The World Tonight

President Emmanuel Macron has visited the fire-ravaged Gironde region of France. Some 220,000 people have been evacuated across the country because of wildfires. We speak to France's minister for international partnerships, Éléonore Caroit.Also in the programme: Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu prepares to meet President Trump at the White House as the Iran war drags on. We explore options for reforming England’s social care system. And would introducing compulsory voting increase participation in British politics, or boost public hostility towards Westminster?

The British prosecutor Karim Khan denies claims he had an improper sexual relationship with a junior staff member at the International Criminal Court. We hear reaction from Philippe Sands KC, who helped draft the treaty which created the ICC. Also in the programme: We review Andy Burnham’s first week as Prime Minister. Charles Dickens’ great-great-grandson, actor Gerald Dickens, on the latest production of The Signalman. And as firefighters struggle to contain wildfires near Madrid – are major blazes the new normal across Europe?

The pause comes after criticism of the scheme from survivors and victims' families, including the widow of PC Andrew Harper who described the possibility of his killers' early release as "deplorable". We hear from the General Secretary of the POA, the Prisoner Officers’ Association, Steve Gillan. Also in the programme: as Gary Lineker and other millionaires ask Andy Burnham to tax them more, we ask how a UK wealth tax could work. And the Commonwealth Games gets underway in Glasgow.

The agreement allows Saudi Arabia to establish a civilian nuclear programme. Critics fear that it undermines global nuclear non proliferation and would allow Riyadh to develop its own nuclear weapons programme. We hear from a Congressman who’s vowed to try to block the move. Also on the programme: Prime Minister Andy Burnham promises to review the government’s controversial early prison release scheme; and Elon Musk wants to make an AI-generated, “historically accurate” film of the Odyssey - we ask a leading classicist if that's even possible.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has sacked the country's army commander-in-chief, Oleksandr Syrskyi following days of protests. We hear from a senior member of Zelensky's Servant of the People party.Also tonight: Andy Burnham's options for reforming social care in England; and as Thames Water becomes the latest water company to impose a hosepipe ban on customers, Bunny Guinness has some advice for gardeners.

Ed Miliband becomes foreign secretary, Shabana Mahmood stays at the Home Office, and Angela Rayner returns to the cabinet in her former role of housing secretary. We'll report live from Downing Street, assess the economic challenges facing the UK's new prime minister, and explore whether 'empathy' can be at the core of a governing philosophy.Also in the programme: influencer Andrew Tate and his brother Tristan have appeared in court in Miami as they fight extradition to the UK over an investigation into alleged sexual offences. And former Liverpool striker David Fairclough shares his memories of ex-England captain and manager Kevin Keegan, who's died at the age of 75.

Prime Minister-in-waiting, Andy Burnham, takes the helm of the Labour Party and prepares to enter No.10 on Monday. We discuss his plans for social care with former health spokesmen, Liberal Democrat Sir Norman Lamb and Conservative Andrew, Lord Lansley, and ask whether Burnham is right to say Britain went wrong in the 1980s.Also on the programme: we drop in on tonight's American-themed First Night of the Proms. And remembering the remarkable career of West Indian cricket legend, Sir Garfield Sobers.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky's surprise move to replace popular Defence Minister Mykhailo Fedorov has caused an outburst of anger from civil society and criticism from MPs. We hear reaction from Oleksandr Merezhko, a lawmaker with Mr Zelensky's Servant of the People Party.Also in the programme: US President Donald Trump is set to address the nation overnight, but not all of the country’s major networks will air it live. And with only 41 cinemas in the world showing Sir Christopher Nolan’s new adaptation of The Odyssey on IMAX 70mm film, what’s the appeal of celluloid over digital projection?

England have suffered FIFA World Cup heartbreak with a late semi-final defeat by Argentina in Atlanta. We hear reaction from the stadium, a fan in the Falkland Islands, and a sports bar in Kent.Also in the programme: French MPs approve an assisted dying law with strict rules. President Trump's acting attorney general Todd Blanche faces a confirmation hearing to take on the role permanently – but survivors of Jeffrey Epstein have concerns. And why do so many modern novels centre around the story of murdered women?

Sir Keir Starmer and his expected successor as prime minister, Andy Burnham, have claimed a Hillsborough Law will bring a new era of "justice for ordinary people". The legislation, named after the 1989 football stadium disaster, imposes a legal duty on public officials to co-operate with investigations and inquiries. We hear from one of the Hillsborough families, and a journalist who has followed their struggle for justice over decades.Also in the programme: As the US resumes its blockade of Iran’s ports, we look at how countries in the Middle East are trying to bypass the Strait of Hormuz. And as T-Rex skeleton ‘Gus’ becomes the most expensive dinosaur ever to be sold at auction, we hear from a "dino hunter" in Montana.

The Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood says she’ll explore what security guidance can be offered to former MPs after the killing of Ann Widdecombe. We speak to former Conservative minister Steve Baker.Also in the programme: President Trump reinstates the US blockade on Iranian ports and vows to put in place a 20% charge on cargo passing through the Strait of Hormuz. And we hear from the 17-year-old who’s passed her Grade 8 piano exam one-handed.

A 26-year-old man has been arrested on suspicion of murder following the death of Ann Widdecombe, police say. Widdecombe, a former Conservative minister turned Reform UK spokeswoman, served as the MP for Maidstone in Kent for 23 years. We hear from her former Commons colleague Edwina Currie and her long-time friend, broadcaster Iain Dale. Also in the programme: we speak to a family that's fled wildfires in southern Spain that have left at least 12 people dead. And as England prepares for its football World Cup quarter-final on Saturday, we hear an operatic version of the national sporting anthem Three Lions.

The burial of Iran's second supreme leader took place at the country's holiest site; the Shrine of Imam Reza in Mashad. Iran and the US have continued to trade strikes as fears grow of a return to full-scale conflict. We hear from the BBC's chief international correspondent, Lyse Doucet. Also on the programme; outrage from victims' groups over government plans to allow people convicted of serious crimes to leave prison early; and why women are more likely to suffer during summer heatwaves.

A landmark review into Personal Independence Payments - known as PIP - is due tomorrow. The Timms Review is expected to call for significant reform of disability benefit. We look ahead to what it might bring, get the views of senior politicians - and hear the hopes of someone who claims the benefit.Also on the programme: we speak to the granddaughter of the last woman to be hanged in the UK - Ruth Ellis - who has been given a conditional pardon by the King. And the British wildcard wonder Arthur Fery marches on to the semi-finals - we hear from one of his former coaches.

Nigel Farage has announced he will stand down as an MP for Clacton and fight a by-election. The Reform UK leader was under investigation by a parliamentary watchdog for allegedly failing to declare a £5m gift from billionaire cryptocurrency investor Christopher Harborn. The other major parties have said they will not run candidates in the by-election, with Conservative leader Kemi Badenoch describing it as a “gimmick”. Also on the programme: as a public consultation about adult social care in England is launched, we hear how two members of the public have navigated the system; and a 700-year-old manuscript of Arthurian legends goes up for auction.

Donald Trump asked Fifa president Gianni Infantino to review US striker Folarin Balogun's ban, which has since been suspended. We hear the reaction of former Fifa vice-president Jim Boyce.Also on the programme: National Rally leader Marine Le Pen will find out on Tuesday whether or not she can run for the French presidency in next year's elections. And we speak to classicist Professor Dame Mary Beard as she heads into the premiere of Sir Christopher Nolan’s adaptation of Homer’s The Odyssey.

Temperatures soar as America gathers to celebrate its 250th birthday. Ken Burns talks about his new series about The American Revolution and tells us what he believes the pursuit of happiness really means.In a valedictory interview, Sir Keir Starmer looks back, and forward, as he prepares to leave office. And we look at how a new NHS scheme aimed at rewarding people who walk thirty minutes a day might work.

Russia’s strikes on Kyiv come after Ukraine’s attacks on Russian energy infrastructure. We hear assessments of the war – and who’s winning – from Moscow and the United States.Also on the programme: the National Crime Agency says at least eight people have been arrested in the UK after investigations into online networks that encourage men to drug and rape women. And we hear from a pub landlord on the news that venues in England and Wales will be allowed to stay open until 5am for next week’s England World Cup match.

Harry Kane's two late goals against DR Congo spare England a humiliating exit from the tournament. We hear how the squad made it through to the last 16 after their match in Atlanta.Also on the programme: Labour MP and former deputy prime minister Angela Rayner backs Andy Burnham's call for greater devolution of powers from Westminster. And Canada will take part in the Eurovision Song Contest for the first time in 2027 - we speak to a Canadian Eurovision superfan.

Would-be PM Andy Burnham says a new Downing Street team based in Manchester, labelled 'No 10 North', would "oversee the biggest rebalancing of power our country has ever seen". But can so-called ‘Manchesterism’ be delivered nationwide? We ask former adviser to Rishi Sunak, Tim Leunig, and General Secretary of the FDA trade union Dave Penman.Also in the programme: details emerge of the government’s delayed Defence Investment Plan, an early version of which sparked the resignation of Defence Secretary John Healey. And authorities will tomorrow decide whether to attempt replacing ageing ferries with an undersea tunnel to connect the Shetland Islands.

The number of people killed has risen to at least 920, with 3,360 injured, according to officials. We report live from Caracas.Also on the programme: actor Brian Cox on his hopes for the Scotland football team as they wait to find out whether their 2026 World Cup campaign is over. And just hours before BBC Radio 4's Long Wave signal ends, we hear about the transmission masts that put Droitwich in Worcestershire on the map.

The UN says more than 100 buildings have collapsed as rescuers search the rubble for survivors. We hear from a resident of Caracas and the former head of the USAID office which used to lead the United States government’s response to foreign disasters. Also in the programme: King Charles has disclosed he paid £12.9m in tax for 2024-2025, becoming the first monarch to reveal their tax bill. Would a proposal to tax California’s billionaires raise much-needed cash, or encourage the state’s richest citizens to flee? And the teenager working with Sir Stephen Fry to create a Latin audio guide for a Bath tourist attraction.

A review into Nottingham University Hospitals NHS Trust has found that hundreds of mothers and babies suffered avoidable harms, and criticised ‘systemic’ failures and a ‘toxic, bullying culture’. We hear from the body responsible for regulating midwifery. Also on the programme: the BBC travels to refugee camps in the Democratic Republic of Congo where medics are struggling to contain the Ebola outbreak; and a look at legendary bassist Jah Wobble’s tribute to the Beatle’s psychedelic era, ‘Mystic Liverpool’.

What happened to mothers and their babies - over more than 10 years - at Nottingham University Hospitals NHS Trust? On Wednesday an independent review into maternity care at the trust will be published. We'll hear from one family about their experience and why they're still calling for a public inquiry.Andy Burnham and Sir Keir Starmer are in a standoff over who should decide future defence spending.And 50 years on from record-breaking 1976 heatwave, how is the current one different? And what could the UK's weather feel like in another 50 years?

Andy Burnham has been sworn in as an MP after Sir Keir Starmer announced his resignation. We hear from one Labour MP who thinks there should be an election for the next party leader and prime minister, and one who supports a coronation.Also in the programme: 40 years on from Diego Maradona’s 'Hand of God' goal at the 1986 football World Cup, we talk to one of those who was in the stadium. And as the Met Office warns that temperatures could reach 40C in parts of the UK this week, should people consider buying air conditioners? And, if so, what type?

The ambulance service says 89 people have been injured, with 11 of them suffering "very serious injuries". We report from near the scene of the collision.Also in the programme: after Andy Burnham’s Makerfield by-election win, he’s expected to challenge Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer. Labour MP Rachael Maskell tells us Mr Burnham wants to change the culture of British politics. And former Conservative minister Rory Stewart has some advice for Sir Keir on when it's time to quit.

Can Labour’s Andy Burnham secure the Westminster seat necessary to challenge the leadership of Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer? We ask Labour’s Anna Turley and Reform UK’s Alex Wilson. Also in the programme: a former State Department expert questions whether the United States and Iran will be able to strike a lasting nuclear deal, after the signing of a memorandum of understanding between the two countries. And supermarket chain Lidl has opened a pub on the outskirts of Belfast – why?

Donald Trump says the peace deal with Iran will be signed “tomorrow, maybe the next day". It would reopen the Strait of Hormuz, but the fate of Iran’s nuclear programme would be the subject of further negotiations. We’ll hear how Iranians are reacting to the agreement.Also in the programme: as campaigning draws to a close in the Makerfield by-election, we hear the story of the race from journalists who’ve been covering it. And could Jeremy Clarkson’s announcement that he’s been diagnosed with prostate cancer encourage more men to check for symptoms?

Russia says one of its naval frigates fired warning shots near a yacht in the Channel, because the UK-registered vessel was on a "dangerous course". We hear from the retired couple on board who have spoken to the BBC's Newsnight programme.Also on the programme - the world's leading economies meet at the G7 in France with the US-Iran war top of the agenda. And we hear about the enduring appeal of The Smiths 'The Queen Is Dead' 40 years after it became an instant indie classic.

The US president says details of the deal will be released ‘pretty soon’. But how is the agreement being viewed in Israel? We’ll hear reaction from Jerusalem.Also in the programme: as the UK government announces plans to ban under-16s from accessing social media, just how could age verification checks work? And James Coomarasamy visits the new exhibition from Turner Prize-winning British sculptor Sir Anish Kapoor at the Hayward Gallery.

Elon Musk's satellite, AI and rocket company, SpaceX, has enjoyed a successful first day on the Nasdaq stock exchange, reaching a value of $2.2 trillion. Can the valuation be justified? We ask economist Dr Mohamed El-Erian.Also on the programme: Sir Grayson Perry responds to news of the death of fellow artist David Hockney at the age of 88. And we report from Scotland, where football fans are preparing to watch their men’s team return to the World Cup after a 28 year absence.

The armed forces minister quits hours after the defence secretary steps down over the government's military spending plans. A new defence secretary has now been appointed. We talk to two Labour MPs about how to pay for extra defence spending, and where this leaves the prime minister.Also on the programme: We're live in Mexico City after the men’s football World Cup's opening game. How is disorder on the streets of Belfast being coordinated on social media? And, following the popularity of weight loss jabs, the medicines regulator approves a weight loss pill for private prescription.

Anti-migrant violence continued in Belfast for a second night after a stabbing attack allegedly by a Sudanese asylum seeker resulted in a man losing his left eye. Immigrants described fleeing their homes in terror after gangs of masked people targeted them last night. We hear from two women from the Sudanese community in Belfast and speak to a local politician.Also on the programme: more women than ever are sleeping rough in England, we hear about the challenges they face.With an uptick in the number of children who say they enjoy reading for pleasure, we ask: how to keep up the momentum?And on the eve of the World Cup, we'll hear how the Cornish introduced football - as well as their signature dish - to co-hosts Mexico.

Police and politicians in Belfast have called for calm after violent protests took place across the city. It comes as a man has been charged with attempted murder over a knife attack on Monday night. Police described the alleged attacker as a Sudanese man, who the Home Office said entered the UK in 2023 and was granted refugee status. We hear more about the social and political context of tonight's unrest.Also on the programme: we get reaction from the GMB Union to the Defence Secretary's pledge to buy British and find out why an American actor decided to learn Welsh to appear on the BBC's longest running TV soap.

The US president intervened after Iran and Israel launched missiles at each other. We speak to former American Ambassador to Israel, Thomas Nides.Also in the programme: British Prime Minister Keir Starmer wants Apple and Google to install software on phones that will prevent children from taking or sharing explicit images – but does the technology exist to make that request a reality? And we ask researchers why a record numbers of octopuses have been spotted off the coast of England.

As the King announces the government’s legislative agenda, allies of Health Secretary Wes Streeting say he is preparing to challenge Keir Starmer for the Labour leadership. We speak to Labour MPs from opposing camps.Also on the programme: as Donald Trump touches down in Beijing, could he water down US security commitments to Taiwan, in the interests of a trade deal with China? And we look at the high-end sandwiches packing as much salt as five cheeseburgers.

Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer is scheduled to meet the Health Secretary Wes Streeting tomorrow morning ahead of the King's Speech, in which the government will lay out its legislative agenda for the next year. Streeting is seen as a likely leadership rival to Starmer as more MPs call for the Prime Minister to quit and four ministers resign. However more than 100 Labour MPs have signed a statement backing Starmer. We ask if Britain's fracturing politics is making the country ungovernable.Also on the programme: the best-selling crime writer Patricia Cornwell, on her traumatic early life, and how her days as a journalist shaped her writing.

There are reports tonight that some cabinet members are adding their voices to the growing chorus for Keir Starmer to stand down.We hear from a supporter and a critic of the Prime Minister.Also on the programme: rebuilding from the ruins of Sudan's civil war; a stolen Nazi artwork recovered; and the comedian hoping to transform right-wing conspiracy website InfoWars.

We hear from Labour Minister Diana Johnson, Plaid's Nerys Evans, former Green Party leader Natalie Bennett, and others, on a historic day for British politics. And David Attenborough's 100th birthday is celebrated at the Royal Albert Hall.

Polls have just closed in elections in Scotland, Wales and parts of England. We speak to Deputy Prime Minister David Lammy.Two British-Chinese dual nationals have been convicted of spying for China. What message does the case send? We hear from one Hong Kong dissident living in the UK.Three women with links to the jihadist Islamic State group have been arrested on returning home to Australia. We'll speak to the senator who visited their camp in Syria and campaigned for their return.And celebrating David Attenborough's 100th birthday, with a new choral work.

The UK Health Security Agency says two British passengers who were on board the MV Hondius, the cruise ship at the centre of a deadly hantavirus outbreak, are back in the UK and self-isolating at home. We hear from our correspondent and from a cruise ship medic. Also on the programme: Iran says it's reviewing new US peace proposals as Donald Trump talks up a possible deal.And we hear about the German man who's struck a blow for victims - of all natonalities - of sunbed hogging.

As the government promises to deal with antisemitism in the arts, and the ‘chilling effect’ on Jewish artists, one filmmaker tells us about the barriers he faces in finding places to show his work. Also on the programme: Secretary of State Marco Rubio says Operation Epic Fury is ‘concluded’ and announces the US’s plan to reopen the Strait of Hormuz. And you may have heard about data centres in space, but what about data centres at sea?

Trump pushes ahead with a plan to reopen the Strait of Hormuz. The UAE has been attacked by Iranian missiles - what does it all mean for the region's fragile truce? A Russian deserter tells us about life among the contract soldiers fighting in Ukraine.After FIFA allows a team of Afghan women refugees to take part in international football competitions, we speak to the captain. and the tech entrepreneur who has paid to conduct a professional orchestra.

President Trump has told Congress he does not need their authorisation for the Iran war, arguing the ongoing ceasefire means hostilities have "terminated".Also in the programme:As calls grow for restrictions on pro-Palestinian protests to combat rising anti-Semitism in the UK, we hear from one Jewish activist who regularly joins the marches. As Islamist fighters surround the Malian capital, we speak to someone inside the city. And on the trail of London's bats.

The raised threat level means an attack is highly likely in the next six months, the government says. The former head of the UK's National Counter Terrorism Security Office, Chris Phillips, tells us authorities should have taken a much stronger line against protests in which anti-Semitic sentiments were shared.Also in the programme: US Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth spends another day on Capitol Hill answering questions about the Iran war and when it might end. And should an algorithm decide which school your child is allowed to attend?

A 45-year-old man has been arrested on suspicion of attempted murder after two Jewish men were stabbed in north London. The government's independent reviewer of terrorism and state threats legislation, Jonathan Hall KC, tells us that attacks on Jewish people in the UK have now become "the biggest national security emergency" since 2017.Also in the programme: A new study has found that 11 types of cancer, including bowel and ovarian cancer, are becoming more common in young people. And we report from Scotland, where the war in Iran has reignited debate about the pace of the UK's transition from oil and gas to renewable energy.

King Charles III made explicit reference to some areas of transatlantic disagreement - including on NATO and Ukraine. We hear reaction from a Republican Congressman.Also on the programme: the PM has avoided a parliamentary investigation into what he told MPs about Peter Mandelson's appointment after his former chief of staff publicly took the blame for the decision. And with jet fuel shortages continuing, when should you book your summer holiday?

King Charles III and Queen Camilla have met US President Donald Trump and the First Lady Melania Trump at the White House. It's the beginning of their four-day trip and is the first British state visit to the US since Queen Elizabeth II's trip in 2007. We hear from the late Queen's communications secretary on the differences between that trip and this one.Also on the programme: as US President Trump faces a third attempt on his life, has America entered a new era of political violence?And a new study says food pinched from another person's plate really does taste better.

An internal Pentagon email has emerged outlining possible options for the United States to punish NATO allies it believes have not supported the war in Iran. The proposals include reassessing Washington's position on Britain's claim to the Falkland Islands. We speak to a Falkland Islander, a former deputy Chief of Staff to Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth, and the former head of the Royal Navy.The daughter of George Robledo, one of the first foreign footballers in the English game, will receive an award to recognise his contribution tomorrow ahead of the FA Cup Semi-Final in Wembley. We speak to her.And Rachel Goldberg-Polin, the mother of Hersh, describes the agony over her son's abduction and murder after the October 7th attacks on Israel.

With the assisted dying bill expected to fall in the House of Lords tomorrow, after months of highly charged and emotional debate, we ask what next for supporters of a change to the law. Also on the programme: the health data of half a million volunteers to the Biobank database ends up on Alibaba, is sharing your medical information risky or essential to scientific advances?And we speak to the filmmaker and ethnographer who spent time with female conspiracy theorists convicted for their actions during the January 6th Capitol Hill assault.