The World Tonight

Donald Trump meets Syrian President in Saudi Arabia

After today's historic meeting between President Trump and the interim Syrian President - we hear from a former US representative to Syria. Also: the BBC learns that immigrants - currently in the UK - could also have to wait up to ten years before they can apply to stay permanently;…

14 May 6PM 37 min

Scottish assisted dying bill clears first hurdle

Members of the Scottish Parliament voted in favour of an assisted dying bill. The initial vote on the bill's general principles was carried by 70 votes to 56. As with the similar legislation currently passing through Westminster, it will need to clear more phases of parliamentary scrutiny before it can…

13 May 6PM 38 min

Starmer: Immigration could make Britain an ‘island of strangers’

The government has published a white paper outlining its plans to reduce immigration to the UK. Keir Starmer warned that immigration could turn Britain into an ‘island of strangers’. Also on the programme: the Trump administration is to grant dozens of white South Africans refugee status; and Indian cricket legend…

12 May 5PM 37 min

Will Pope Leo XIV clash with Trump administration?

Pope Leo XIV is finishing his first full day as leader of the Roman Catholic Church. We report from Peru where he was a Bishop until last year, and hear from a friend of JD Vance, who helped the Vice-President convert to Catholicism, on how likely it is that there'll…

12 May 11AM 38 min

What lessons can be learnt from Finley Boden case?

A review finds that opportunities were missed to protect 10-month-old Finlay Boden - who was murdered by his parents during lockdown. We ask a leading child protection expert how much safer children are since the pandemic. Also on the programme: Is Scotland about to become the first UK nation to…

9 May 6PM 39 min

New Pope elected

As a new Pope is elected, we hear from one of his old school friends. Also: the US and UK announce a deal on tariffs, but are the industries involved happy with the outcome? Bill Gates on his plans to give away his fortune and close his Foundation. And as…

8 May 6PM 38 min

Can Pakistan and India avoid war?

Pakistan's Prime Minister says the country has responded to India's air strikes by downing Indian jets during the operation. New Delhi has yet to respond to the claims that its planes were shot down. Diplomats are asking whether Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif's remarks mean Pakistan will desist from responding directly…

7 May 6PM 38 min

UK and India agree landmark trade deal

The UK and India have finalised a major trade agreement, reducing tariffs on UK exports including gin, whisky and cars. The government says the agreement will eventually add £4.8bn per year to the UK economy, but the Conservatives say a National Insurance exemption for temporary workers from India is ‘two…

6 May 6PM 38 min

Five months after Assad, where is Syria heading?

Syria sits at a figurative crossroads - five months after an Islamist-led rebellion brought an unexpectedly swift end to the long, dynastic dictatorship of the Assad family. The former rebel leader who now rules Syria - Ahmed Al Sharaa – has been trying to convince the world of his efforts…

6 May 6AM 37 min

Reform surges in local elections

The Reform UK party has made huge gains in local elections across England. Nigel Farage's party took control of ten council areas including in Labour heartlands like Durham. The party also clinched the Runcorn and Helsby by-election by six votes. We speak to Reform's Ann Widdecombe and explore the full…

2 May 6PM 37 min