The World Tonight BBC Radio 4
-
- News
-
In depth reporting, intelligent analysis and major breaking news from a global perspective
-
Will Elphicke defection backfire on Labour?
A boost for Labour as another Tory MP defects. But with growing disquiet amongst the Labour ranks - could the coup backfire?
Also on the programme:
University leaders will meet at Downing Street tomorrow to discuss what the prime minister calls an “unacceptable rise in antisemitism” on campuses. We'll speak to a Jewish student leader - and a pro-Palestinian protester who's gone on hunger strike.
As Russia's military attache is expelled for spying - what goes on behind the gates of the Russian Embassy in London?
And the sperm whale whisperer: we speak to the scientist who's been decoding the sounds from the deep that resemble a human language. -
'Technical issue' at passport e-gates causes backlogs at airports
Airports including Heathrow, Gatwick, Edinburgh, Birmingham, Bristol, Newcastle and Manchester were all hit by a "technical issue" affecting passport control e-gates, causing long queues.
The Home Office, which oversees Border Force, said it was working with the agency and affected airports to "resolve the issue as soon as possible and apologise to all passengers for the inconvenience caused."
In Rafah, Israel's military operations continue, even as Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu sends a delegation of negotiators to Cairo for a potential ceasefire deal.
And to mark the 200th anniversary of the premiere of Beethoven's 9th Symphony, we spoke to BBC Symphony Orchestra composer Sakari Oramo about the thrills and challenges of the piece. -
Hamas accepts ceasefire deal as Rafah bombardment begins
The day began with Israel warning civilians in eastern Rafah to flee as they began a long-anticipated military operation in the city in the south of the Gaza Strip. But by day's end some Gazans were celebrating as news reached them that Hamas has accepted a ceasefire deal put forward by Egypt and Qatar. Israel's operation continues though, as Prime Minister Netanyahu says the deal is "far from meeting Israel's demands". Nonetheless, he has sent a delegation to the negotiations.
Meanwhile French President Emmanuel Macron has been welcoming his Chinese counterpart, Xi Jinping, for a state visit. The pair discussed tariffs, trade, and the war in Ukraine.
And should Wales, a land of song, have its own Eurovision entry? Campaigners have released a possible contender, it's called Anfonaf Angel and is sung by Sara Davies. We speak to her. -
Conservatives suffer heavy council election losses
The Conservatives suffered big losses in Thursday's local elections. Labour swept to victory in places like Redditch, Thurrock and Hartlepool, as well as winning the Blackpool South parliamentary by-election. There was some consolation for the Tories in Tees Valley, where Conservative Ben Houchen was returned as mayor.
The Kremlin has reacted angrily to Lord Cameron's remark that Ukraine has the right to use British weapons to hit targets inside Russia.
And the twisted comedy series that's become a fan favourite, Inside No. 9, is heading to the West End.
Customer Reviews
Old episodes uploaded
Old episodes are being occasionally uploaded as ‘new’. The Jan 21st 2021 episode opened with the headline that Boris is being accused of cancelling Christmas. Please stop making us re-live 2020!
News
Never listen to any other news but BBC the best broadcasting company in the world
Come on BBC
BBC Podcasts are how I mainly keep up with news from my home country. I like the shows but rarely get to listen because they simply don’t get loaded. It’s Wednesday now and the latest show available is from last Friday! Surely you can do better!