Her Majesty the Queen has said that the Christian message of "peace on earth and goodwill" is "needed as much as ever".

In her annual Christmas address, the Queen said Jesus's words are "never out of date" and can be "heeded by everyone". She also stressed the importance of treating people with opposing views with respect in words that some are interpreting as a comment on the state of public debate ahead of Brexit next March.

"Even with the most deeply-held differences, treating the other person with respect and as a fellow human being is always a good first step towards greater understanding," the Queen said.