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In-depth reporting, intelligent analysis and major breaking news from a global perspective

BBC Radio 4


    • Jun 3, 2025 LATEST EPISODE
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    Latest episodes from The World Tonight

    More killings near US-Israeli backed Gaza aid site

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 3, 2025 37:45


    More Palestinians have been killed near an aid distribution site in Gaza. Israel says it will investigate. The Labour Chair of the Foreign Affairs Committee says it's time to sanction Israeli government ministers. Also tonight:The government is under pressure to spend even more on defence than planned - just a day after publishing its defence review. We ask one of the report's authors whether its figures are already out of date.As the Dutch government collapses, we examine how rows over immigration are reshaping European politics.And as the Serpentine Pavilion celebrates 25 years, the leading Bangladeshi architect behind this year's creation has been giving me a tour.

    Will extra defence spending boost UK economy?

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 2, 2025 37:32


    As the government says it will invest billions of pounds to move the UK to war-fighting readiness, we hear about the contents of the Strategic Defence Review - and ask whether there is a broader economic upside from a "defence dividend".Also on the programme:The former US Ambassador to Ukraine tells us why she resigned in April - over the Trump administration's approach to Russia. And the archives of the Belfast News Letter - the world's longest continuously published English-language newspaper - are made available online.

    Donald Trump and Elon Musk give a joint news conference

    Play Episode Listen Later May 30, 2025 38:28


    The last day in the White House for the Tesla boss - but what about the many other federal employees who've lost their jobs? Also: Gerry Adams wins his libel case against the BBC; Dutch art theft; Mexico judges; France smoking ban; and does Doctor Who have a future?

    Biggest West Bank settlement expansion in decades

    Play Episode Listen Later May 29, 2025 38:01


    Israel has announced plans to recognise 22 new Jewish settlements in the West Bank. Will it make a Palestinian state impossible? We hear from an Israeli settler and a Palestinian. A group of Labour MPs is pressing the UK government to officially recognise Palestine. We ask a member of the Foreign Affairs Select Committee why she thinks that could make a difference.As the NHS puts a figure on how many people in England have ADHD, we hear the experiences of those who've struggled to get diagnosed. And Turkey says airline passengers who stand up too soon should be fined. We ask a former member of cabin crew why we really should obey the seat belt sign.

    Russia proposes more direct talks with Ukraine in Istanbul

    Play Episode Listen Later May 28, 2025 38:04


    Russia's foreign minister has briefed US Secretary of State Marco Rubio on a “peace memorandum” to end the war in Ukraine. Sergei Lavrov has suggested direct talks between Russia and Ukraine in Istanbul on Monday, when he says the memorandum will be presented to Ukrainian negotiators. Meanwhile the German chancellor has pledged more military aid to Ukraine, as Russia masses thousands more troops on the country's north-eastern border. We speak to someone living in a city in the region.Joel Le Scouarnec, the former surgeon who has admitted sexually abusing hundreds of patients, mostly children, between 1989 and 2014 has been sentenced to a maximum term of 20 years in jail. We explore reaction to the case in France.And the man who wrote Succession, Jesse Armstrong, speaks to us about his directorial debut, a movie about “tech bros”.

    Harvard v Trump

    Play Episode Listen Later May 23, 2025 37:17


    Harvard University has taken President Trump to court over his order to bar foreign students. It's won a temporary reprieve. A student from the UK set to collect his degree in six days time, tells us he's breathing a sigh of relief.Also:The government will delay publication of its child poverty strategy. Is it responding to MPs pushing for the two-child benefit cap to be scrapped?On Sunday, it'll be five years since the murder of George Floyd in the United States. What impact did the Black Lives Matter movement his death galvanised have on the lives of people here?And, we speak to a couple in Norway who woke up with a new garden ornament - a container ship.

    Government signs deal to hand over Chagos Islands

    Play Episode Listen Later May 22, 2025 37:25


    The UK has signed a deal to hand over the Chagos Islands to Mauritius and lease back the military base there for an average of £101m a year. Keir Starmer says the deal is in the UK's national interest. We hear from a Chagossian woman who tried to stop the deal with a last minute legal challenge.The Trump administration has barred Harvard from enrolling international students -- marking an escalation between Washington and America's richest university. We speak to one of the international students affected.And 30 years since the release of Pulp's Common People, we explore the legacy of the Brit Pop classic.

    Trump ambushes South Africa leader in White House meeting

    Play Episode Listen Later May 21, 2025 37:25


    In an extraordinary moment, Donald Trump used an Oval Office meeting with South Africa's president to play him a video claiming to show a white genocide in his country. A South African government minister gives us his reponse to that diplomatic ambush.Also:We ask how much political damage the government has suffered over its climbdown on Winter Fuel Payments.And jubilation for Spurs fans in the Europa League final against Manchester United. We're live in Bilbao.

    UK suspends trade talks with Israel

    Play Episode Listen Later May 20, 2025 37:36


    The UK government has suspended trade talks with Israel and summoned its ambassador over the decision to allow a basic amount of food to enter the enclave and its continuation of the military offensive in Gaza. The European Union also says it's reviewing its trade agreement with Israel.Also on the programme: is the government planning to row back on its policy of restricting winter fuel payments? And comedian Lenny Henry makes a return to stand-up.

    Is UK's EU reset deal a 'win-win'?

    Play Episode Listen Later May 19, 2025 38:15


    Is the government's deal with the EU really a reset - and one the public is looking for? We speak to the Foreign Secretary David Lammy.Also tonight:Israel says five trucks carrying baby food, medicines and flour have entered Gaza - after an 11-week aid blockade. In his interview with us, the Foreign Secretary says it's "simply not enough".We have a read-out on the marathon phone call between Donald Trump and Vladimir Putin. Is the Russian leader really serious about discussing compromises? And as The Who fire their drummer Zak Starkey for the second time in a month - what's the best way for a bands to get rid of unwanted members?

    Israel tells people to leave northern Gaza, ahead of expected escalation in its offensive

    Play Episode Listen Later May 16, 2025 37:26


    A former Israeli ambassador to the US says signs that the Trump administration isn't consulting Israel could lead to a flashpoint between the two allies: MPs debating the bill to legalise assisted dying in England and Wales have voted to give health workers the right to opt out of the process - we speak to two politicians who took party in today's debate. And - Sir Jackie Stewart on 75 years of Formula 1..

    Expected negotiations in Istanbul descend into acrimony

    Play Episode Listen Later May 15, 2025 37:28


    It's believed Ukrainian and Russian negotiators will meet face to face tomorrow for the first time in three years. That's after President Putin of Russia announced overnight he wouldn't attend the meetings held in Istanbul personally. Ukraine's President Zelensky did turn up and accused Moscow of failing to take the talks seriously. We hear from Ukrainian and Russian civilians on their expectations for the negotiations.The clock ticks down further to a planned EU-UK "reset" summit on Monday. But with reports negotiators are struggling to reach a draft communique amid disputes over fishing rights, we ask what the UK should be prepared to give up.And a previously unpublished ghost story written by Graham Greene has finally made it into print.

    Donald Trump meets Syrian President in Saudi Arabia

    Play Episode Listen Later May 14, 2025 37:50


    After today's historic meeting between President Trump and the interim Syrian President - we hear from a former US representative to Syria. Also: the BBC learns that immigrants - currently in the UK - could also have to wait up to ten years before they can apply to stay permanently; a notable absentee from the Russian delegation to talks with Ukraine in Turkey; and are we about to enter the Age of the Double Decker train?

    New Pope elected

    Play Episode Listen Later May 8, 2025 37:47


    As a new Pope is elected, we hear from one of his old school friends. Also: the US and UK announce a deal on tariffs, but are the industries involved happy with the outcome? Bill Gates on his plans to give away his fortune and close his Foundation. And as VE Day commemorations come to a close, we hear how a national dish has featured on many of the day's menus.

    Can Pakistan and India avoid war?

    Play Episode Listen Later May 7, 2025 37:44


    Pakistan's Prime Minister says the country has responded to India's air strikes by downing Indian jets during the operation. New Delhi has yet to respond to the claims that its planes were shot down. Diplomats are asking whether Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif's remarks mean Pakistan will desist from responding directly to the attack. We explore whether other countries can temper the conflict.The first vote has taken place in the Sistine Chapel to elect a new Pope, but no choice has been made.And researchers have used AI and scanning technology to "digitally unfurl" an ancient scroll that was burnt by the volcanic eruption of Mount Vesuvius almost 2,000 years ago.

    UK and India agree landmark trade deal

    Play Episode Listen Later May 6, 2025 37:38


    The UK and India have finalised a major trade agreement, reducing tariffs on UK exports including gin, whisky and cars. The government says the agreement will eventually add £4.8bn per year to the UK economy, but the Conservatives say a National Insurance exemption for temporary workers from India is ‘two tier' taxation. Also on the programme: India carries out air strikes on what it called ‘terrorist targets' in Pakistan and Pakistani administered Kashmir; and we hear from Syria where families are trying to find the remains of their loved ones killed by the Assad regime.

    Five months after Assad, where is Syria heading?

    Play Episode Listen Later May 6, 2025 37:40


    Syria sits at a figurative crossroads - five months after an Islamist-led rebellion brought an unexpectedly swift end to the long, dynastic dictatorship of the Assad family. The former rebel leader who now rules Syria - Ahmed Al Sharaa – has been trying to convince the world of his efforts to pursue a path of peace and reconciliation. But a recent upsurge of sectarian violence, which has seen the deaths of hundreds of civilians, mainly from the Alawite minority, has called that into question. All this week we hear from our correspondent who has been in the country's capital, Damascus. Also on the programme: 80 years since the end of World War Two in Europe; and US President Donald Trump says he wants to reopen Alcatraz prison after more than 60 years.

    Reform surges in local elections

    Play Episode Listen Later May 2, 2025 37:35


    The Reform UK party has made huge gains in local elections across England. Nigel Farage's party took control of ten council areas including in Labour heartlands like Durham. The party also clinched the Runcorn and Helsby by-election by six votes. We speak to Reform's Ann Widdecombe and explore the full range of election results, including successes for the Lib Dems.Prince Harry has said his father, The King, has stopped speaking to him in an exclusive interview with the BBC. The Prince was speaking after losing a legal challenge in the UK over his security arrangements.And the Trump administration has weighed into German politics again, criticising the country's domestic intelligence agency after they labelled the far-right AfD party as "extremists", allowing German authorities to intensify surveillance, including the use of undercover informants and monitoring communications, under judicial oversight.

    Mike Waltz out as Trump's National Security Adviser

    Play Episode Listen Later May 1, 2025 37:14


    President Trump says US National Security Adviser Mike Waltz will leave his post and be nominated to serve as ambassador to the United Nations - we get reaction from Washington DC.Also on the programme: polls have just closed in local elections across parts of England; Stoke-on-Trent's Moorcroft Pottery goes bust after more than 100 years of trading; and we speak to the daughter of the man who created Thomas the Tank Engine, 80 years after the character first appeared in print.

    US and Ukraine poised to sign minerals deal

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 30, 2025 37:37


    Sharpies at the ready? Are the Americans and Ukrainians about to sign the much-anticipated minerals deal? We hear from a top Ukrainian politician - and ask a leading Republican whether Donald Trump is softening his stance towards Kyiv.Also tonight:As the US economy shrinks for the first time in three years, we hear how President Trump's tariffs are going down in China. And as Slade's foray into film - "Slade In Flame" - returns to the big screen on its 50th anniversary, we remember a cult classic that's been called the "Citizen Kane of British Rock Movies".

    100 days of the Trump presidency

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 30, 2025 37:57


    As Donald Trump marks his first hundred days back in office with a rally in Michigan - we hear what Americans make of Trump 2.0. Also on the programme: we hear from an old friend and colleague of Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney on how he'll approach his role; and as Tony Blair says phasing out fossil fuels is ‘doomed to fail', we speak to his foundation's director of climate policy.

    Spain declares state of the emergency amid power outages

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 28, 2025 37:45


    Spain has declared a state of emergency after a massive power cut hit the country as well as Portugal. Tonight the Spanish Prime Minister says the cause of the blackout is still not known but nothing is being ruled out. Traffic lights, cash machines and street lights all switched off when the blackout hit.As voters prepare to take part in local elections, we head to Staffordshire to hear what's on their mind.And can reading a book a day keep the upheaval of Donald Trump's second term at bay? While President Trump's first 100 days has delighted many of his supporters, we speak to a woman who has distracted herself from the tumult by reading a new book every day.

    Russia says talks with US envoy Witkoff "constructive"

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 25, 2025 38:08


    US envoy Steve Witkoff and Russian President Vladimir Putin had "constructive" talks in Moscow on Friday lasting three hours, according to an aide of Putin's. Ukraine and the US disagree over whether peace talks should encompass formally recognising Russian sovereignty over occupied Ukrainian territory, we explore the appetite of Ukrainians for conceding land to Russia.As we came on air the UK's Equality and Human Rights Commission released interim guidance to highlight what it says are "the main consequences" of the recent Supreme Court judgement that in the 2010 Equality Act references to a person's sex must be taken to mean their biological sex. The guidance says workplaces and services open to the public should only permit people to use toilet facilities according to their biological sex.And what's behind the unlikely controversy surrounding the Bayeux Tapestry?

    Trump insists he's “putting a lot of pressure” on Russia after Kyiv attack

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 24, 2025 37:31


    President Donald Trump insisted his administration is “putting a lot of pressure” on Russia to reach a peace deal with Ukraine, after an overnight rocket attack on Kyiv killed 12 people. In a post on Truth Social earlier, the US President wrote “Vladimir, STOP!” and called the attack “bad timing”. But differences between the US and Ukrainian positions continue, particularly over the future of the Crimean peninsula.The National Autistic Society rounded on Reform UK party leader Nigel Farage after he said doctors were “massively over-diagnosing those with mental illness problems”. We ask what's behind the spike in diagnosis of children with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND).And as the Liberal Democrats propose fining people for playing music out loud on their phone aboard public transport, we ask how the issue should be dealt with.

    Reeves could lower US car tariffs in push for trade deal

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 23, 2025 37:48


    Chancellor Rachel Reeves signalled openness to lower tariffs Britain imposes on US car imports in order to reach a trade deal with President Trump. A document circulated among US business groups and unions seeking views on a potential deal with the UK, focused on lowering UK tariffs on US cars to 2.5% from their current 10%. The former Chief Executive of Aston Martin tells us the Chancellor should accept the proposal.Meanwhile President Trump has rounded on his Ukrainian counterpart Volodymyr Zelensky again, denouncing what he called "inflammatory statements" after Zelensky said he'd never recognise Crimea as part of Russia.And experts say bite marks found on the skeleton of a Roman gladiator are the first archaeological evidence of combat between a human and a lion.

    What does IMF's stark forecast mean for UK?

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 22, 2025 37:44


    In a stark forecast of the world's economy, the International Monetary Fund (IMF) says the Trump tariffs and market uncertainty will lead to slower growth and significant change. The IMF has also slashed the UK's growth prospects - we ask what that means for the government's "number one mission".Also on the programme:After last week's definitive ruling in the courts, the impassioned arguments over gender and sex have continued in the Commons. We ask our Political Editor Chris Mason where the debate over gender and trans rights goes next.And - as the Catholic Church considers its future direction - we ask how it can appeal to the younger generation.

    The life and legacy of Pope Francis

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 21, 2025 37:55


    We're live in Vatican City as Roman Catholics mourn Pope Francis, the first Latin American leader of the church - who's died of a stroke and heart failure aged 88. We look at his legacy, and ask what might come next for the church.Also in the programme:The head of the Pentagon has come out fighting - following a report he shared sensitive military data on a group chat, which included his wife and brother.And we report from the mountains of Pakistan on a plan to protect rare snow leopards - using AI.

    US senator visits man mistakenly deported to El Salvador

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 18, 2025 37:48


    Senator Chris Van Hollen has met Kilmar Ábrego García, the man in an El Salvador jail who has now become the new face of US politics. For the Trump administration, he is an example of their policy of deporting people they identify as “criminal illegal aliens”. For Democrats, there is debate about whether his case could sustain the anti-Trump cause. We'll hear from Democrat strategist Amanda Renteria.Also on the programme:US president Donald Trump has issued a fresh warning to Russia and Ukraine, saying they would be fools to delay the peace process.Following this week's landmark ruling in the UK's Supreme Court, we look at how other countries treat trans people under the law.And celebrating Easter in the holiest of cities: a Palestinian Christian on the obstacles to attending church in Jerusalem.

    What will Europe have to trade for Trump deal?

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 17, 2025 37:58


    It's the Italian Job at the White House this evening - as Italy's Prime Minister Georgia Meloni sits down with Donald Trump, the President says he's 100% sure that the US will reach a trade deal with the European Union. We're live in Washington DC - and ask what Europe might have to give in exchange for any deal.Also on the programme:Four people have died in a cable car accident, in a popular tourist spot near Naples. We have the latest.Jane's been taking a look at Monty Don's first-ever Chelsea Flower Show garden - designed with a little help from his beloved dog Ned.And is there anybody out there? Space scientists say they have the strongest evidence yet of life on another planet. We speak to two writers of science fiction.

    What's the impact of Supreme Court's gender ruling?

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 16, 2025 37:39


    Judges at the UK Supreme Court have unanimously ruled that a woman is defined by biological sex under equalities law. We get reaction from a former Labour - now Independent - MP, a long-time critic of Sir Keir Starmer's stance on the issue. And we also speak to an organisation involved in the case, which opposes the ruling - and ask what it might mean in practice.Also tonight:A US judge has said the Trump administration could be in contempt of court for disregarding his order to halt the departure of deportation planes to El Salvador. We have the latest.We speak to the parents who've won the right for the doctors involved in their daughter's end of life case to be named. And are TikTokers driving a record rise in mountain rescue call-outs?

    President Trump has escalated his fight with Harvard

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 15, 2025 37:50


    President Trump has escalated his fight with Harvard The university rejected his demand to overhaul its practicesOutrage after an ancient oak tree in north London is chopped down Is Cate Blanchett really retiring ? and the 80th anniversary of the liberation of Bergen-Belsen

    UK government "confident" Scunthorpe steel furnace will keep running

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 14, 2025 38:06


    Also in the programme, Mark Zuckerberg takes the stand in a landmark trial that could see his social media giant Meta broken up. We hear from a senior figure in Marine Le Pen's National Rally about the impact of her embezzlement conviction on French politics. And as the British actress Aimee Lou Wood is mocked for the gap in her teeth, we look at the American obsession with the perfect smile.

    Can US-China trade war be resolved?

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 8, 2025 38:06


    As the White House confirms it will impose a tariff of 104% on China from tomorrow, we ask how the escalating trade war can be resolved. Also tonight:Ukraine claims its captured two Chinese citizens fighting for Russia - what does it say about the direction of the war?We speak to the lawyer of the pro-Palestinian student activist at the centre of a deportation row in the United States.And when the voice from the past is your own - the woman reunited with a "talking postcard" she recorded - and sent - 70 years ago.

    Trump says US in direct talks with Iran

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 7, 2025 38:00


    President Trump says the US is in direct talks with Iran over the country's nuclear ambitions. Speaking next to Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu in the Oval Office, the President said a meeting was scheduled for Saturday involving people at a "very high level". He warned it would be a "very bad day for Iran" if no agreement was reached.The President also doubled down on his threats of further tariffs against China, opening the possibility they could go as high as 104%. We speak to two American businesswomen on what that would mean for them.And we remember Blondie drummer Clem Burke, who has died at 70.

    Will Trump respond to markets' tariff turbulence?

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 4, 2025 38:05


    US share prices have just recorded their worst two-day stretch for five years - after President Trump's global tariffs sent shockwaves through markets. We hear how the fall-out from the President's trade war is going down with Americans. We ask what it may take for Donald Trump to consider a climbdown.Also tonight:A woman at the centre of a free speech row between Britain and the US has been convicted of breaching an abortion clinic buffer zone. Why is the US government so concerned about her case?We report from Turkey, where we meet a photojournalist who was detained after covering anti-government protests. And forget the Mediterranean diet: why the cuisine of Northern Tanzania could be the new model of nutrition. We get a taste.

    Trump tariffs trigger massive US stocks sell-off

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 3, 2025 37:49


    Global stocks have sunk a day after President Donald Trump announced sweeping new tariffs on goods imported to the United States. The UK government is continuing to push for a trade deal with Washington DC. We ask what options it has and speak to a business leader present at a roundtable with the Prime Minister in Downing Street this morning.Hungary says it's quitting the International Criminal Court in protest at its decision to issue an arrest warrant for Israel's Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. We speak to the Hungarian government and an international human rights lawyer.And the countdown begins to the Women's World Cup in 2035, which will be hosted in the UK.

    02/04/2025

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 2, 2025 37:32


    In depth reporting, intelligent analysis and breaking news from a global perspective

    Trump prepares to upend global trade with tariffs

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 1, 2025 37:29


    US President Donald Trump is set to announce tariffs on goods from around the world coming into America tomorrow, in what his administration has dubbed "Liberation Day". The UK government is still trying to negotiate exemptions to the tariffs through an economic deal, while other powers have promised retaliation. We speak to British businesses bracing themselves for the change and a Republican strategist on whether Trump's voters will tolerate projected price rises.Betty Webb, one of the last of the Bletchley Park codebreakers, has died aged 101. We heard from her friend and historian Tessa Dunlop.And who should portray The Beatles? We discuss the contested casting in Sir Sam Mendes' new movie project about the world's most famous rock band.

    Is Marine Le Pen really the victim of a political stitch-up?

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 31, 2025 37:39


    The leader of France's hard right has come out fighting, after being barred from holding public office for five years. We ask if Marine Le Pen really is the victim of a political stitch-up.Also on the programme: Birmingham City Council has declared a major incident - because of the bin strike which has left 17,000 tonnes of rubbish on the streets - and residents furious. We ask whether there's an end in sight.And the hunt is on for a missing bell - to complete the restoration of one of the UK's most remarkable industrial sites.

    Hundreds dead in Myanmar after earthquake

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 28, 2025 37:34


    Hundreds of people are dead in Myanmar with fears for many more after a powerful earthquake struck the centre of the country. The tremors were felt throughout the region. In Thailand's capital Bangkok, rescuers have worked through the night and into the early morning to find survivors from a partially-built skyscraper which collapsed during the quake.Also on the programme, the Labour MP Diane Abbott has criticised the government's intervention against the Sentencing Council, which has rejected a bid to amend new sentencing guidelines due to come into force on Tuesday.And Richard Burton's native village in South Wales prepares for an increase in cinephiles as a biopic of his early life is released.

    King Charles cancels engagements following cancer side effects

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 27, 2025 37:15


    Buckingham Palace says the King had to return to hospital briefly - after experiencing temporary side-effects from his cancer treatment. Canada's prime minister, Mark Carney, says the US is no longer a reliable partner. Words with no English equivalent make it into the OED. Economic competition in the Artic. And the Palestinian-American comedian Mo Amer on his hit Netflix show.

    Chancellor defends cuts to disability benefits

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 26, 2025 38:28


    Chancellor of the Exchequer Rachel Reeves has defended the cuts to disability benefits announced in the Spring Statement. The Department for Work and Pensions' own assessment warned that the changes would push 250,000 people into poverty. Also on the programme: Donald Trump announces new 25% tariffs on cars from overseas. And a new film audiences have called ‘intense' and ‘overwhelming' - the work of five artists, all autistic, who want us to experience the world as they do.

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