 puppy died Rain stops play in the Alps as lack of snow closes half of French ski resorts

Here is a selection of articles we think you’ll be interested in today. Labour ‘won’t raise taxes for squeezed middle earners to bankroll NHS’ Jeremy Hunt’s stealth taxes to hit middle-class families over 10 years Michael Gove: Revive traditional architecture to boost backing for new homes Rishi Sunak’s wife decks out Downing Street flat with velvet sofas Islamist groups funded by taxpayer, Prevent review finds

Tonight’s TV

Prince Andrew: The Musical, Channel 4, 9pm | If The Crown was not enough to sour the royal soup this year, then this giddy musical farce will probably do it. More details – and other TV choices.