27/04/2009

Synopsis

Presented by James Naughtie and Sarah Montague.

Stephen Gibbs reports from Mexico City where 103 people are believed to have died from swine flu.

Professor Danny Dorling and Dr Peter Marsh discuss the government's Equality Bill.

Sir Al Aynsley-Green, the children's commissioner, has called for an end to the arrest and detention of the children of failed asylum seekers. He explains what the problems are.

The RSPCA has reported an upsurge in the number of pets being abandoned, which they attribute to the economic downturn. Matt Wass, of the RSPCA, describes the scale of the problem.

Family lawyer Andrew Greensmith says he believes a family court inspectorate should be set up.

Professor Sir David King says 'there are no models that can predict' the economic impact of climate change.

Gavin Martin, music critic for the Daily Mirror and Gideon Coe, BBC 6music presenter, discuss Bob Dylan's enduring appeal.

Thought for the day with John Bell of the Iona community.

Minister for Equality Harriet Harman explains how legislation aimed at reducing inequality will work.

Professor Hugh Pennington and Dr John McCauley discuss whether swine flu could develop into a pandemic.

Political correspondent Norman Smith analyses the chances of the row over MPs' expenses being resolved.

James Blackshaw is being hailed by critics as the new master of the twelve-string guitar. Nicola Stanbridge reports.

Family courts in England and Wales are to be made more accessible to the media. Justice Secretary Jack Straw discusses the purpose of these changes.

India is to vote in the third round of its general election. Chris Morris reports from the city of Ahmedabad.

Conservationists have expressed relief as the polecat population seems to be growing once more. Environment correspondent Sarah Mukherjee reports.

Reporter Sanchia Berg talks to Alan South, an unemployed former city worker as he visits one of the 'welfare to work' offices which has offered to help him find a job.

Professor Kathy Sykes argues that scientists should stop criticising each other's attempts to communicate science to the masses. She discusses her comments with Ben Goldacre, who writes a science column for the Guardian.