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

BBC Radio 4


    • Jul 15, 2025 LATEST EPISODE
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    • 37m AVG DURATION
    • 713 EPISODES


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    Latest episodes from The World Tonight

    Secret relocation scheme for Afghans in the UK revealed

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 15, 2025 38:03


    The former Conservative leader, Sir Iain Duncan-Smith has described a leak by the Ministry of Defence - which made public the personal data of thousands of Afghans who worked with British Forces - as "a complete screw up". We also speak to an Afghan man, now in the UK, whose name was on the leaked list. Also: Chancellor Rachel Reeves delivers Mansion House speech; and the two men who cut down the Sycamore Gap tree are sentenced.

    Major shift by Trump on Ukraine war

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 14, 2025 38:03


    Major shift by Trump on Ukraine war. Russia and trading partners threatened with "very severe" tariffsEd Miliband's plays the patriotism card in his fight for net zero and is Prince Harry offering an olive branch to the King?

    How serious is Labour's rift with top union?

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 11, 2025 39:01


    Labour's biggest union backer Unite has suspended Deputy Prime Minister Angela Rayner as a member, and threatened to pull the plug on party funding over the Birmingham bin strike. We get reaction from a local Labour MP.Also on the programme:The preliminary report into the Air India plane crash last month has just been released. We find out what's in it.A new book recreates the day Joe Biden lost his temper and Donald Trump nearly lost his life. One year on from that failed assassination attempt, we hear from one of the authors of a new insider account of the campaign.And it's 40 years since two billion people tuned in for Live Aid. We discuss the complex legacy of the "concert of the century".

    UK and France agree ‘groundbreaking' migration deal

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 10, 2025 37:56


    Keir Starmer and French President Emmanuel Macron have announced a ‘one in, one out' agreement aimed at deterring migrants from crossing the Channel. The UK and France also agreed to coordinate their nuclear weapons for the first time. Also on the programme: scientists think they've found a new way to reduce hair loss during chemotherapy; and part of the Sycamore Gap tree gets a new life as a work of art. We hear from the artist who created it.

    Will UK secure migrant deal with France?

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 9, 2025 37:52


    French President Emmanuel Macron is tonight being feted with a white tie dinner in the City of London. But is the "entente" not so "amicale" when it comes to migration? A Labour MP who wants tougher curbs to stop small boats crossing the Channel tells us talks between Britain and France to get a deal announced tomorrow are proving tough. Also tonight:It's a departure that's stunned Silicon Valley - why is the chief executive leaving Elon Musk's platform, X?A BBC investigation verifies a leaked recording in which Bangladesh's then-prime minister says she's authorised shoot-to-kill during violent protests against her. We have a special report.And the Iranian musician - banned from singing in her homeland - who fell in love with Flamenco, and now performs it in her native Farsi.

    Trump turns on Putin as he sends more weapons to Ukraine

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 8, 2025 38:00


    Donald Trump has said that the US will restart shipments of defensive weapons, including Patriot missile systems, to Kyiv. Trump appeared frustrated with Vladimir Putin, saying the Russian president's words were ‘meaningless'. Also on the programme: during a visit to the UK French President Emmanuel Macron calls for a two-state solution to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict; and we hear about the devastating environmental cost of China's rare earth mineral mining.

    Texas floods kill 91

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 7, 2025 37:42


    Flash floods which hit the US State of Texas are now known to have killed ninety-one people. At Camp Mystic, a girls' summer camp, at least 27 girls and staff were among the dead. Also on the programme: ministers are facing calls not to cut education plans for children and young people with special educational needs and disabilities; and the FBI concludes that sex offender Jeffrey Epstein did not have a so-called ‘client list' implicating high-profile associates.

    Hamas responds to Gaza ceasefire proposal

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 4, 2025 38:00


    Hamas has said it has submitted a positive response to mediators about a ceasefire proposed by the US. The BBC has been told that it has requested some key changes but is prepared to enter negotiations ‘immediately'. Also on the programme: frustration in Ukraine over the Trump administration's decision to halt missile deliveries; and sixteen years after Oasis's split, Noel and Liam Gallagher renew their musical vows in Cardiff.

    US Congress passes Trump's signature spending bill

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 3, 2025 38:09


    The US Congress has passed Donald Trump's huge budget bill after days of votes in the Senate and House of Representatives. The final vote was delayed when Democratic Minority House Leader Hakeem Jeffries broke a record by speaking for more than eight hours on the floor. We hear from a Republican Congressman who backed the bill.A former security contractor at the US-backed Gaza Humanitarian Foundation has told the BBC that he witnessed colleagues opening fire on civilians who were waiting for aid.And as the footballing world mourns Diogo Jota, who died alongside his brother Andre in a car crash in Spain, we reflect on his legacy.

    Starmer backs Reeves after tears during PMQs

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 2, 2025 36:58


    Sir Keir Starmer says Rachel Reeves will remain Chancellor of the Exchequer "for a very long time to come" after she could be seen crying during Prime Minister's Questions earlier. Speaking to Nick Robinson on BBC Radio 4's Political Thinking podcast, the Prime Minister backed the Chancellor and said Reeves' tears were to do with a personal issue and not a result of politics. The government is struggling to maintain its authority after a bruising week in which it climbed down on major welfare reforms.The Pentagon has halted weapons shipments to Ukraine including artillery shells and Patriot air defence missiles. We ask what it'll mean for Ukaine's defences.And as a French astronaut hires a Michelin-starred chef to prepare her meals before she blasts off to the International Space Station, we look at the challenges of eating well in outer space.

    Gaza Humanitarian Foundation defends aid operation

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 27, 2025 37:54


    In the face of growing international outrage, the man who runs the US-backed Gaza Humanitarian Foundation tells us he denies Palestinians are being killed as they go to collect aid. Also on the programme:As Sir Keir Starmer approaches his first anniversary in office, we discuss his future.And we visit the exhibition-on-wheels marking two centuries of Britain's railways.

    Starmer set to announce welfare climbdown

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 27, 2025 37:34


    The government is expected to announce a significant compromise on planned benefits changes to placate Labour rebels. Multiple sources tell the BBC existing claimants of the Personal Independence Payment (Pip) will continue to receive what they currently get, as will recipients of the health element of Universal Credit. Instead, planned cuts will only hit future claimants. Ministers are also expected to fast-track a £1bn support plan originally scheduled for 2029.As the Trump administration rounds on US media for its reporting of strikes in Iran, we ask why two different agencies came up with differing assessments of the damage caused by the strikes.And Anna Wintour is stepping back from her role as editor-in-chief of American Vogue, we reflect on her unique place in fashion.

    Trump's big win at Nato summit

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 25, 2025 38:00


    As Donald Trump calls Nato's new defence spending pledge of 5% of GDP a big win for Western civilisation, we ask a UK defence minister where the cash will come from.Also tonight:Is helping parents to spot the signs of autism and ADHD - rather than getting a formal diagnosis - the way to help fix the crisis in Special Educational Needs?And a Ukrainian writer killed in a Russian air strike has been awarded the prestigious Orwell Prize for Political Writing. We speak live to her publisher and her friend.

    Iran Israel ceasefire holds at end of first day

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 24, 2025 38:05


    At the end of the first day of a ceasefire between Israel and Iran brokered by US President Donald Trump, early violations have given way to relative calm. Trump issued an expletive-laden rebuke to the two countries earlier in the day. He's claiming success in what he's called the "12 Day War", we ask where it's left Benjamin Netanyahu and the Ayatollah Ali Khamenei.Also tonight, as the government faces its largest rebellion so far over reforms to welfare, we speak to an MP supportive of the changes.And French President Macron wants UNESCO to recognise French techno music, we speak to producer and DJ Stuart Price about the genre.

    Iran fires missiles at US base in Qatar

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 23, 2025 38:26


    Iran has responded to a US strike on its nuclear programme by firing missiles at an American base in Qatar as well as other bases in Iraq. Residents in Doha saw missiles flying through the night sky before being intercepted by Qatar's air defence system, nobody was injured. President Trump called it a "weak response" and thanked Iran for "early notice" of it. He's urged them to return to the negotiating table.About 80 Labour MPs are supporting a fresh effort to block the government's planned changes to the benefits system, the BBC has been told. The MPs have signed an amendment that would give them an opportunity to vote on a proposal to reject the welfare reform bill in its entirety.And we speak to the wife of a Belarussian opposition leader who has unexpectedly been released from jail.

    MPs back assisted dying bill, sending it to House of Lords

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 20, 2025 37:58


    MPs have backed the legalisation of assisted dying by a majority of 23. The Terminally Ill Adults (End of Life) Bill will now progress to the House of Lords where it'll face further scrutiny and amendments. We spoke to campaigners outside Parliament as the votes were cast and two members of the House of Lords who will now shape the Bill.The BBC has charted the final days of Al Awda hospital in northern Gaza via voice notes from its director. The hospital was rendered out of service last month amid Israel's escalating offensive in the Gaza Strip.And could the hot weather inspire a literary classic? We speak to an author on the prevalence of heatwaves in English literature.

    Trump says he'll decide whether to strike Iran within two weeks

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 19, 2025 46:25


    US President Trump will make a decision on whether to join Israeli strikes against Iran in the next two weeks, according to the White House Press Secretary. Karoline Leavitt cites a “substantial chance of negotiations” over Iran's nuclear programme. We speak to former US Secretary of Defense Chuck Hagel and examine the legality of British involvement.MPs are preparing to vote in the third reading of a Bill to legalise assisted dying in England and Wales, we speak to two on either side of the debate.And as Britain's milliners show off their creations at the Royal Ascot event, we ask whether the hat industry is in danger of losing its traditional skills.

    Trump on Iran strikes: “I may do it, I may not do it”

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 18, 2025 37:43


    President Donald Trump has struck an ambiguous tone when asked whether the US would join in Israel in launching strikes against Iran, telling reporters, "I may do it, I may not do it.” We hear from retired general David Petraeus about the President's military options and ask whether the war could split Republican voters. Also on the programme: The government is preparing for a rebellion over its welfare reforms. We hear from a Labour MP who's planning to oppose them. And the Irish food craze that's displacing the donor kebab as a night-time treat.

    17/06/2025

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 17, 2025 37:52


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

    Iran launches new wave of missiles at Israel

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 16, 2025 37:36


    For a fourth day running, Israel and Iran have struck targets inside each other's countries. As G7 leaders call for restraint, we ask what it would take for the US to become involved. Also on the programme: A landmark report on child sexual abuse says the authorities "shied away from" the ethnicity of grooming gangs for fear of being branded racist. We speak to a journalist who has followed the scandal for 20 years. And as MI6 appoints its first ever female leader, we'll hear about the women of the secret service who blazed a trail for Blaise Metreweli.

    Iranian missiles breach Iron Dome over Tel Aviv

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 13, 2025 37:50


    More explosions are being heard in Tehran tonight, while over Tel Aviv Iranian ballistic missiles rained down, some breaching Israel's air defences. 24 hours on from the beginning of Israel's attack on Iranian nuclear facilities, the conflict between the two Middle-Eastern powers appears to be escalating. Iran's Supreme Leader accused Israel of starting a war, while Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu called on Iranians to rise up against the regime.Also tonight as the sole survivor of a plane crash in India speaks, we ask whether some plane seats might be safer than others. And we hear from documentary filmmaker Adam Curtis on his latest series documenting the collapse of a shared sense of truth in the United Kingdom.

    How Air India plane crash unfolded

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 12, 2025 37:31


    Police in India say at least 260 people have been killed in the Air India plane crash in Ahmedabad. We're live in the city of Ahmedabad where an investigation is underway tonight - and we've been meet people in the UK who've been affected.Also tonight:The prime minister of Bangladesh tells us he's disappointed Sir Keir Starmer hasn't taken up his request to meet him on a visit to London. And as the high street chain is sold for £1 and now faces hundreds of store closures - we have a ode to Poundland from the Poet Laureate.

    Will voters feel better off from Chancellor's spending plans?

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 11, 2025 37:56


    What would you do with a trillion pounds of public money over the next four years? The Chancellor says "renewing Britain" is at the heart of her plans. So when will voters start to feel better off? We ask a Treasury Minister.Also on the programme:After the US Ambassador to Israel told us that Muslim countries should give up their land to create a Palestinian state - we get reaction from a senior Palestinian official.And one of the most influential figures in the history of pop music, Brian Wilson - the creative genius behind the Beach Boys - has died. The veteran DJ Bob Harris - who knew him for more than five decades - pays tribute.

    US condemns British government sanctions on Israeli ministers

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 10, 2025 37:52


    The US has condemned a decision by the British government, alongside Canada, Norway, New Zealand and Australia, to sanction two far-right Israeli cabinet ministers. Foreign Minister David Lammy says Itamar Ben-Gvir and Bezalel Smotrich will both be banned from entering the UK and will have any assets in the UK frozen over "repeated incitements of violence against Palestinian communities". The US Ambassador to Israel, Mike Huckabee, told this programme that the move was ill-timed and said the US would respond appropriately to what he described as an incredible overreach.A second night of rioting has erupted in Ballymena, Northern Ireland. Last night a peaceful protest turned violent after the alleged sexual assault of a teenage girl. Earlier on Monday, two teenage boys appeared before Coleraine Magistrates' Court. They spoke through an interpreter in Romanian to confirm their names and ages.And Greenland's national football team has expressed disappointment after being rejected from competing in Concacaf, which governs North and Central America and the Caribbean. We hear from the team captain.

    Three-quarters of pensioners to get winter fuel payment after U-turn

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 9, 2025 37:38


    More than three-quarters of pensioners will receive the winter fuel payment this year after Chancellor Rachel Reeves confirms a major U-turn. We look at the new policy and the politics of the decision.Who are the Palestinian gunmen shooting at those trying to collect aid parcels in Gaza?And best-selling author Lee Child pays tribute to The Day of the Jackal author Frederick "Freddie" Forsyth, who has died aged 86.

    No sign of reconciliation between Trump and Musk

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 6, 2025 39:02


    US President Donald Trump is "not particularly interested" in speaking to Elon Musk after the tech billionaire and former close political ally turned on him in a bitter and public war of words. Initial reports that the pair had scheduled a phone call came to nothing. With some among the MAGA branch of Trump's supporters rounding on Musk, we explored the factional infighting and what impact it might have on the Big Beautiful Bill which Trump wants the Senate to pass, but which Musk opposes.Also on the programme, can supporters of the European Convention on Human Rights head off criticism by adapting the treaty? That's what the Secretary General of the Council of Europe seems to suggest. We hear from former Attorney General Dominic Grieve.And we speak to the Hollywood actor turned cryptocurrency sceptic about his new documentary on the phenomenon, premiering at the SXSW festival in London.

    President Trump and Elon Musk's relationship implodes

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 5, 2025 37:35


    We speak to Ryan Mac, a reporter for the New York Times and the co-author of 'Character Limit: How Elon Musk Destroyed Twitter.'. Also: polls close in the Hamilton by-election where Reform UK's candidate was trying to win votes - just as the party's chairman quit; Robert De Niro and the Tribeca film festival; planned moon landing fails; and a new BBC project to help parents get their children to sleep.

    Trump says Putin "will have to respond" to Ukraine drone attack

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 4, 2025 37:12


    Donald Trump had a "good conversation" with his Russian counterpart Vladimir Putin over the phone, the US President said in a post on Truth Social. President Trump wrote that Putin "will have to respond" to Ukraine's drone attack on Russian bombers, and therefore the call would not "lead to immediate peace".The US has vetoed a UN resolution calling for an immediate ceasefire in Gaza, which the UK supported.As popstar Jessie J reveals her breast cancer diagnosis, we explore the increase in diagnoses among younger women.And it's been called the "biggest console launch of all time" - the Nintendo Switch 2 is released at midnight.

    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.

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