The World Tonight

BBC Radio 4
  • 3.7 (56)
  • NEWS
  • UPDATED DAILY

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

  1. 1D AGO

    Iran warns against US intervention

    Iran's Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi has warned President Trump against interference after he said the US would come to the rescue if protesters were killed. We speak to an Iranian academic supportive of the government and hear from a protestor who wants a return of the country's monarchy that was deposed in 1979. Also on the programme: we hear from the South Atlantic from a team trying to preserve the legacy of the explorer Sir Ernest Shackleton; and to mark the 50th anniversary of the children's show Rentaghost we speak two members of the cast, Lynda La Plante and Christopher Biggins.

    38 min

  2. 2D AGO

    At least 40 killed in fire at Swiss ski resort

    Swiss authorities say about forty people are known to have died in a fire that ripped through a bar packed with young people celebrating the New Year in the ski resort of Crans-Montana. At least 115 were injured - many with severe burns. We speak to a doctor who's treated many of the victims, and one of the UK's leading fire safety experts. Also on the programme: leaked details of the government's upcoming special needs reforms have prompted concern that some pupils may no longer get specialist provision. The Labour chair of the education select committee says any changes mustn't remove an entitlement. And as the King prepares to release a documentary about his environmental activism on a major streaming network, we'll discuss how Charles is reshaping the role of the monarchy.

    38 min

  3. 3D AGO

    Israel bars 37 aid organisations from Gaza

    Israel is revoking the licences of 37 aid organisations working in Gaza, saying they failed to meet the requirements of new registration rules. The UK government is among those warning of the humanitarian impact the move could have. One resident of Gaza tells us of her fears. Also on the programme: With drones increasingly lighting up the skies at New Year’s celebrations, we hear a defence of the old-fashioned firework. And looking back as punk turns 50.

    30 min

  4. 4D AGO

    Anti-government protests spread for third day across Iran

    The protests began on Sunday after shopkeepers in Tehran's Grand Bazaar staged a strike over the plunging value of the Iranian currency. Now demonstrators are taking to the streets in an increasing number of cities across the country. Ali Rahmani, the son of Narges Mohammadi - a human rights activist who won the 2023 Nobel Peace Prize - tells us he hopes the demonstrations will lead to the collapse of the government. Also on the programme: we relive the disastrous speech that saw Tony Blair heckled by 10,000 Women’s Institute members; and division in France over the legacy of film legend Brigitte Bardot.

    38 min

  5. 5D AGO

    China launches massive drills around Taiwan

    China has begun military drills around Taiwan - weeks after Washington announced one of its biggest-ever arms sales to the island. We hear from a senior US congressman. Also on the programme: President Trump says he's unhappy after Russia accuses Ukraine of mounting a drone attack on one of President Putin's homes. But did they? We speak to our Russia Editor Steve Rosenberg. And we hear from the actor Warwick Davis who's just been awarded an OBE.

    38 min
See All (7)

3.7
out of 5
56 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
    7
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © (C) BBC 2026
  • Show Website
    The World Tonight

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