The World Tonight

BBC Radio 4
  • 4.0 (89)
  • NEWS
  • UPDATED TWICE WEEKLY

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

  1. 4 HR AGO

    Mandelson's lawyers say he was arrested over claim he was flight risk

    Lord Mandelson was released in the early hours of Tuesday morning - and tonight lawyers for the former UK Ambassador and Labour minister have said he'd been arrested on "a baseless suggestion" that he was planning to leave the country. Also on the programme: As the government prepares to introduce its criminal justice reforms, a justice minister insists they won't back down on plans to reduce the number of jury trials. As the latest retail crime figures are released, the view from the frontline: our presenter visits Northampton to see how police are tackling shoplifting. And there has been a dog among the swans tonight - but a friendly one: the co-owner of Swansea City Football Club - the American rapper Snoop Dogg - attends a home game for the first time.

    38 min

  2. 1 DAY AGO

    Peter Mandelson arrested

    The investigation that led to the arrest was triggered by emails in the Epstein files which appeared to show Lord Mandelson allegedly communicating with Epstein, including one exchange about rumours of an EU bailout. Also on the programme: the government unveils plans to overhaul the special educational needs system in England. And lots of people say weasel words are great, but what do actually we mean when we use these evasive phrases?

    38 min

  3. 4 DAYS AGO

    Trump tariffs frustrated by US Supreme Court

    With a 6-3 majority, the Supreme Court ruled President Trump exceeded his authority when he imposed tariffs via a law reserved for national emergencies. The president has used Nixon-era legislation to impose new, albeit temporary, tariffs. Also on the programme: the BBC understands the government is considering legislation to remove Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor from the royal line of succession. And we hear from the scientist behind our ‘nature notes’ series. What does the habit of observing the natural world give us in return?

    38 min

  4. 5 DAYS AGO

    Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor is released under investigation after his arrest

    He was arrested Thursday morning on suspicion of misconduct in public office. We hear from our correspondent outside Buckingham Palace, a former press chief in the Royal household, a former Minister who opposed Andrew becoming UK trade envoy, and we look at how the Royal family has recovered from previous crises. Also tonight: scientists have just announced that a unique vaccine they've developed could have universal application against colds, 'flu, bacterial infection and allergies.

    38 min

  5. 6 DAYS AGO

    Teenage girls forced into sex by London gangs, BBC finds

    The BBC has uncovered new evidence that vulnerable girls and young women in London are being groomed by gangs to carry drugs and have sex. We discuss the findings with the former head of the National Crime Agency's Child Exploitation Command. Also on the programme: the day after the US State Department approved the UK's Chagos Islands deal, President Trump launches a new attack on it. And the symphonic sounds hidden in the freezer aisle of a Sheffield supermarket.

    38 min

  6. 11 FEB

    US Attorney General faces questions over Epstein investigation

    US Attorney General Pam Bondi has been defending her department's handling of the release of millions of documents related to Jeffrey Epstein. She's been giving evidence today to a committee in the US Congress. Meanwhile, the former prime minister, Gordon Brown, has called for detectives to interview Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor about allegations that Jeffrey Epstein trafficked women and girls through the UK. The former Prince Andrew has denied any wrongdoing - or that he derived any benefit - from his association with Jeffrey Epstein. Also in the programme: the UK Supreme Court rules the plant-based drink maker Oatly cannot use the word "milk" in its marketing; and how the latest Hollywood remake of Wuthering Heights is going down in the birthplace of its author Emily Brontë.

    38 min
See All (8)

4
out of 5
89 Ratings

About

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

Information

  • Creator
    BBC Radio 4
  • Years Active
    2011 - 2026
  • Episodes
    8
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © (C) BBC 2026
  • Show Website
    The World Tonight

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