5 episodes

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

The World Tonight BBC Radio 4

    • News

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

    'Day of shame' says Prime Minister as he apologises to infected blood scandal victims

    'Day of shame' says Prime Minister as he apologises to infected blood scandal victims

    "On behalf of this and every government stretching back to the 1970s, I am truly sorry." These were the words of Prime Minister Rishi Sunak as he responded to the publication of the Infected Blood Inquiry's final report. Sir Brian Langstaff, chair of the inquiry, found the authorities exposed people to unacceptable risks in administering tainted blood products, and at times covered up the scandal.
    In Israel even some leaders opposed to him have responded angrily to the news that the International Criminal Court is seeking an arrest warrant for Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. The ICC is also seeking warrants for Defence Minister Yoav Gallant and for three Hamas leaders over alleged war crimes carried out during the Gaza conflict.
    And when a group of Irish primary school kids recording a drum and bass track for fun, they'd no idea it would go viral online.

    • 37 min
    Israel recovers bodies of three hostages from Gaza

    Israel recovers bodies of three hostages from Gaza

    The IDF confirmed it has recovered the bodies of Shani Louk, Amit Buskila, and Itzhak Gelerenter, who were killed by Hamas at the Nova Music Festival during the October 7 attacks on Israel. About 125 hostages remain unaccounted for, with the others having been released or rescued. Meanwhile the US has confirmed the first shipment of humanitarian aid has arrived in Gaza via a temporary floating pier.
    As the Infected Blood Inquiry prepares to conclude on Monday, we speak to someone who contracted HIV from contaminated Factor VIII when she was five years old.
    And how do you measure the health of a rainforest? Researchers in Costa Rica are doing it through sound.

    • 37 min
    Is there a Starmerism to follow Blairism?

    Is there a Starmerism to follow Blairism?

    The Labour leader Keir Starmer has set out the "first steps" he would take if he enters government, but how much it echoes Tony Blair’s pledges in 1997? We speak to the Chair of the Labour Party Anneliese Dodds.

    Also on the programme:

    US criticises Chinese President Xi Jinping's pledge to deepen relations with his counterpart Vladimir Putin.

    And, a missing Algerian man has been found alive in a hole near his home after being held captive by his neighbour for 27 years.

    • 37 min
    Shock in Slovakia as PM is shot

    Shock in Slovakia as PM is shot

    An assassination attempt on the prime minister of Slovakia leaves him fighting for his life. We hear from a journalist who witnessed the aftermath of the shooting - and from Slovakia's deputy prime minister - who criticises the government's opponents.
    Also on the programme:
    As the UK government creates a new offence of "cuckooing" - when criminal gangs take over vulnerable people's homes - we hear about its impact on one family.
    And the acclaimed war photographer Sir Don McCullin reflects on a lifetime in photojournalism.

    • 38 min
    Blinken reassures Ukraine as Russian forces push further into Kharkiv region

    Blinken reassures Ukraine as Russian forces push further into Kharkiv region

    As US Secretary of State Anthony Blinken was telling an audience in Kyiv that American weapons are on their way to the country, hundreds of miles to the east Russian troops advanced further into the Kharkiv region. They've now reached the small city of Vovchansk.
    In New York, Donald Trump's former fixer Michael Cohen took to the stand in the Trump hush money trial for a second day, clashing with the former President's lawyers.
    And in Rome, the manager of the Italian capital's opera house settled on a unique way to get young people interested in the artform, inviting them for a sleepover in the grand building where they witnessed rehearsals, took part in a treasure hunt, and met the opera houses's ghost.

    • 37 min

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