The World Tonight

There are reports that Britain is considering sending military support to Saudi Arabia after advances by the Iran-aligned Houthi group further disrupted Saudi oil supplies. We get the view from Riyadh and ask a member of the House of Commons Defence Select Committee what the UK can actually do to help.Also on the programme: an Oxfordshire village holds a symbolic vote for independence, in protest at government plans to house asylum seekers nearby; and we hear from the Welsh actor Matthew Rhys who made history by winning Emmy awards in two leading acting categories.

An inquest has heard that staff falsified records, slept and were on their phones on the night that Hugo Flint-Cahan was killed by another patient. Hugo’s brother, who is an NHS doctor, said there had been a “litany of failures” and blamed “incompetence and dishonesty” on the part of staff. Also on the programme: As tech stocks fall around the world, we ask what the consequences could be for the global economy. And the renowned oncologist Professor Ian Smith tells us about witnessing half a century of improvements in the treatment of breast cancer.

MPs voted 286 to 270 against proposals to legalise assisted dying in England and Wales. We speak to supporters and opponents of attempts to change the law and ask if there's a different way to address the end of life debate. Also in the programme: As the United States marks the 25th anniversary of the 9/11 attacks, we hear from the very last survivor to escape from the South Tower of the World Trade Center before it collapsed. And bidding farewell to the Scillonian III, the much-loved (and hated) ferry that’s been sailing between Penzance and the Isles of Scilly for 49 years.

The race is on to woo voters ahead of elections that will decide who controls Congress. President Trump’s former chief strategist Steve Bannon tells us that he’s "not a supporter" of the proposal to give $5,000 payments to Americans.Also in the programme: Israeli PM Benjamin Netanyahu says he’ll sue the Haaretz newspaper over an article claiming the President of the UAE warned him that Hamas was planning a major attack before the seventh of October, 2023. And is tennis scoring in need of an update – as suggested by the new head of Tennis Australia?

‘Godfather of AI’ Geoffrey Hinton tells us the warning is plausible and urgent action to regulate artificial intelligence is needed.Also in the programme: Calls for answers in Westminster after a failure of the UK's air traffic control system causes more than 2,000 flights to be cancelled over two days. And Apple announces the introduction of the first foldable iPhone – but is the technology a gimmick, or the future of phones?

Israel has accused Britain of "consistently operating" against Israel, after Foreign Secretary Ed Miliband introduced sanctions on illegal settlements in the occupied West Bank. The UK government says the measures are vital to keep the two-state solution alive in the Middle East. We'll have reaction from the Palestinian ambassador to the UK, and an Israeli politician running for election. Also on the programme: hundreds of flights are cancelled at UK airports because of a problem with air traffic control. We hear how airports are sorting through the backlog.

A Home Office minister has condemned Sunday night's disorder in Portsmouth, accusing groups behind it of promoting “racism and thuggery”. Sarah Jones MP said "those who cross the line from peaceful protest into illegality will face the full force of the law".Also on the programme: The government is expected to announce sanctions on Israeli settlements in the West Bank - we hear the verdict of a former foreign secretary. After a big election win, can Germany's far-right AFD do a deal with members of the ruling CDU to form a government in the state of Saxony-Anhalt? And we speak to the MP who wants to ban the development of AI superintelligence in the UK.

The trial of Lindsay Clancy, accused of murdering her three children, has collapsed as the jury failed to reach a verdict. Clancy’s defence did not deny that she killed her children, but pleaded not guilty, with her lawyers arguing she was suffering from postpartum psychosis and should not be held criminally responsible. The case has transfixed America and spurred public debate on maternal mental health. Also on the programme: Nigel Farage addresses Reform UK’s members as his party faces allegations of trying to get around electoral law; and we hear why the stellar career of comedy actor Richard O’Sullivan, who has died at the age of 82, came to a premature end.

A man has been rescued from an underground tunnel more than a week after the devastating flash floods on the Nepal-Tibet border. And as the challenges of rebuilding the country lie ahead we have an interview with a government minister as Britain pledges financial help.Also on the programme: Fresh allegations that Reform UK may have plotted to break the law on foreign political donations. And, the feminist activist Gloria Steinem has died at the age of 92 - we'll look back at the legacy she leaves for women today.

With thousands of children across England starting primary school for the first time, we look at the network of specialist NHS weight-loss centres tackling childhood obesity. The World Tonight’s Alice Aylett Roberts gained exclusive access to a clinic, where she meets parents, medical pracitioners and a six-year-old patient. Also on the programme: imprisoned Hong Kong activist Joshua Wong pleads guilty to new charges that could see him face life behind bars; and the King and Queen, alongside French President Emmanuel Macron and his wife Brigitte, visit the Bayeux Tapestry ahead of its unprecedented opening at the British Museum next week.

Prime Minister Andy Burnham has set out his plans for government to the House of Commons, promising stronger public control of essential services and blaming Thatcher, austerity and Brexit for the UK’s economic ills. But with the cost of borrowing rising across the world, will his government be able to meet its own ambitions? Also on the programme: the German government points the finger at Russia for a drone attack at Leipzig airport; and we ask why Hollywood has become obsessed with making sequels to old films.

As the government prepares to introduce legislation, allowing the early release of some prisoners on indefinite sentences - known as IPPs - we'll examine the justice of that decision.. and the challenges it could present. Also on the programme: the New York Metropolitan Museum cancels a celebration of John Galliano and Lionel Messi hangs up his international boots.

At least five have died in Tibet according to reports from Chinese state media. We explore what’s known about events on the Tibet side of the Nepal-Tibet border.Also in the programme: Iceland prepares to vote in a referendum on potential European Union membership. And the singing car salesman who’s using opera to help boost sales.

Close to 500 people have become ill with salmonella linked to imported eggs. UK authorities say they have identified two new clusters of the infection. One British egg producer tells us that domestic eggs are subject to more stringent safety standards than those coming from overseas.Also in the programme: France has temporarily relaxed rules for making some of its best-known cheeses after the summer drought drastically reduced the amount of grass available to feed milk herds. And author Katherine Rundell on the third book in her Impossible Creatures fantasy series, and whether technology is harming children’s ability to consume literature.

The Facebook and Instagram owner will also make changes aimed at better protecting kids using their platforms, including default daily time limits and night-time blocks. We hear the reaction of Arturo Béjar, who worked as a safety engineer for Meta for 8 years, but has since turned whistleblower and gave evidence during the trial.Also in the programme: A flash flood on the Nepal-Tibet border has killed more than 150, with hundreds of tourists missing. And the vice chair of the Dollywood Foundation – which was created by Dolly Parton to support children’s education – reflects on the death of the country music legend.

With tributes pouring in from around the world, we look back at the life and career of the legendary American singer. Also on the programme: Canada hits back in its trade war with the US, levying tariffs of up to 50% on American goods; and a new report finds that people who leave the care system are much more likely to die young.

Some analysts have called Operation Economic Outcast a ‘damp squib’, given the lack of measures aimed at China – which buys roughly 90% of Iran's oil. We get an assessment of the sanctions and whether the Trump administration is likely to follow through on its threats to Iran’s trading partners.Also in the programme: Middlesbrough Mayor Chris Cooke discusses organised crime in the region after a car crash on the A66 killed seven people, including two police officers. And scientists say they’ve created a protein-rich cookie from recycled plastic.

Former rugby union and league players claim not enough was done to prevent brain injuries. Governing bodies argue robust systems are in place to minimise the risks to players. We hear from former Wales international rugby player Alix Popham, who’s been diagnosed with early onset dementia and probable CTE. Also in the programme: the Panama Canal's operator is to cut the number of vessels passing through the key waterway due to low rainfall caused by El Niño. And we speak to the cast and director of a play exploring the relationship between former prime ministers Winston Churchill and David Lloyd George.

The UK, France, Germany, Italy and Canada say the project to build 1,200 settlement homes is “unacceptable”. Labour MP Zubir Ahmed tells us there should be sanctions against companies trading with settlers.Also in the programme: the mother and brother of a murdered American student give their reaction to a growing trend of school shooters’ parents being prosecuted. And could new underwater drones help British paramedics save the lives of those who’ve gotten into difficulty swimming?

There have been encouraging results in melanoma vaccine trials run by US drug companies Moderna and Merck. The results are preliminary, but experts say they are the first positive late stage results for a cancer vaccine of this type. Also on the programme: the Duke and Duchess of Sussex plan to return to the UK; and the British pensioners, resident in Sweden for decades, threatened with deportation.

A court in Damascus has handed down a death sentence to Wassim al-Assad, a cousin of deposed Syrian leader Bashar al-Assad. Wassim, an enforcer for the former regime, was found guilty of war crimes and crimes against humanity. The verdict is of symbolic importance in Syria as it is the first conviction of a member of the Assad family still in the country. Also on the programme: 29 US states seek damages from the parent company of Facebook and Instagram, Meta, in a case that could change social media as we know it; and we speak to music video director Tim Pope, about his work and what it was like to dress Freddie Mercury as a prawn.

Meta denies claims it "chose to exploit" young people to hook them on its platforms. The trial, which begins this week, stems from a lawsuit filed in 2023 by 30 US states. California’s Attorney General Rob Bonta explains why they brought to case against the tech giant.Also in the programme: Virgin's plan to run a rival rail service to Eurostar through the Channel Tunnel moves a step closer. And Reform UK says it has plans to save more than £50bn a year from the welfare bill - but will the plans be popular with those currently supporting the party?

Friends of Jason Arday have spoken of their shock, following the death of the academic.Also on the programme: a South Wales fire chief tells us why he needed to call in support from the army; five years after the Taliban swept back into Afghanistan's capital, one journalist tells us why she fled to Britain; and we discuss 'Tony', the new film about chef turned broadcaster, Anthony Bourdain.

Counting is underway – but will Nigel Farage win, or Count Binface? We speak to the satirical alter ego of comedian Jon Harvey.Also in the programme: Nurses complain of "inhumane" conditions in hospitals as the heatwave results in NHS staff dripping in sweat from "head to toe". And luxury department store Harvey Nichols has been bought by the owner of Sports Direct, Mike Ashley – but can he resurrect the ailing business?

On a day when amateur eclipse chasers gaze toward the sky across Iceland and Spain, we join enthusiasts enjoying the spectacle in a packed London park. Also in the programme: two Palestinian families are besieged by Israeli settlers in the occupied West Bank. And with much of the UK on high alert for fire, one MP urges Andy Burnham to consider a national ban on the sale of disposable barbecues.

The Prime Minister says he wants the killers of PC Andrew Harper to stay behind bars. How will he do it? We ask a senior law professor who advised the government on how to manage early prisoner releases.As Simon Levy is set to be sentenced tomorrow, the BBC has spoken to a victim who asks why her own case wasn't enough to stop the rapist and murderer from committing further crimes.Just how unprecedented was President Trump's Air Force One sleight of hand as he left the NATO summit in Turkey?And the Hallmark Channel has been tugging heartstrings for 25 years. We'll explore the secret of its longevity.

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?