The World Tonight

Government defends its prisoner early release scheme

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…

31 Aug 5PM 41 min

Number of missing after Nepal flash floods jumps significantly to nearly 2,000

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…

28 Aug 6PM 39 min

UK salmonella cases nearing 500 as egg investigations continue

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:…

27 Aug 6PM 38 min

Meta to pay up to $18bn to settle claims its platforms harm children

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…

26 Aug 5PM 39 min

Dolly Parton dies aged 80

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…

25 Aug 6PM 39 min

US announces ‘economic D-Day’ for Iran

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…

24 Aug 5PM 41 min

High court allows rugby brain injury case to go on

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…

21 Aug 5PM 39 min

Major Western powers condemn Israel's West Bank settlement project

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…

20 Aug 6PM 37 min

Hopes for new cancer vaccine

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…

19 Aug 6PM 38 min

Cousin of Bashar al-Assad condemned to death

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…

18 Aug 6PM 37 min