As wildfires tear across southern Europe the need for urgent action on climate change becomes ever clearer. Reducing carbon emissions is a global challenge but can we meet it?David Aaronovitch talks to:Attracta Mooney, climate correspondent at the Financial TimesJemma Conner, Research Manager at YouGov Dr Shaun Fitzgerald, Director of Research for Cambridge Zero and Director of the Centre for Cambridge Climate Repair Frederic Hans, climate policy analyst at the NewClimate InstituteProduced by: Ben Carter, Kirsteen Knight and Claire BowesEdited by: China CollinsSound Engineer: James BeardProduction co-ordinator: Debbie Richford and Sophie Hill

As wildfires tear across southern Europe the need for urgent action on climate change becomes ever clearer. Reducing carbon emissions is a global challenge but can we meet it? David Aaronovitch talks to: Attracta Mooney, climate correspondent at the Financial Times Jemma Conner, Research Manager at YouGov Dr Shaun Fitzgerald, Director of Research for Cambridge Zero and Director of the Centre for Cambridge Climate Repair Frederic Hans, climate policy analyst at the NewClimate Institute Produced by: Ben Carter, Kirsteen Knight and Claire Bowes Edited by: China Collins Sound Engineer: James Beard Production co-ordinator: Debbie Richford and Sophie Hill

Can we meet the net zero challenge?

The government needs to radically change its approach to Chinese ambitions in the UK according to a report by Parliament’s Intelligence and Security Committee.  The report says Chinese investment in the UK has gone unchecked. It warns that allowing China to develop significant stakes in industry and infrastructure was short-sighted and, unless swift action is taken, “China will have a pliable vehicle through which it can export its values”. So just how much interest and influence does China have in the UK?David Aaronovitch talks to:Isabel Hilton, founder China Dialogue TrustCharles Parton, Former UK diplomat and senior research fellow at RUSIProfessor Steve Tsang, Director of the SOAS China InstitutePatrick Wintour, Diplomatic Editor, The GuardianProduced by: Kirsteen Knight, Claire Bowes and Ben CarterEdited by: Richard VadonSound Engineer: Graham PuddifootProduction co-ordinator: Debbie Richford and Sophie Hill

The government needs to radically change its approach to Chinese ambitions in the UK according to a report by Parliament’s Intelligence and Security Committee. The report says Chinese investment in the UK has gone unchecked. It warns that allowing China to develop significant stakes in industry and infrastructure was short-sighted and, unless swift action is taken, “China will have a pliable vehicle through which it can export its values”. So just how much interest and influence does China have in the UK? David Aaronovitch talks to: Isabel Hilton, founder China Dialogue Trust Charles Parton, Former UK diplomat and senior research fellow at RUSI Professor Steve Tsang, Director of the SOAS China Institute Patrick Wintour, Diplomatic Editor, The Guardian Produced by: Kirsteen Knight, Claire Bowes and Ben Carter Edited by: Richard Vadon Sound Engineer: Graham Puddifoot Production co-ordinator: Debbie Richford and Sophie Hill

The China Threat

The pandemic disrupted schooling everywhere.  But since then record numbers of children have not returned to regular schooling. Data from the Department for Education show that persistent absence - missing roughly seven days a term - is now at a record high. So is this a blip affecting a Covid cohort or a worrying trend toward a breakdown in the social contract between society and school?David Aaronovitch talks to:Branwen Jeffreys, BBC’s Education EditorKatie Beynon, Statistician at FFT Education DatalabSam Freedman, Senior fellow at the Institute for Government Emily Hunt, Associate Director Social Mobility and Vulnerable Learners at the Education Institute PolicyProduced by: Kirsteen Knight, Sam Haque and Claire BowesEdited by: Richard VadonSound engineer: Rod FarquharProduction co-ordinator: Debbie Richford and Sophie Hill.

The pandemic disrupted schooling everywhere. But since then record numbers of children have not returned to regular schooling. Data from the Department for Education show that persistent absence - missing roughly seven days a term - is now at a record high. So is this a blip affecting a Covid cohort or a worrying trend toward a breakdown in the social contract between society and school? David Aaronovitch talks to: Branwen Jeffreys, BBC’s Education Editor Katie Beynon, Statistician at FFT Education Datalab Sam Freedman, Senior fellow at the Institute for Government Emily Hunt, Associate Director Social Mobility and Vulnerable Learners at the Education Institute Policy Produced by: Kirsteen Knight, Sam Haque and Claire Bowes Edited by: Richard Vadon Sound engineer: Rod Farquhar Production co-ordinator: Debbie Richford and Sophie Hill.

What can schools do about record absences?

It's 30 years since the signing of the Oslo Accords. That agreement spurred optimism that peace could be forged between Israel and Palestine. It didn't happen. Will it ever?David Aaronovitch talks to:Yolande Knell, BBC’s Middle East CorrespondentAnshel Pfeffer, Israel correspondent for The Economist Khalil Shikaki, Director of the Palestinian Center for Policy and Survey ResearchDavid Makovsky, Ziegler Distinguished Fellow at The Washington Institute and director of the Koret Project on Arab-Israel Relations Produced by: Kirsteen Knight, Claire Bowes and Ben CarterEdited by: Richard VadonSound engineer: Neil ChurchillProduction co-ordinator: Debbie Richford and Sophie Hill.

It's 30 years since the signing of the Oslo Accords. That agreement spurred optimism that peace could be forged between Israel and Palestine. It didn't happen. Will it ever? David Aaronovitch talks to: Yolande Knell, BBC’s Middle East Correspondent Anshel Pfeffer, Israel correspondent for The Economist Khalil Shikaki, Director of the Palestinian Center for Policy and Survey Research David Makovsky, Ziegler Distinguished Fellow at The Washington Institute and director of the Koret Project on Arab-Israel Relations Produced by: Kirsteen Knight, Claire Bowes and Ben Carter Edited by: Richard Vadon Sound engineer: Neil Churchill Production co-ordinator: Debbie Richford and Sophie Hill.

What happened to the Israel/Palestine peace process?

Despite the Prime Minister's pledge to halve inflation by the end of the year it's the Bank of England's job to deliver on that. Why is it struggling and what happens if it fails?Britain's facing an inflation crisis. Core inflation - which measures underlying inflation and disregards food and energy costs - is at its highest since 1992. Earlier this year most economists thought this situation could be avoided - so what's gone wrong?  David Aaronovitch and guests discuss what the rest of the world is doing about inflation and why Britain seems to be coming off worse.Guests:Duncan Weldon, economist and author of "Two Hundred Years of Muddling Through"Mehreen Khan, economics editor of The TimesMerryn Somerset Webb, senior columnist for Bloomberg OpinionProduced by: Kirsteen Knight, Claire Bowes and Ben CarterEdited by: Richard VadonSound engineer: James BeardProduction co-ordinator: Debbie Richford and Sophie Hill.

Despite the Prime Minister's pledge to halve inflation by the end of the year it's the Bank of England's job to deliver on that. Why is it struggling and what happens if it fails? Britain's facing an inflation crisis. Core inflation - which measures underlying inflation and disregards food and energy costs - is at its highest since 1992. Earlier this year most economists thought this situation could be avoided - so what's gone wrong? David Aaronovitch and guests discuss what the rest of the world is doing about inflation and why Britain seems to be coming off worse. Guests: Duncan Weldon, economist and author of "Two Hundred Years of Muddling Through" Mehreen Khan, economics editor of The Times Merryn Somerset Webb, senior columnist for Bloomberg Opinion Produced by: Kirsteen Knight, Claire Bowes and Ben Carter Edited by: Richard Vadon Sound engineer: James Beard Production co-ordinator: Debbie Richford and Sophie Hill.

Why is Britain getting inflation so wrong?

Ukraine's spring offensive has begun. But what can it realistically achieve? What can be done to prevent this becoming a 'forever war'? And in the meantime, how has this regional conflict impacted on global politics. Are we seeing a changed international order, with the rise of China and a new role for Africa and the Global South? David Aaronovitch and guests discuss the long game for Ukraine and its western allies.Guests:Michael Clarke, Professor of Defence studies and Specialist Advisor to the Joint Committee on the National Security StrategyKarin von Hipple, Director General, Royal United Services InstituteShashank Joshi, Defence Editor at The EconomistMark Galeotti, Writer on Russian security affairs and director of the consultancy Mayak Intelligence. Produced by: Bethan Ashmead, Claire Bowes and Kirsteen KnightEdited by: Richard VadonSound engineer: Graham PuddifootProduction co-ordinator: Debbie RichfordShow less

Ukraine's spring offensive has begun. But what can it realistically achieve? What can be done to prevent this becoming a 'forever war'? And in the meantime, how has this regional conflict impacted on global politics. Are we seeing a changed international order, with the rise of China and a new role for Africa and the Global South? David Aaronovitch and guests discuss the long game for Ukraine and its western allies. Guests: Michael Clarke, Professor of Defence studies and Specialist Advisor to the Joint Committee on the National Security Strategy Karin von Hipple, Director General, Royal United Services Institute Shashank Joshi, Defence Editor at The Economist Mark Galeotti, Writer on Russian security affairs and director of the consultancy Mayak Intelligence. Produced by: Bethan Ashmead, Claire Bowes and Kirsteen Knight Edited by: Richard Vadon Sound engineer: Graham Puddifoot Production co-ordinator: Debbie Richford Show less

Ukraine: the long game

The Online Safety Bill is a new set of internet laws to protect children and adults. It will place more responsibility on the technology giants to monitor content. Will it succeed? David Aaronovitch talks to:Joshua Rozenberg, legal commentator and presenter of Radio 4’s Law In Action programmeLorna Woods, Professor of Internet Law at the University of EssexVictoria Nash is the Director, an Associate Professor, and Senior Policy Fellow at the Oxford Internet InstituteGina Neff is the Executive Director of the Minderoo Centre for Technology &amp; Democracy at the University of CambridgeProduced by: Kirsteen Knight, Claire Bowes and Ben CarterEdited by: Richard VadonSound engineer: Neil ChurchillProduction co-ordinators: Debbie Richford and Sophie Hill

The Online Safety Bill is a new set of internet laws to protect children and adults. It will place more responsibility on the technology giants to monitor content. Will it succeed? David Aaronovitch talks to: Joshua Rozenberg, legal commentator and presenter of Radio 4’s Law In Action programme Lorna Woods, Professor of Internet Law at the University of Essex Victoria Nash is the Director, an Associate Professor, and Senior Policy Fellow at the Oxford Internet Institute Gina Neff is the Executive Director of the Minderoo Centre for Technology &amp; Democracy at the University of Cambridge Produced by: Kirsteen Knight, Claire Bowes and Ben Carter Edited by: Richard Vadon Sound engineer: Neil Churchill Production co-ordinators: Debbie Richford and Sophie Hill

The Online Safety Bill

Recent movements by Ukraine and Russia's military forces suggest that the long awaited spring offensive could start any day. David Aaronovitch and guests discuss the implications. Guests: Michael Clarke, Professor of Defence studies and Specialist Advisor to the Joint Committee on the National Security StrategyVitaly Shevchenko, Russia editor at BBC MonitoringTomila Lankina, Professor of politics and international relations at LSEDr Leslie Vinjamuri, Director of the US and the Americas programme at Chatham HouseProduced by: Kirsteen Knight, Claire Bowes and Ben CarterEdited by: Penny MurphySound engineer: James BeardProduction co-ordinator: Siobhan Reed, Debbie Richford and Sophie Hill

Recent movements by Ukraine and Russia's military forces suggest that the long awaited spring offensive could start any day. David Aaronovitch and guests discuss the implications. Guests: Michael Clarke, Professor of Defence studies and Specialist Advisor to the Joint Committee on the National Security Strategy Vitaly Shevchenko, Russia editor at BBC Monitoring Tomila Lankina, Professor of politics and international relations at LSE Dr Leslie Vinjamuri, Director of the US and the Americas programme at Chatham House Produced by: Kirsteen Knight, Claire Bowes and Ben Carter Edited by: Penny Murphy Sound engineer: James Beard Production co-ordinator: Siobhan Reed, Debbie Richford and Sophie Hill

Ukraine: Is it all about to change?

David Aaronovitch and guests discuss the latest events in Sudan. Fighting has been commonplace ever since Sudan gained independence but what's behind the latest violence?Guests:James Copnall - currently presenting Newsday on the BBC World Service and formerly the BBC's Sudan correspondentMohanad Hashim - Sudanese journalist working on Newshour on the BBC World ServiceDame Rosalind Marsden, associate fellow at the Chatham House International Affairs and former UK ambassador to SudanProfessor Alex De Waal, Executive Director of the World Peace Foundation and Research Programme Director with the Conflict Research Programme at LSEProduced by: Kirsteen Knight, Claire Bowes and Ben CarterEdited by: Penny MurphySound engineer: Rod FarquharProduction co-ordinator: Siobhan Reed and Sophie Hill

David Aaronovitch and guests discuss the latest events in Sudan. Fighting has been commonplace ever since Sudan gained independence but what's behind the latest violence? Guests: James Copnall - currently presenting Newsday on the BBC World Service and formerly the BBC's Sudan correspondent Mohanad Hashim - Sudanese journalist working on Newshour on the BBC World Service Dame Rosalind Marsden, associate fellow at the Chatham House International Affairs and former UK ambassador to Sudan Professor Alex De Waal, Executive Director of the World Peace Foundation and Research Programme Director with the Conflict Research Programme at LSE Produced by: Kirsteen Knight, Claire Bowes and Ben Carter Edited by: Penny Murphy Sound engineer: Rod Farquhar Production co-ordinator: Siobhan Reed and Sophie Hill

Sudan conflict: what led to this?

Rishi Sunak says the UK has an 'anti maths mindset' and that low levels of numeracy are damaging the economy. Will studying maths until the age of 18 solve the problem?David Aaronovitch talks to:Branwen Jeffreys, the BBC's Education EditorAndreas Schleicher, OECD Director for Education and SkillsPaul Johnson, Director of the Institute for Fiscal StudiesEmma Lark, Associate Dean Ambition Institute leading the Master's in Expert TeachingRob Eastaway, author and director of Maths InspirationProduced by: Kirsteen Knight, Claire Bowes and Ben CarterEdited by: Richard VadonSound engineer: Graham PuddifootProduction co-ordinator: Siobhan Reed and Sophie Hill

Rishi Sunak says the UK has an 'anti maths mindset' and that low levels of numeracy are damaging the economy. Will studying maths until the age of 18 solve the problem? David Aaronovitch talks to: Branwen Jeffreys, the BBC's Education Editor Andreas Schleicher, OECD Director for Education and Skills Paul Johnson, Director of the Institute for Fiscal Studies Emma Lark, Associate Dean Ambition Institute leading the Master's in Expert Teaching Rob Eastaway, author and director of Maths Inspiration Produced by: Kirsteen Knight, Claire Bowes and Ben Carter Edited by: Richard Vadon Sound engineer: Graham Puddifoot Production co-ordinator: Siobhan Reed and Sophie Hill

Does Rishi Sunak's maths calculation add up?

David Aaronovitch and a panel of experts and insiders present in-depth explainers on big issues in the news

Really cool and the guests are well informed!

Nice podcast

The “In Our Time” of current affairs

The Briefing Room

'Get Brexit Done' was the slogan that helped lead the Tories to an election victory - but how will that be achieved? It's the pressing task now facing government, but what might  Brexit actually look like and how long could it take? David Aaronovitch considers the political and economic pros and cons of the different kinds of trading arrangements the UK and EU might end up with. Are the UK and EU both clear about their priorities and what might cause them to shift? And if we do sort out a trade deal, will Brexit be done or is there more to come? Contributors: Jill Rutter, UK in a Changing Europe Mujtaba Rahman, Eurasia GroupDavid Henig, UK Trade Policy ProjectKatya Adler, BBC Europe Editor Peter Foster, Europe Editor of the Daily TelegraphProducer: Rosamund JonesEditor: Jasper Corbett

'Get Brexit Done' was the slogan that helped lead the Tories to an election victory - but how will that be achieved? It's the pressing task now facing government, but what might Brexit actually look like and how long could it take? David Aaronovitch considers the political and economic pros and cons of the different kinds of trading arrangements the UK and EU might end up with. Are the UK and EU both clear about their priorities and what might cause them to shift? And if we do sort out a trade deal, will Brexit be done or is there more to come? Contributors: Jill Rutter, UK in a Changing Europe Mujtaba Rahman, Eurasia Group David Henig, UK Trade Policy Project Katya Adler, BBC Europe Editor Peter Foster, Europe Editor of the Daily Telegraph Producer: Rosamund Jones Editor: Jasper Corbett

How Do We Get Brexit Done?

In October, the IPCC, the UN body that reports on climate change, issued a stark warning. It said that if the world wanted to avoid catastrophic environmental damage, we needed to reduce carbon emissions by almost half in the next 12 years. So what needs to be done now if that target is to be reached? What's the position in China, the world's largest emitter of carbon dioxide? And how important is the stated intention of President Trump to withdraw the United States from the Paris Agreement on greenhouse gas emissions? We hear from, among others, Professor Lord Nicholas Stern, the author of the seminal Stern Review in 2006.

Climate Change: is time running out?

Greece exited its bailout programme last week. It's the culmination of nine years of reliance on huge loans from international finance bodies and stringent budget cuts. Greek prime minister Alexis Tsipras, heralded it as a day of liberation.In the course of the country's economic crisis, youth unemployment rose to nearly 50 per cent and 40 per cent of the working age population was left at risk of poverty. Pensions were frozen and public sector salaries slashed.David Aaronovitch speaks to guests about what successive governments have had to do to turn things round and what impact years of austerity have had on the day-to-day life of the Greek people. And although the economic indicators have improved somewhat, how confident can the Greek government be in its future and in its ability to stimulate longer term growth?CONTRIBUTORSMichele Kambas, Athens bureau chief at Thomson ReutersRoman Gerodimos, founder of the Greek Politics Specialist GroupChloe Hadjimatheou, BBC journalistProfessor Kevin Featherstone, Director of the Hellenic Observatory at the London School of EconomicsProducer: Tim Mansel.

Greece exited its bailout programme last week. It's the culmination of nine years of reliance on huge loans from international finance bodies and stringent budget cuts. Greek prime minister Alexis Tsipras, heralded it as a day of liberation. In the course of the country's economic crisis, youth unemployment rose to nearly 50 per cent and 40 per cent of the working age population was left at risk of poverty. Pensions were frozen and public sector salaries slashed. David Aaronovitch speaks to guests about what successive governments have had to do to turn things round and what impact years of austerity have had on the day-to-day life of the Greek people. And although the economic indicators have improved somewhat, how confident can the Greek government be in its future and in its ability to stimulate longer term growth? CONTRIBUTORS Michele Kambas, Athens bureau chief at Thomson Reuters Roman Gerodimos, founder of the Greek Politics Specialist Group Chloe Hadjimatheou, BBC journalist Professor Kevin Featherstone, Director of the Hellenic Observatory at the London School of Economics Producer: Tim Mansel.

Is Greece out of the woods?

This week Turkey's currency plummeted to its lowest level ever against the US dollar. The lira's steady descent this year was accelerated by the imposition of increased tariffs on steel and aluminium by the United States. President Trump, it seems, is personally angered by the continued detention in Turkey of an American pastor, who's been held for nearly two years on suspicion of spying. The currency crisis has focussed attention on Turkey more broadly: on economic difficulties with deep roots, on the leadership of the Turkish president Recep Tayyip Erdogan, who has accumulated unprecedented power, and on Turkey's troubled relationships with many of its traditional allies. Mr Erdogan says he may now need to look for new friends -  a potentially troubling prospect for other NATO members. David Aaronovitch asks how deep is the Turkish crisis?CONTRIBUTORSSoner Çağaptay, director of the Turkish Research Program at the Washington Institute for Near East Policy and author of The New Sultan - a biography of President Erdogan.Dr Mina Toksoz, an emerging markets and country risk consultant at the foreign affairs think tank Chatham HouseDr. Amanda Sloat, Brookings Institution, Washington DC and former deputy assistant secretary for Southern Europe and Eastern Mediterranean Affairs at the US State Department Dr Ziya Meral, a specialist on Turkey and a fellow at the British Army’s Centre for Historical Analysis and Conflict Research

This week Turkey's currency plummeted to its lowest level ever against the US dollar. The lira's steady descent this year was accelerated by the imposition of increased tariffs on steel and aluminium by the United States. President Trump, it seems, is personally angered by the continued detention in Turkey of an American pastor, who's been held for nearly two years on suspicion of spying. The currency crisis has focussed attention on Turkey more broadly: on economic difficulties with deep roots, on the leadership of the Turkish president Recep Tayyip Erdogan, who has accumulated unprecedented power, and on Turkey's troubled relationships with many of its traditional allies. Mr Erdogan says he may now need to look for new friends - a potentially troubling prospect for other NATO members. David Aaronovitch asks how deep is the Turkish crisis? CONTRIBUTORS Soner Çağaptay, director of the Turkish Research Program at the Washington Institute for Near East Policy and author of The New Sultan - a biography of President Erdogan. Dr Mina Toksoz, an emerging markets and country risk consultant at the foreign affairs think tank Chatham House Dr. Amanda Sloat, Brookings Institution, Washington DC and former deputy assistant secretary for Southern Europe and Eastern Mediterranean Affairs at the US State Department Dr Ziya Meral, a specialist on Turkey and a fellow at the British Army’s Centre for Historical Analysis and Conflict Research

Is Turkey imploding?

In May, what was billed as the biggest ever overhaul of train timetables led to widespread rail disruption - why has this new timetable caused such rail chaos this summer? Since then, passengers travelling on the services of two rail franchises - Govia Thameslink and Northern - have suffered weeks of cancellations and delays. The overhaul was aimed at improving punctuality and boosting capacity, but what passengers got was hundreds of trains removed from service as the franchises struggled to cope with the planned changes. Transport Secretary Chris Grayling has defended his handling of the situation and pointed the finger at the rail industry - but who is really responsible? And can long-suffering passengers trust that the disruption will finally be brought to an end - and not repeated?David Aaronovitch assesses what led to such chaos on the railway and what the disruption says about the state of Britain's railways.CONTRIBUTORSTony Miles, Modern Railways magazine Dieter Helm CBE, Professor of Economic Policy at Oxford University.Lord Adonis, former Transport Secretary and former Chairman of the National Infrastructure Commission.

In May, what was billed as the biggest ever overhaul of train timetables led to widespread rail disruption - why has this new timetable caused such rail chaos this summer? Since then, passengers travelling on the services of two rail franchises - Govia Thameslink and Northern - have suffered weeks of cancellations and delays. The overhaul was aimed at improving punctuality and boosting capacity, but what passengers got was hundreds of trains removed from service as the franchises struggled to cope with the planned changes. Transport Secretary Chris Grayling has defended his handling of the situation and pointed the finger at the rail industry - but who is really responsible? And can long-suffering passengers trust that the disruption will finally be brought to an end - and not repeated? David Aaronovitch assesses what led to such chaos on the railway and what the disruption says about the state of Britain's railways. CONTRIBUTORS Tony Miles, Modern Railways magazine Dieter Helm CBE, Professor of Economic Policy at Oxford University. Lord Adonis, former Transport Secretary and former Chairman of the National Infrastructure Commission.

Chaos on the railways

The UK fishing industry will be central to EU trade negotiations, starting soon. David Aaronovitch explores why a sector, which contributes very little to the overall economy, has gained such political and cultural importance. He asks why there is such a mismatch between the kind of fish we catch and the kind of fish we eat. When did cod become so central to our diets? With his guests, he also traces the industry's relationship with the EU down the decades. To what extent did the imposition of EU quotas reduce the amount of fish UK boats catch?  And should fishing now expect a 'Brexit bounce'? Contributors: Hazel Curtis, director of Seafish Nick Fisher, fisherman and authorJohn Lichfield, journalistDr Jill Wakefield, University of Warwick.  Dr Bryce Stewart, University of York Producers: Kirsteen Knight, Jordan Dunbar and Rosamund Jones.Editor: Penny Murphy.

The UK fishing industry will be central to EU trade negotiations, starting soon. David Aaronovitch explores why a sector, which contributes very little to the overall economy, has gained such political and cultural importance. He asks why there is such a mismatch between the kind of fish we catch and the kind of fish we eat. When did cod become so central to our diets? With his guests, he also traces the industry's relationship with the EU down the decades. To what extent did the imposition of EU quotas reduce the amount of fish UK boats catch? And should fishing now expect a 'Brexit bounce'? Contributors: Hazel Curtis, director of Seafish Nick Fisher, fisherman and author John Lichfield, journalist Dr Jill Wakefield, University of Warwick. Dr Bryce Stewart, University of York Producers: Kirsteen Knight, Jordan Dunbar and Rosamund Jones. Editor: Penny Murphy.

UK fishing and Brexit

Politicians are busy making big electoral promises. Some of them are to be funded by taxing wealthier people. But will the next chancellor be able to get the money they need from high earners, or will they need to find new ways of funding their ambitions? David Aaronovitch discovers, with his guests, what wealth consists of and who today has the means to contribute more to the UK tax kitty and how they could pay it. How many are there of them? And, importantly, are they the people we think they are? Might we be surprised to discover who qualifies as wealthy?CONTRIBUTORS:Torsten Bell, chief executive of the Resolution Foundation, an independent think-tank that focuses on the living standards of those people on low and middle incomes.John Whiting, CBE, former tax director of the Office of Tax SimplificationPat Thane, Visiting Professor in History at Birkbeck, University of London and an expert on ageing, the welfare state and pensionsMerryn Somerset Webb, editor-in-chief of the personal finance magazine, MoneyWeek, and a columnist for the money section of FT Weekend.Producer Simon CoatesEditor Jasper Corbett

Politicians are busy making big electoral promises. Some of them are to be funded by taxing wealthier people. But will the next chancellor be able to get the money they need from high earners, or will they need to find new ways of funding their ambitions? David Aaronovitch discovers, with his guests, what wealth consists of and who today has the means to contribute more to the UK tax kitty and how they could pay it. How many are there of them? And, importantly, are they the people we think they are? Might we be surprised to discover who qualifies as wealthy? CONTRIBUTORS: Torsten Bell, chief executive of the Resolution Foundation, an independent think-tank that focuses on the living standards of those people on low and middle incomes. John Whiting, CBE, former tax director of the Office of Tax Simplification Pat Thane, Visiting Professor in History at Birkbeck, University of London and an expert on ageing, the welfare state and pensions Merryn Somerset Webb, editor-in-chief of the personal finance magazine, MoneyWeek, and a columnist for the money section of FT Weekend. Producer Simon Coates Editor Jasper Corbett

General Election Promises: Tax and Spend?

In a momentous week for British politics, David Aaronovitch presents a special hour-long edition of The Briefing Room in which he asks whether the United Kingdom's history might help us to understand better the political storms buffeting the country.  What has the debate over Brexit done to Britain’s political parties and its parliamentary system, what does Brexit mean for the future of the union, what does it tell us about Britain’s place in the world and what has it revealed about the state of the country and the public’s faith in government as its provider and protector?Joining David Aaronovitch are: Margaret MacMillan, Professor of History at Oxford UniversityAnne Deighton, Emeritus Professor of History at Wolfson CollegeMary Daly, Emiritus Professor of Modern Irish History at University College DublinLord Lexden, the official historian of the Conservative PartyProfessor Ian McLean, Senior Research Fellow in Politics at Nuffield College OxfordAlwyn Turner, social historian. Producer Neil KoenigEditor Jasper Corbett

In a momentous week for British politics, David Aaronovitch presents a special hour-long edition of The Briefing Room in which he asks whether the United Kingdom's history might help us to understand better the political storms buffeting the country. What has the debate over Brexit done to Britain’s political parties and its parliamentary system, what does Brexit mean for the future of the union, what does it tell us about Britain’s place in the world and what has it revealed about the state of the country and the public’s faith in government as its provider and protector? Joining David Aaronovitch are: Margaret MacMillan, Professor of History at Oxford University Anne Deighton, Emeritus Professor of History at Wolfson College Mary Daly, Emiritus Professor of Modern Irish History at University College Dublin Lord Lexden, the official historian of the Conservative Party Professor Ian McLean, Senior Research Fellow in Politics at Nuffield College Oxford Alwyn Turner, social historian. Producer Neil Koenig Editor Jasper Corbett

The United Kingdom, Brexit and its History

Labour will play a crucial role in shaping Britain's exit from the EU now the Conservative government has lost its overall majority. The vast majority of Labour MPs backed Remain ahead of the referendum - but most followed party orders to allow Article 50 to be invoked (the mechanism for leaving the EU).  On the day the government publishes the Repeal Bill and the Labour leader, Jeremy Corbyn meets the EU's chief Brexit negotiator, Michel Barnier, David Aaronovitch asks a range of political experts what Labour wants. He'll look back into the party's history to see if that helps explain today's divisions and he'll be briefed on whether Labour's Brexit wishlist is realistic. CONTRIBUTORS  Steven Fielding, Professor of Political History at The University of NottinghamCatherine Barnard, Professor of European Union Law, The University of CambridgeDeborah Mattinson, former advisor to Gordon Brown and founder of think tank Britain ThinksProducers: Phoebe Keane and Beth Sagar-Fenton

Labour will play a crucial role in shaping Britain's exit from the EU now the Conservative government has lost its overall majority. The vast majority of Labour MPs backed Remain ahead of the referendum - but most followed party orders to allow Article 50 to be invoked (the mechanism for leaving the EU). On the day the government publishes the Repeal Bill and the Labour leader, Jeremy Corbyn meets the EU's chief Brexit negotiator, Michel Barnier, David Aaronovitch asks a range of political experts what Labour wants. He'll look back into the party's history to see if that helps explain today's divisions and he'll be briefed on whether Labour's Brexit wishlist is realistic. CONTRIBUTORS Steven Fielding, Professor of Political History at The University of Nottingham Catherine Barnard, Professor of European Union Law, The University of Cambridge Deborah Mattinson, former advisor to Gordon Brown and founder of think tank Britain Thinks Producers: Phoebe Keane and Beth Sagar-Fenton

Where does Labour stand on Brexit?

Theresa May has promised new trains, faster broadband and improved infrastructure. Critics accused her of adopting Labour Party politics. But is it left-wing to invest in infrastructure?During the Great Depression, John Maynard Keynes encouraged governments to dig holes until the economy was restored. The explosion of building in 1930s America is often seen as Keynes' words in action - but the New Deal was not as straightforward as we may think. The Economist's Soumaya Keynes finds out what really happened.After the 2008 crisis, politicians turned to Keynes' ideas once again. First Ed Miliband, then George Osborne and now Theresa May have pledged to build us out of trouble. How has this idea moved across the political spectrum - and could traffic lights and bridges really solve our economic woes?Joining David Aaronovitch in the Briefing Room are:Sir John Armitt, President of the Institution of Civil EngineersMichelle Baddeley, Professor of Economics and Finance at University College LondonTim Worstall, Senior Fellow at the Adam Smith InstituteResearcher: Jordan DunbarProducer: Hannah Sander.

Theresa May has promised new trains, faster broadband and improved infrastructure. Critics accused her of adopting Labour Party politics. But is it left-wing to invest in infrastructure? During the Great Depression, John Maynard Keynes encouraged governments to dig holes until the economy was restored. The explosion of building in 1930s America is often seen as Keynes' words in action - but the New Deal was not as straightforward as we may think. The Economist's Soumaya Keynes finds out what really happened. After the 2008 crisis, politicians turned to Keynes' ideas once again. First Ed Miliband, then George Osborne and now Theresa May have pledged to build us out of trouble. How has this idea moved across the political spectrum - and could traffic lights and bridges really solve our economic woes? Joining David Aaronovitch in the Briefing Room are: Sir John Armitt, President of the Institution of Civil Engineers Michelle Baddeley, Professor of Economics and Finance at University College London Tim Worstall, Senior Fellow at the Adam Smith Institute Researcher: Jordan Dunbar Producer: Hannah Sander.

Infrastructure: The Roads to Recovery?

What does Black Lives Matter stand for in the UK?In the United States it is a protest movement formed in reaction to the killing of black people by police, and now there are BLM chapters in Birmingham, Nottingham, Manchester and London. The British organisation's most high profile action so far has been a blockade of airports and major roads - but what are the key issues driving the Black Lives Matter campaign in the UK? Joining David Aaronovitch in this edition of The Briefing Room are:Doton Adebayo, journalist and BBC 5 live presenter Stephen Bush, special correspondent at The New Statesman Kiri Kankhwende, political commentator for Media Diversified Researcher: Alex BurtonProducer: Joe Kent

What does Black Lives Matter stand for in the UK? In the United States it is a protest movement formed in reaction to the killing of black people by police, and now there are BLM chapters in Birmingham, Nottingham, Manchester and London. The British organisation's most high profile action so far has been a blockade of airports and major roads - but what are the key issues driving the Black Lives Matter campaign in the UK? Joining David Aaronovitch in this edition of The Briefing Room are: Doton Adebayo, journalist and BBC 5 live presenter Stephen Bush, special correspondent at The New Statesman Kiri Kankhwende, political commentator for Media Diversified Researcher: Alex Burton Producer: Joe Kent

Black Lives Matter UK

Narendra Modi

It's the world's biggest organised event: 900 million eligible voters across India have been to the polls in the last six weeks after five years of Narendra Modi's BJP government.Narendra Modi's ambition was to project India as a global economic power, clamping down on corruption and burnishing its national security credentials. How far has he achieved this?  And to what extent should India's non-Hindus be concerned about Narendra Modi's brand of Hindu nationalism?  David Aaronovitch speaks to experts to find out.GUESTS:Dr S Y Quraishi  -  Former Chief Election CommissionerSoutik Biswas - India correspondent for BBC news onlineKunal Sen - Director, Professor of Development Economics, University of ManchesterAmbassador Nirupama Rao - India’s foreign secretary 2009-11; former ambassador to the US, China and Sri LankaJames Crabtree - India expert at Lee Kuan Yew School of Public Policy in Singapore and author of The Billionaire Raj

It's the world's biggest organised event: 900 million eligible voters across India have been to the polls in the last six weeks after five years of Narendra Modi's BJP government. Narendra Modi's ambition was to project India as a global economic power, clamping down on corruption and burnishing its national security credentials. How far has he achieved this? And to what extent should India's non-Hindus be concerned about Narendra Modi's brand of Hindu nationalism? David Aaronovitch speaks to experts to find out. GUESTS: Dr S Y Quraishi - Former Chief Election Commissioner Soutik Biswas - India correspondent for BBC news online Kunal Sen - Director, Professor of Development Economics, University of Manchester Ambassador Nirupama Rao - India’s foreign secretary 2009-11; former ambassador to the US, China and Sri Lanka James Crabtree - India expert at Lee Kuan Yew School of Public Policy in Singapore and author of The Billionaire Raj

Has Narendra Modi changed India?

A wave of protests are sweeping  through Iran, Iraq and Lebanon. Retribution in Iraq and Iran has been swift and savage, and hundreds of young people have been killed - but what lies behind the unrest? David Aaronovitch explores the common themes - unemployment, crony sectarianism, corruption and hopelessness. These were the issues that led countless thousands onto the streets in many middle eastern countries during the Arab Spring ten years ago. What lessons have governments and protesters learnt since then? The young people are hoping for sustained political and economic change this time. What chance is there of that happening? CONTRIBUTORS: Jeremy Bowen, BBC Middle East EditorDr Lena Khatib, Head of the Middle East and North Africa Programme at Chatham HouseMichael Safi, International Correspondent, The GuardianPesha Magid, Journalist Lizzie Porter, Journalist Producer: Rosamund JonesEditor: Jasper Corbett

A wave of protests are sweeping through Iran, Iraq and Lebanon. Retribution in Iraq and Iran has been swift and savage, and hundreds of young people have been killed - but what lies behind the unrest? David Aaronovitch explores the common themes - unemployment, crony sectarianism, corruption and hopelessness. These were the issues that led countless thousands onto the streets in many middle eastern countries during the Arab Spring ten years ago. What lessons have governments and protesters learnt since then? The young people are hoping for sustained political and economic change this time. What chance is there of that happening? CONTRIBUTORS: Jeremy Bowen, BBC Middle East Editor Dr Lena Khatib, Head of the Middle East and North Africa Programme at Chatham House Michael Safi, International Correspondent, The Guardian Pesha Magid, Journalist Lizzie Porter, Journalist Producer: Rosamund Jones Editor: Jasper Corbett

Middle East Youthquake

An independent review of police investigations into VIP sex abuse has found 43 police failings - but why did the police drop the ball with so many high-profile cases?The Henriques Review looked into the police investigations of public figures, including former Home Secretary Lord Brittan, retired army chief Lord Bramall and Harvey Proctor, a former Conservative MP. Justice Henriques criticises the police for choosing to believe uncorroborated accusations rather than approaching the investigations with an open mind. Speaking publicly for the first time Lady Diana Brittan tells reporter Alistair Jackson about the allegations made against her husband, the former Conservative minister Leon Brittan and the failure of the police to inform Lord Brittan before he died that no further action would be taken.He digs deeper into Operation Midland and Operation Vincente: police investigations that spanned several years, costing millions in tax-payers' money, and drew in large numbers of police officers. He speaks to people closely involved and finds out why the Metropolitan Police has now issued apologies.David Aaronovitch asks how historical sex abuse investigations should be handled and asks if police preoccupation with historic sexual abuse cases is hampering their ability to investigate more recent crimes.Researcher: Kirsteen KnightProducer: Hannah Sander

An independent review of police investigations into VIP sex abuse has found 43 police failings - but why did the police drop the ball with so many high-profile cases? The Henriques Review looked into the police investigations of public figures, including former Home Secretary Lord Brittan, retired army chief Lord Bramall and Harvey Proctor, a former Conservative MP. Justice Henriques criticises the police for choosing to believe uncorroborated accusations rather than approaching the investigations with an open mind. Speaking publicly for the first time Lady Diana Brittan tells reporter Alistair Jackson about the allegations made against her husband, the former Conservative minister Leon Brittan and the failure of the police to inform Lord Brittan before he died that no further action would be taken. He digs deeper into Operation Midland and Operation Vincente: police investigations that spanned several years, costing millions in tax-payers' money, and drew in large numbers of police officers. He speaks to people closely involved and finds out why the Metropolitan Police has now issued apologies. David Aaronovitch asks how historical sex abuse investigations should be handled and asks if police preoccupation with historic sexual abuse cases is hampering their ability to investigate more recent crimes. Researcher: Kirsteen Knight Producer: Hannah Sander

VIP Sex Abuse Allegations

David Aaronovich examines the likely lasting impact of the UK's decision to quit the European Union - not on Britain but on mainland Europe. The European Union is struggling to reconcile competing views of the economy, of national identity and of ideology. As populist political parties play an increasing role in the governance of member states, some expert Euro-watchers give their views of the divisions and the chances of them being reconciled. Might the EU "widen" its reach to new countries? Or deepen" the binds between member countries? Or is it time to concede that voters across the Continent prefer sovereignty to be exercised within national states. Presenter: David Aaronovich  Producer: Sally AbrahamsResearcher: Kirsteen Knight Editor: Andrew Smith

David Aaronovich examines the likely lasting impact of the UK's decision to quit the European Union - not on Britain but on mainland Europe. The European Union is struggling to reconcile competing views of the economy, of national identity and of ideology. As populist political parties play an increasing role in the governance of member states, some expert Euro-watchers give their views of the divisions and the chances of them being reconciled. Might the EU "widen" its reach to new countries? Or deepen" the binds between member countries? Or is it time to concede that voters across the Continent prefer sovereignty to be exercised within national states. Presenter: David Aaronovich Producer: Sally Abrahams Researcher: Kirsteen Knight Editor: Andrew Smith

What Next For Europe?

The chancellor is facing widespread calls for more spending. Should he listen, or stick to his deficit reduction plan?Senior Conservatives are calling for more public spending on things like public sector pay - but Philip Hammond is committed to what he himself calls 'the long slog of austerity'. David Aaronovitch invites a range of experts into The Briefing Room to help him understand the arguments around public spending, and asks if the UK should ditch austerity?Guests include Paul Johnson from the IFS and economists Ann Pettifor and Tim Besley.

The chancellor is facing widespread calls for more spending. Should he listen, or stick to his deficit reduction plan? Senior Conservatives are calling for more public spending on things like public sector pay - but Philip Hammond is committed to what he himself calls 'the long slog of austerity'. David Aaronovitch invites a range of experts into The Briefing Room to help him understand the arguments around public spending, and asks if the UK should ditch austerity? Guests include Paul Johnson from the IFS and economists Ann Pettifor and Tim Besley.

The Cost of Abandoning Austerity

The Supreme Court has ruled that Boris Johnson's decision to prorogue Parliament was unlawful, turning a page on the country’s constitution. The Supreme Court president Lady Hale said "the effect on the fundamentals of democracy was extreme." The Prime Minister responded that he "strongly disagrees" with the ruling but will "respect" it. So is British democracy at a crossroads? In an extended edition of the Briefing Room, David Aaronovitch asks who is running Britain and is it now time to have a written constitution.CONTRIBUTORS:Alison Young, Professor of Public Law, University of Cambridge.Philip Norton, Professor of Government, and Director of the Centre for Legislative Studies, University of HullDavid Allen Green, contributing editor to the Financial Times and lawyer at Preiskel &amp; CoMichael Keating, Director of the Centre on Constitutional Change at Edinburgh University and Professor of Politics, at the University of Aberdeen. Meg Russell, Director of the Constitution Unit at University College London, Senior Fellow at the UK in a Changing EuropeMurray Hunt, Director of the Bingham Centre for the Rule of LawProducer: Neil KoenigEditor: Jasper Corbett

The Supreme Court has ruled that Boris Johnson's decision to prorogue Parliament was unlawful, turning a page on the country’s constitution. The Supreme Court president Lady Hale said "the effect on the fundamentals of democracy was extreme." The Prime Minister responded that he "strongly disagrees" with the ruling but will "respect" it. So is British democracy at a crossroads? In an extended edition of the Briefing Room, David Aaronovitch asks who is running Britain and is it now time to have a written constitution. CONTRIBUTORS: Alison Young, Professor of Public Law, University of Cambridge. Philip Norton, Professor of Government, and Director of the Centre for Legislative Studies, University of Hull David Allen Green, contributing editor to the Financial Times and lawyer at Preiskel &amp; Co Michael Keating, Director of the Centre on Constitutional Change at Edinburgh University and Professor of Politics, at the University of Aberdeen. Meg Russell, Director of the Constitution Unit at University College London, Senior Fellow at the UK in a Changing Europe Murray Hunt, Director of the Bingham Centre for the Rule of Law Producer: Neil Koenig Editor: Jasper Corbett

Britain’s constitutional dilemma: who now runs the country?

In France a wave of protests has brought the country to a standstill in recent weeks. The original cause of the anger - the government's plan to raise the rate of tax on diesel - has now disappeared. President Macron responded this week to the mood in the country by withdrawing the tax, due to be introduced next year. The question now is whether that will temper the anger of the Gilets Jaunes, the protesters who take their name from the hi-viz vest that every French driver must carry with them in their vehicle. The protesters form an amorphous movement without leaders and their demands are many and various. President Macron is being criticised as much for his style and tactics as his policy. Where does France go from here? With Sophie Pedder of The Economist, the geographer Christophe Guilluy, the pollster Bruno Jeanbart, the writer Jane Weston-Vauclair and Professor Philippe Marliere of University College London.

Les Gilets Jaunes

The boss of Chinese telecoms giant, Huawei, says his company would never spy on behalf of the Chinese state.  But some experts think it would be a mistake for Britain to involve the company in the development of the 5G network.  What's the relationship between Huawei and the government in Beijing, is the company a reliable partner and what should Britain do? David Aaronovitch is joined by: Dr Linda Yueh, Economist at the University of Oxford and author of 'The Great Economists'. Wanyuan Song, BBC JournalistJan-Peter Kleinhans, Project Director IoT-Security at Stiftung Neue VerantwortungProfessor Steve Tsang, Director of the China Institute, the School of Oriental and African StudiesCharlie Parton, Senior Associate Fellow, Royal United Services InstituteEmily Taylor, Editor, Chatham House's Journal of Cyber PolicyDr Tim Stevens, Lecturer in Global Security, King's College London

The boss of Chinese telecoms giant, Huawei, says his company would never spy on behalf of the Chinese state. But some experts think it would be a mistake for Britain to involve the company in the development of the 5G network. What's the relationship between Huawei and the government in Beijing, is the company a reliable partner and what should Britain do? David Aaronovitch is joined by: Dr Linda Yueh, Economist at the University of Oxford and author of 'The Great Economists'. Wanyuan Song, BBC Journalist Jan-Peter Kleinhans, Project Director IoT-Security at Stiftung Neue Verantwortung Professor Steve Tsang, Director of the China Institute, the School of Oriental and African Studies Charlie Parton, Senior Associate Fellow, Royal United Services Institute Emily Taylor, Editor, Chatham House's Journal of Cyber Policy Dr Tim Stevens, Lecturer in Global Security, King's College London

Should we worry about Huawei?

Would cutting back on meat consumption help tackle climate change?  What impact would this have on individuals, governments and businesses? Livestock farming accounts for at least 14.5% of all human emissions -  with beef making up the highest proportion of this. Meat free burgers are now available at fast food restaurants across the western world; veganism is on the rise, as is flexitarianism - a largely vegetable-based diet supplemented occasionally with meat. But how far can these eating trends help to reduce carbon emissions?David Aaronovitch is joined by: Dr Hannah Richie - Head of Research at Our world in data, University of OxfordTim Searchinger - Senior Fellow, World Resources Institute and Princeton UniversityProfessor Louise Fresco - President of the Wageningen UniversityLaura Wellesley - Research fellow in the Energy, Environment and Resources Department at Chatham HouseToby Park - Head of Energy and Sustainability, Behavioural Insights TeamProducer: Serena TarlingEditor: Jasper Corbett

Would cutting back on meat consumption help tackle climate change? What impact would this have on individuals, governments and businesses? Livestock farming accounts for at least 14.5% of all human emissions - with beef making up the highest proportion of this. Meat free burgers are now available at fast food restaurants across the western world; veganism is on the rise, as is flexitarianism - a largely vegetable-based diet supplemented occasionally with meat. But how far can these eating trends help to reduce carbon emissions? David Aaronovitch is joined by: Dr Hannah Richie - Head of Research at Our world in data, University of Oxford Tim Searchinger - Senior Fellow, World Resources Institute and Princeton University Professor Louise Fresco - President of the Wageningen University Laura Wellesley - Research fellow in the Energy, Environment and Resources Department at Chatham House Toby Park - Head of Energy and Sustainability, Behavioural Insights Team Producer: Serena Tarling Editor: Jasper Corbett

Climate change and meat: what's the beef?

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