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Archives for July 2010

Friday 30 July 2010

Sarah McDermott | 12:25 UK time, Friday, 30 July 2010

Here's Emily with news of what's coming up on tonight's programme:

The Â鶹¹ÙÍøÊ×Ò³Èë¿Ú has just launched (yet another) online course. This one is about fraud.

We are meant to do it to help us overcome those situations where people are engaging in 'behaviour resulting in personal enrichment through deception' or the deliberate misuse or misappropriation of Â鶹¹ÙÍøÊ×Ò³Èë¿Ú resources or assets.

Cue hoots of sardonic laughter from colleagues gazing soulfully into their empty pension pots...

Anyway, talking about things being taken away, we begin tonight with a look at the debate over Trident and who should pay for its renewal.

Liam Fox is widely seen as getting his knuckles rapped by Chancellor Osborne for suggesting that the Treasury - not the MoD - should foot the bill. But you don't tend to find £20bn in the petty cash drawer.

So what kind of cuts would the defence budget have to make if this comes to pass?

After rushing through a piece of legislation as if it were urgent anti-terror measures, the Education Secretary Michael Gove has had to acknowledge that initial take-up of his academies programme by schools has been way lower than anticipated.

Good, say many Lib Dems, under their breath.

Newsnight has learnt that at their conference in September party activists will put forward a motion voicing strong concerns over academies and free schools and warning against the changes.

How will this play for coalition politics? Michael Crick is on the case.

And with accusations from the top US military official that the Wikileaks founder has blood on his hands after revelations of the state of the Afghan conflict earlier this week, we debate the merits of free speech.

We'll hear from Heather Brooke, who fought the parliamentary system to expose the MPs expenses scandal, and from the former hacker who took his fears over Wikileaks straight to US authorities.

Jonathan Ross is gone so you have no excuse not to join us 10.30pm on Â鶹¹ÙÍøÊ×Ò³Èë¿Ú Two.

Emily
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From earlier today:

The full £20bn cost of renewing the UK's Trident nuclear deterrent must be paid for by the Ministry of Defence, George Osborne has said.

Traditionally, the Treasury has always found the money for the submarines.

The chancellor's comments come as Defence Secretary Liam Fox warned it would be "very difficult" to maintain other MoD projects if more than half its budget went on funding Trident.

Paul Mason will be examining the figures for us tonight.

Michael Crick will be profiling the two front running candidates in the Labour leadership contest, the brothers Miliband.

And we'll be debating press freedom in light of the release of 92,000 classified documents relating to the war in Afghanistan by the Wikileaks website.

The US military's top officer, Admiral Mike Mullen has said that Julian Assange, the site's editor-in-chief may already have blood on his hands as a result of the leak.

.

More later.

Thursday 29 July 2010

Sarah McDermott | 11:41 UK time, Thursday, 29 July 2010

More details on tonight's Newsnight:

It's a packed programme tonight which will include reaction to the Â鶹¹ÙÍøÊ×Ò³Èë¿Ú2 documentary 'Five days that changed Britain' (9pm Â鶹¹ÙÍøÊ×Ò³Èë¿Ú Two) about how the coalition was formed. We'll be speaking to some of the key figures that determined events in those tumultuous days, including the Labour leadership contender, Ed Miliband.

Tomorrow the government is promising radical proposals on welfare reform - we'll explain what they are likely to be.

We have an exclusive interview with Senator Menendez, who had planned to hold hearings today into the release of the convicted Lockerbie bomber. He's postponed the hearings due to lack of cooperation from BP, the Scottish and UK governments, but has vowed to launch a new investigation. We'll have reaction from the First Minister of Scotland, Alex Salmond.

And we'll be joined by the former US Marine Karl Marlantes - whose best-selling book Matterhorn is being hailed as the definitive Vietnam novel of our times.

Join Gavin at 10.30pm on Â鶹¹ÙÍøÊ×Ò³Èë¿Ú Two.
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From earlier:

At 10.30pm we'll be following up our colleague Nick Robinson's documentary ('5 Days that changed Britain') about how the coalition was formed. It's on 9pm on Â鶹¹ÙÍøÊ×Ò³Èë¿Ú Two.

We'll be examining claims that Nick Clegg may have bluffed David Cameron into offering a referendum on AV (read more on Michael Crick's blog).

Then Paul Mason will be considering the economic implications of the death of retirement and we'll debate what the cultural implications might be.

And Gavin will be speaking to the author of the best-seller, Matterhorn that some are hailing as the definitive Vietnam novel of our times.

More details later.

Wednesday 28 July 2010

Sarah McDermott | 13:08 UK time, Wednesday, 28 July 2010

Here's what we're planning for tonight's programme:

David Cameron is in India, promising what he calls a "strong and deeper" relationship with the country. He's leading the largest-ever British trade delegation, pledging that closer ties will help boost the economies of both nations.

Richard Watson will be reporting live tonight from Delhi, where he has been canvassing opinion about the visit among silk workers, industrialists and aerospace workers.

We'll be debating the country's changing relationship with Britain with Cobra beer founder Karan Bilimoria, the European CEO of India-based Tata Consultancy Services, AS Lakshmi, and Indian academic and journalist Dr Sarmila Bose.

We'll also be discussing whether Mr Cameron is right to hail 1940 as Britain's "proudest year". We're hoping to speak to historians Antony Beevor and Kate Williams.

Do you agree with Mr Cameron that 1940 was Britain's finest hour? Or would you choose another date? Join in the debate below.

See the related Â鶹¹ÙÍøÊ×Ò³Èë¿Ú News Have Your Say debate.

Do join Gavin tonight at 10.30pm on Â鶹¹ÙÍøÊ×Ò³Èë¿Ú Two.

Tuesday 27 July 2010

Sarah McDermott | 12:05 UK time, Tuesday, 27 July 2010

After record losses announced today and a change of CEO, BP might be hoping to move on after their problems in the Gulf of Mexico.

But a special Newsnight report from Louisiana suggests the oil giant could be about to face an even bigger reckoning - billions in compensation payouts and a criminal investigation.

Peter Marshall is in Louisiana where he's been meeting people affected by the devastating oil spill and the sky-diving lawyer trying to help them get decent payouts from BP.

Justin Rowlatt will be explaining the argument that is raging around the rights and wrongs of the WikiLeaks release of over 75,000 secret US military reports covering the war in Afghanistan.

He'll be profiling the whistle blowing website and the man behind it.

Our Science editor Susan Watts will be watching Energy Secretary Chris Huhne's keynote Commons statement on Britain's energy shortfall in which he'll announce help for renewables but no public subsidy for new nuclear plants. So how are we going to plug the energy gap?

And we'll be joined by poet and modern day troubadour, Simon Armitage, who yesterday completed a 264-mile walk along the Pennine Way funded entirely by donations, food and accommodation given in return for nightly poetry readings in the village halls, homes and pubs he passed along the way.

We'll be asking him if poetry really does pay.

It's an Olympics free zone tonight - join Kirsty at 10.30pm on Â鶹¹ÙÍøÊ×Ò³Èë¿Ú Two.
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From earlier today:

Tonight Peter Marshall will be reporting on the problems BP are facing in Louisiana.

We'll be looking at the release by . They say it is the most significant archive about the reality of war ever to have been released during the course of a war.

And we'll be across Energy Secretary Chris Huhne's keynote Commons statement on renewables.

In a bid to avert a future power crisis, Mr Huhne is expected to say that while nuclear power will remain a part of the UK's energy portfolio there will be no government money to subsidise new plants. So how does he propose to plug this energy gap?

More details later.

Monday 26 July 2010

Sarah McDermott | 11:24 UK time, Monday, 26 July 2010

Here's what we've lined up for tonight's programme:

With Parliament rising for the summer break tomorrow, we will be assessing the performance of the new government in "Coalition Britain - a Newsnight Special".

Live from a forge in the city of steel - Sheffield, we will have the results of a poll on public attitudes to the coalition and public service cuts, as well as reaction from a live studio audience.

Kirsty Wark will be joined by a panel of politicians: cabinet minister David Willetts, newly-elected Lib Dem MP Gordon Birtwistle and Labour's business spokesman Pat McFadden to discuss the government's record so far and its prospects for the future.

Former Lib Dem leader Lord Ashdown and one-time Tory chairman Lord Tebbit will be offering their advice on the state of the coalition, while Newsnight political editor Michael Crick will provide his analysis.

Do join Kirsty at 10.30pm on Â鶹¹ÙÍøÊ×Ò³Èë¿Ú Two.

From earlier today:

Tonight we'll be hosting a Coalition Special live from the city of steel - Sheffield.

We will have the results of a poll on public attitudes to the coalition and public service cuts, as well as reaction from a live studio audience.

Kirsty Wark will also be joined by a panel of politicians - and former Lib Dem leader Lord Ashdown and former Tory chairman Lord Tebbit will be offering their own takes on the state of the current government.

What do people make of the coalition's record so far and how will it survive the future?

More details later.

Friday 23 July 2010

Sarah McDermott | 16:54 UK time, Friday, 23 July 2010

Here's what we've lined up for tonight's programme:

The health of Europe's banks will come under scrutiny again later, when the results of EU-wide bank stress tests are published.

Results for a total of 91 banks across Europe will be made public, in a move designed to reassure investors over the health of Europe's financial sectors. The tests assess whether banks will be able to survive future economic shocks.

Economics editor Paul Mason will be asking what wider impact the results will have and we will be reflecting on the validity of the tests.

Liz Mackean will be reporting on the results of a court case involving multinational firm Trafigura, found guilty of illegally exporting toxic waste from the European Union to Ivory Coast.

And we will be looking ahead to the latest version of Sherlock Holmes - Â鶹¹ÙÍøÊ×Ò³Èë¿Ú One's Sherlock, to be broadcast on Sunday.

We speak to the writer of the modern-day adaptation, Steven Moffat, about the enduring popularity of the fictional detective.

Do join Gavin at 10.30pm on Â鶹¹ÙÍøÊ×Ò³Èë¿Ú Two.

Thursday 22 July 2010

Sarah McDermott | 12:42 UK time, Thursday, 22 July 2010

The police budget isn't being protected, so counter-terrorism funding could be cut; ID cards are to be scrapped and the government is reviewing terror legislation - all things the Labour government told us were essential for national security.

On the day that Lib Dem peer Lord Carlile publishes his review of terror laws, Richard Watson asks, is the government going "soft on terror"?

Science editor Susan Watts will be reporting from the 35th International Conference on High Energy Physics in Paris where rival teams from US and Europe have been revealing their progress in finding the elusive Higgs-Boson - or "God particle".

We will be discussing funding such science projects in an age of austerity.

The government's new National Citizenship Service, which will see 16-year-olds volunteering with charities and social enterprises from next summer, was launched today. David Cameron says it will encourage people from different social backgrounds to mix and help address the "tragic waste of potential in this country".

Stephen Smith will be looking back at National Service of the past, and asking what contribution it could make today.

Do join Gavin at 10.30pm on Â鶹¹ÙÍøÊ×Ò³Èë¿Ú Two.

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From earlier today:

As Lord Carlile publishes his annual review of terror laws, Richard Watson will be looking at the government's approach to security.

Susan Watts is heading to Paris to report from the 35th International Conference on High Energy Physics - and we will be discussing science funding in an age of austerity.

We will also be looking at the government's new National Citizenship Service, which will see 16-year-olds volunteering from next summer for seven to eight weeks.

Wednesday 21 July 2010

Sarah McDermott | 16:38 UK time, Wednesday, 21 July 2010

Here's what we've lined up for tonight's programme:

Former Daily Telegraph owner and Peer of the Realm Conrad Black is to be released on bail from a US jail pending an appeal against his fraud conviction. Inmate 18330-424 has served more than two years of his 78-month sentence and is being freed on a $2m (£1.3m) bond. Our correspondent Glenn Campbell will bring us the latest on what could be an extraordinary comeback from a man who at one time dazzled the British establishment.

Ahead of stress tests on Europe's banks this Friday, our Economics Editor Paul Mason has been to Spain to assess how vulnerable their economy and banks are -

We'll have the latest on David Cameron's trip to the US.

And we'll be marking the landmark of Facebook hitting 500 million users worldwide - a reach of about eight per cent of the world's total population.

The social networking juggernaut - dreamt up in a Harvard University dorm and only six years old - has transformed the way that millions of us interact and form relationships, but how robust is Facebook as a business model?

Do join Gavin at 10.30pm on Â鶹¹ÙÍøÊ×Ò³Èë¿Ú Two.

Tuesday 20 July 2010

Sarah McDermott | 12:31 UK time, Tuesday, 20 July 2010

More details on what is coming up on tonight's programme:

All eyes will be on the body language in Washington tonight between two new leaders. Ten weeks after taking office, David Cameron is there for his first White House visit as UK prime minister.

Although the agenda was meant to centre on the BP Gulf of Mexico oil spill, the global economy and the UK government's proposed Afghan withdrawal date of 2015, the reignited row over the free-ing of the Lockerbie bomber is now dominating the visit. Having initially refused, David Cameron will be meeting four US senators to discuss allegations BP lobbied for the release of the Abdelbaset al-Megrahi.

Peter Marshall is in Washington for Newsnight tonight and we hope to be speaking to Mike Hammer from Obama's National Security Council.

We'll also be asking Simon Schama what he thinks will define Cameron and Obama's 'special relationship'.

Then Jackie Long will be asking why the UK government has decided to simplify the UK tax law.

And, in his first broadcast interview, we'll be asking the Cardiff councillor John Dixon about the tweet which has resulted in him facing a disciplinary hearing for calling the Church of Scientology "stupid".

Do join Kirsty at 10.30pm on Â鶹¹ÙÍøÊ×Ò³Èë¿Ú Two.

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From earlier today:
Ahead of his first White House visit as UK prime minister, David Cameron has told a US newspaper that he will be "hard headed and realistic" about UK-US relations.

"We are the junior partner," he writes.

The 'special relationship' aside, it is expected that the BP oil leak, Afghanistan and the global economy will all be on the agenda for today's talks with President Barack Obama. Mr Cameron has also agreed to meet four US senators about the Lockerbie bomber's release.

Peter Marshall is in Washington for Newsnight tonight.

More details later.

Monday 19 July 2010

Sarah McDermott | 12:05 UK time, Monday, 19 July 2010

Before we come on air tonight on Â鶹¹ÙÍøÊ×Ò³Èë¿Ú Two there is a special Newsnight programme at 9pm called On The Frontline: Life with the Green Howards, in which our Diplomatic editor Mark Urban charts a year with A Company, 2nd Battalion the Yorkshire Regiment, before, during, and after their tour in Sangin, Afghanistan. It is a searing and intimate portrait of the regiment at war and at home - and not to be missed. .

And at 10.30pm we'll be joined by Green Howards soldiers and their families to debate some of the issues raised in the film.

Conservative MP Philip Hollobone has introduced a private members' bill - the Face Coverings (Regulation) Bill - which would make it illegal for people to cover their faces in public.

Tonight Glenn Campbell will be in east London with Mr Hollobone to meet women who wear the niqab and the burqa to find out what they think of his proposed bill. And as Syria bans the face-covering Islamic veil from the country's universities, we'll be examining what the issue tells us about relations between Muslims and non-Muslims.

Justin Rowlatt will be examining the details of the trade which saw a Mayfair-based hedge fund acquire ownership of £658m worth of cocoa beans - around 7% of global production. He will be asking if there are ever good economic reasons to speculate on commodities like food stuffs.

And as safe deposit boxes believed to contain manuscripts and drawings by the late author Franz Kafka are due to be opened at a bank in Zurich, our Culture correspondent Stephen Smith will be considering if it is ever right for works to be published posthumously. Kafka died in 1924 and, if his own last wishes had been followed, novels such as The Trial and The Castle would never have seen the light of day.

The author had asked his friend and fellow writer, Max Brod, to burn his manuscripts after his death, but Brod refused. So what should happen to these newly uncovered works?

It's Kirsty in the presenting seat tonight - so do join her at 10.30pm on Â鶹¹ÙÍøÊ×Ò³Èë¿Ú Two.
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From earlier today...

The war in Afghanistan has cost more than 300 British soldiers' lives, billions of pounds and left thousands wounded. The effects on those who serve are profound, just as they are for the loved ones who wait at home.

Newsnight's Defence editor Mark Urban has spent one year following A Company, 2nd Battalion the Yorkshire Regiment; before, during, and after their tour in Sangin, in Afghanistan's Helmand province. Tonight in a special edition of Newsnight at 2100 BST on Â鶹¹ÙÍøÊ×Ò³Èë¿Ú Two we will be broadcasting a searing and intimate portrait of the regiment at war in Afghanistan and at home.

Later on the programme at 2230 BST we will be debating the issues raised by the film with some of the soldiers and their families.

We will also be discussing political biographies, following the publication of Peter Mandelson's memoirs The Third Man.

And we will be asking why a Mayfair-based hedge fund, Armajaro, has taken delivery of £658m worth of cocoa beans - equal to about 7% of global production. 

More details later.

Friday 16 July 2010

Len Freeman | 11:36 UK time, Friday, 16 July 2010

Here is what we are planning for tonight's programme:

Apple, the world's largest technology company, is preparing to address the biggest public relations crisis in its history. A press conference this evening is expected to deal with technical problems with the iPhone 4 and accusations that the company has dealt with complaints in a high handed manner. Has Apple's reputation been damaged by all of this, or will its extraordinary rise simply go from strength to strength?

BP may have capped the well - for now - in the Gulf of Mexico, but the company is facing attacks over its alleged role in lobbying for the release of Lockerbie bomber Abdelbaset al-Megrahi. Interestingly, the British Government has stepped in to defend the company and deny these claims. We'll investigate.

Plus, today is the first "options for cuts" deadline for all Whitehall departments to specify plans for 25% and 40% cut backs. There may be restrictions on free bus passes for the elderly but we think we may have other leaks to tell you about at 10.30 tonight.

Join us if you can...

From earlier:

Apple has issued a fix for one problem with the iPhone as reports start to emerge of another bug. Apple say an iPhone software update has corrected the way that different versions of the handset display signal strength.

But some users are now reporting that an earlier update means their 3GS phones now drop far more calls than before. The news comes as Apple prepares for a news conference in which it is expected to address the ongoing iPhone 4 antenna problem.

Our science editor Susan Watts will have the latest for us tonight.

BP is awaiting test results from the blown-out well in the Gulf of Mexico, a day after staunching the flow of oil for the first time since April. The firm is checking how much pressure the well can withstand while the valves on its new capping device are closed.

But the company is also facing pressure over a second issue which won't go away.

A congressional committee has agreed measures that would ban the firm from new offshore drilling for seven years.

And in a separate move, the state department is looking into allegations that BP lobbied for the release of Lockerbie bomber Abdelbaset al-Megrahi while attempting to finalise an oil deal with Libya.

The Senate Foreign Relations Committee announced on Thursday it would hold a hearing on 29 July into the circumstances of Megrahi's release.

The pressure is on for BP to release more documents.

Join us at 10.30pm.

Thursday 15 July 2010

Len Freeman | 11:23 UK time, Thursday, 15 July 2010

Here is a look at what is on tonight's programme:

Tonight our diplomatic editor Mark Urban has a powerful film from Afghanistan. It's about one dramatic mission undertaken by a team from 2nd Battalion, the Yorkshire Regiment, in Sangin. Their mission is to enter a compound in which the Taliban have been hiding weapons.

An Afghan soldier - just 18-years-old - suffers terrible injuries when an IED explodes. British soldiers save his life but what now for his future?

The film shows us the aftermath of the horrific incident. Soldiers recall the trauma of the day and images from cameras in their helmets give a gripping insight into the realities of war.

You can read more about Mark's film and see a preview

Business Secretary Vince Cable is suggesting a graduate tax could be brought in to make England's student funding system fairer and more sustainable.

We'll be talking to him and asking what the fairest way to fund higher education is as students and the university sector brace themselves for the outcome of a review. We'll also be hearing the views of a number of students.

And when money is tight should we be spending on the arts? To some funding of the arts is just a middle class subsidy but others argue the arts can flourish in a recession inspiring new ideas and bringing welcome relief from the gloom of a downturn. The singer Kate Walsh will be joining us to discuss.

Do join Gavin at 10.30pm.

From earlier:

Mark Urban has a powerful film from Afghanistan. It's about one dramatic mission undertaken by a team from 2nd Battalion, the Yorkshire Regiment, in Sangin. Their mission is to enter a compound in which the Taliban have been hiding weapons.

An Afghan soldier suffers terrible injuries when an IED explodes. The film shows us the aftermath of the horrific incident, and reveals the human cost and reality of the war.

Business Secretary Vince Cable is suggesting a graduate tax could be brought in to make England's student funding system fairer and more sustainable.

There is an independent review of university fees and funding being carried out by Lord Browne.

Students and the university sector are bracing themselves for the outcome of the review, with many predicting that tuition fees could rise from their current level of £3,225 a year to as much as £7,000.

We'll be asking what the fairest way to fund higher education is and what the implications might be for a graduate tax.

Join us at 10.30pm.

Wednesday 14 July 2010

Len Freeman | 11:23 UK time, Wednesday, 14 July 2010

One of the government's big ideas is 'the Big Society' - people volunteering, becoming involved in the community and taking up the slack left by spending cuts. The Prime Minister says "The Big Society is one in which we all try and do more. We don't just look to government to solve the many problems that we have, we actually look to ourselves, to voluntary bodies, to companies, to charities, to all of those things to build a bigger, richer country."

Tonight, we'll have an in-depth examination of what the Big Society means. Jackie Long will look at the background to the idea and we'll have the first in a series of films from Stephen Smith looking at the Big Society in practice - over the summer he's contributing to the Big Society by agreeing to take over the cosmetic maintenance of a roundabout in Hastings.

You can read more about this

We'll be joined by the Cabinet Office Minister, Francis Maude, the former Communities Secretary Hazel Blears and a charity worker to discuss the significance of the Big Society.

Unemployment showed a fall this month - to 2.47 million in the three months to May - but the Office for Budget Responsibility says that the chances of a double-dip recession have increased. The Secretary General of the OECD has been in London meeting ministers today - we'll be speaking to him to find out what he thinks Britain needs to do to ensure continued economic recovery and how he views the crisis in the Eurozone.

The Secretary of State, Hillary Clinton, says she will look into a request from four US Senators for the State Department to investigate whether BP had a hand in the release of the Lockerbie bomber Abdel Basset al-Megrahi. Megrahi, who has prostate cancer, was released last August by the Scottish Government on compassionate grounds after medical advice indicated he only had three months left to live. Nearly a year later he is still alive. Glenn Campbell, who broke the story of his release, will bring us up to date with events.

And the last "Friday Night with Jonathan Ross" is being filmed tonight. He'll be joined by David Beckham, Jackie Chan and Mickey Rourke with Roxy Music performing. After his Radio 2 programme on Saturday he'll then take a year off from broadcasting, before starting with ITV. He has been in the headlines quite a lot - not least because of the size of his pay packet. We'll be asking - is it possible to get top talent without top pay.

Do join Gavin at 10.30pm

From earlier:

Tonight we have the first in a series of films from Steve Smith on the Big Society - an idea which featured in the Conservative election manifesto.

The Prime Minister said yesterday: "The Big Society is one in which we all try and do more. We don't just look to Government to solve the many problems that we have, we actually look to ourselves, to voluntary bodies, to companies, to charities, to all of those things to build a bigger, richer country."

Newsnight is contributing to the Big Society by taking over the maintenance of a roundabout in Hastings.

We'll be asking how far the Big Society can replace the state as services are cut back.

And in the US four Democrat senators are calling for an investigation into BP's business interests in Libya. They want to know whether BP helped secure the early release of al-Megrahi.

Join us at 10.30pm

Tuesday 13 July 2010

Stuart Denman | 11:26 UK time, Tuesday, 13 July 2010

Here's what's shaping up for tonight's programme:

We'll begin with the difficult and complex situation in Afghanistan which led to the fatal attack in Helmand on three British troops and the wounding of four more by a renegade Afghan soldier operating a rocket propelled grenade.

Tonight, as more details emerge, we will discuss the incident itself, but also the viability of Britain and America's exit strategy from Afghanistan. You should also know that we have a very important and influential guest lined up to give his reaction.

We delve into the murky tale of the Iranian scientist, the CIA and You Tube... no sign of Jason Bourne so Richard Watson is on the case.

And why is the Royal Court in London so successful with younger playwrights? Answer: they really do care, reading everything that's sent to them. Will Gompertz looks at their astonishing hit rate.

Do join me at 10.30pm on Â鶹¹ÙÍøÊ×Ò³Èë¿Ú TWO.

Kirsty.


From this morning:

News has been coming in of the deaths of three British troops in Afghanistan, reportedly killed by Afghan forces. We'll have the latest.

"This is a matter of extreme uncertainty and the possibilities certainly include a double-dip recession, but they also include a stronger recovery." So said Sir Alan Budd, head of the Office for Budgetary Responsibility, who has been appearing in front of the Commons Treasury Committee. Earlier this month, he announced he was stepping down from the post after only three months in the job. We'll be discussing his views on the state of the British economy, and concerns about the independence of the OBR.

It's 54 years since John Osborne's Look Back in Anger premiered at the Royal Court, ushering in the modern age of British drama. Tonight, the Â鶹¹ÙÍøÊ×Ò³Èë¿Ú's arts editor Will Gompertz examines the Royal Court's more recent successes. In particular, the remarkable achievements of its Young Writers' Programme, which has been regularly churning out new, dynamic playwrights. One such writer is Anya Reiss, who this year has gone from a schoolgirl studying for her A Levels to the writer of a play that opens this week. So how has the Royal Court managed to produce so much talent?

Do join Kirsty tonight.

Monday 12 July 2010

Len Freeman | 11:00 UK time, Monday, 12 July 2010

Here is Kirsty with details of tonight's programme:

Your life in their hands... tonight imagine Newsnight is a big operating theatre where we will examine the Health Secretary, Andrew Lansley's plans to put GPs in charge of at least £70 billion of expenditure instead of local mangers working for Primary Healthcare Trusts in England.

The government wants consortia of general practitioners to work out the pattern of hospitals, GPs' mental health units and community clinics in a given area, and who should be involved - including BUPA or Marie Curie Cancer care services for example. There are plans too, for an independent board to oversee the Health Service.

There are many questions - what happens if budgets fall short? Will some services simply not be offered? Are GPs really in the best position to know which consultants offer the best services? Are patients going to weigh up consultants' mortality rates - will they be calibrated? Could a group of culturally or religiously aligned doctors get together and deliberately not offer services such as family planning?

Andrew Lansley will be in the Newsnight studio as will GPs, consultants, primary healthcare providers, nurses and academics.

Viva Espana. First Rafa Nadal wins Wimbledon, now Spain wins the World Cup. Paul Mason has been taking in the atmosphere in Barcelona today and asking whether this new confidence will spill over to the ailing economy.

Do join me at 10.30pm on Â鶹¹ÙÍøÊ×Ò³Èë¿Ú Two.

From earlier

GPs will be given responsibility for much of England's NHS budget, under proposals being put forward by the Health Secretary Andrew Lansley later today.

Ministers want doctors to get together in groups to take charge of billions of pounds of funds for mental health, hospital and community services.

It would represent a major change but they believe GPs are better placed than managers to respond to patient need.

Tonight we will examine the the plans in detail.

Justin Rowlatt is preparing a report to explain the proposals in full. We will also be talking to Andrew Lansley.

And as Spain celebrates victory in the World Cup, our economics editor Paul Mason will give us his own unique take on events.

Friday 9 July 2010

Len Freeman | 11:15 UK time, Friday, 9 July 2010

Here is what we have in store tonight:

Newsnight has learned that FIFA was warned of fears Nigeria's team could be vulnerable to match-fixing before the start of this year's World Cup. A UEFA investigator in South Africa raised concerns, including suspicions over betting patterns.

Tonight Richard Watson will investigate allegations that certain Nigerian players came forward and said their team was vulnerable to manipulation.

Nigeria went out of the tournament in the first round, losing to Greece. FIFA do not deny receiving a warning but say they have "no indication" of match-fixing in any World Cup matches.

We'll have the full story but you can read more now by clicking .

Our economics editor Paul Mason will also be looking at the growing questions about the credibility of the Office for Budget Responsibility.

It has been reported today that the OBR made last minute changes to its Budget forecasts that had the effect of reducing the impact of the Budget on public sector job losses.

Earlier this week its first chairman Sir Alan Budd announced he would be resigning after only three months in the job. Labour peers suggested in parliament that Sir Alan had fallen out with ministers over the degree of independence given to the OBR.

Do join us at 10.30pm

From earlier:

There are growing questions about the credibility of the Office for Budget Responsibility.

Today's Financial Times reports that the OBR made last minute changes to its Budget forecasts that had the effect of reducing the impact of the Budget on public sector job losses.

Earlier this week its first chairman Sir Alan Budd announced he would be resigning after only three months in the job.

Labour peers suggested in parliament that Sir Alan had fallen out with ministers over the degree of independence given to the OBR.

The function of the office is to provide the government with independent forecasts of UK economic growth and public deficits.

Its first report was relied upon by Chancellor George Osborne in the preparation of his June Budget.

Our economics editor Paul Mason will give us his take on events.

We'll also have the latest on the hunt for Raoul Moate and the US-Russian spy swaps.

Thursday 8 July 2010

Ian Lacey | 11:01 UK time, Thursday, 8 July 2010

On Newsnight tonight with Gavin Esler:

? Unconfirmed Russian news reports say Igor Sutyagin, a scientist convicted of espionage, has been flown to the Austrian capital Vienna, supposedly as part of an exchange deal for 10 suspected Russian spies who are about to face charges in a New York court. We'll have the latest on what could be the most dramatic moment for Russian and American agencies since the Cold War.

We'll also have the latest from Northumberland on the following today's police press conference.

We were reminded of the threat from terrorism today when . The convictions come on the day the against a European Court of Human Rights ruling that Section 44 of the Terrorism Act 2000 - the power to search people without suspicion - is unlawful. There were immediately accusations from some quarters that the coalition is not being sufficiently tough on terrorism. We'll debate.

And amid all the economic uncertainty you might seek refuge in a museum. But, like the rest of us, they too are under pressure to tighten their belts. One way museums could save money is to sell off what they don't need. But by their very nature, museum folk are hoarders. Madeleine Holt has met one curator who has pioneered disposing of unwanted artefacts - and took him to convince some others.

Do join us at 10.30pm


From earlier

The education secretary has said he will apologise in person to schools led to believe they could go ahead with building projects which were axed. Aside from the opposition anger, Conservative backbencher Ian Liddell-Grainger - who has three schools in his constituency with building work scrapped - is threatening to march on Downing Street.

And is the wider government narrative of daily cuts announcements causing consternation among Tories as well as Lib Dems?

Ten suspected Russian spies are being moved to New York to face charges ahead of a possible prisoner swap. The suspects are due to appear together in a federal court on Thursday. Reports from the US and Moscow suggest Washington may opt to deport the 10 in exchange for Russian prisoners. The Cold War is long over, so why are the US and Russians still engaged in mutual low-level spying?

And we have a piece from . With around 90% of artefacts not on display, we meet one man pioneering the art of 'disposal'.

Wednesday 7 July 2010

Len Freeman | 11:20 UK time, Wednesday, 7 July 2010

On Newsnight tonight with Gavin Esler:

The rigour and honesty of the scientists at the heart of the "climategate" row is not in doubt, according to into the release of around a thousand emails from the .

But the same inquiry team came to the potentially damaging conclusion that a graph from the scientists, used prominently by the World Meteorological Organisation was "misleading", though there had been no intent to mislead.

Tonight our science editor Susan Watts asks what damage has been done to the case for action on climate change and where does the debate go from here (read her initial thoughts on the report). We'll talk to Yvo de Boer, who was, until last week, the UN's top climate change official.

The Defence Secretary Liam Fox has confirmed that British troops in the Sangin area of Afghanistan's Helmand province are to be replaced by US forces. The UK has suffered its heaviest losses in the area, with 99 deaths since 2001. The military insists the move is a redeployment, - about 1,000 Royal Marines are expected to be moved to central Helmand by the end of this year - now there are more US troops on the ground. But the Taliban are certain to portray it as a defeat. Our diplomatic editor Mark Urban will give us his take on events tonight. Before that you can read Mark's blog: Why the British are Leaving Sangin.

And as the hunt for the suspected armed killer Raoul Moat continues, we'll look at the role of the media in the case. Does coverage of cases like these create the risk of a copycat element? Our report will feature an interview with the leading criminologist David Canter.

And we'll have the Slovenian philosopher and psychoanalyst Slavoj Zizek live in the studio. Apart from predicting the end of global capitalism he has described cinema as the ultimate pervert art. In 2006 he presented which offered an introduction to some of his most exciting ideas on fantasy, reality, sexuality, subjectivity, desire, materiality and cinematic form.

Should be interesting.

Do join us at 10.30pm

From earlier:

The third and final enquiry report on the "climategate" emails is published today. Our science editor Susan Watts will be asking what it means for the climate change debate.

The report is expected to include a further call for scientists to be more open and transparent about their methods, by publishing source code for the computer software that they use, as well as the original data.

You can read some of Susan's early thoughts on her blog here.

The Defence Secretary Liam Fox is expected to tell MPs British troops in Afghanistan are to hand over responsibility for the Sangin area of Helmand province to US forces. The move could happen by the end of the year.

The military insists the move is a redeployment, now there are more US troops on the ground, but the Taliban are certain to portray it as a defeat.

Is this a turning point in the conflict? Our diplomatic editor Mark Urban will give us his thoughts.

And as the hunt for the suspected armed killer Raoul Moat continues, we'll look at how the drama is being played out in the media.

Tuesday 6 July 2010

Len Freeman | 11:03 UK time, Tuesday, 6 July 2010

Here is Emily with details of tonight's programme:

You can offend millions with a really good acronym. An American mate of mine came up with SWINE - (Scotland/Wales, Ireland, Northern England) to describe all the bits of the UK he declared economically unviable. Like I said, millions.

Tonight, we're looking at the trillion dollar club that became known as BRIC - Brazil, Russia, India and China - and asking if that block of countries could have the power now to pull us out of any future recession. They are united by the fact they are the only 'developing' countries with annual growth of $1 trillion - their trade figures are strong (and they trade with each other) and most importantly they have huge foreign exchange reserves.

If they were to set aside just one sixth of their reserves, they'd create a fund the size of the IMF. Will BRIC wipe the old economies off the slate? Or save us when we get into trouble? It would make tonight's thesis much neater if, say, Brazil were playing Italy in the World Cup semis this evening. But you can't have everything.

Also tonight, we'll have the latest on the search for suspected gunman Raoul Moat.

Plus a tentative meeting between Obama and Netanyahu. Things can't be as bad as last time - but how much honesty can there be this time round.

We revisit a leading opera star in South Africa - the first to sing Carmen in her native language.

And we hear from the Queen, who has decided to speak her mind. Well, a little bit.

Do join us at 10.30pm on Â鶹¹ÙÍøÊ×Ò³Èë¿Ú Two.

Emily

From earlier

Can the so called "Bric" countries help to save the world from another recession? Can they help rebalance world trade? As demand peters out in Europe, and even in the United States, will the huge emerging economies of China, India and Brazil begin to consume much more of their own and much more of the West's produce?

Our economics editor Paul Mason will examine the imbalances in the world economy and we hope to have a selection of guests to help us look into a crystal ball for what the future might hold.

We also have a special film by Tim Whewell on the Opera star Pauline Malefane - perhaps the greatest success story to have come out of the vast, impoverished South African township of Khayelitsha.

She has sung in theatres and concert halls from New York to Tokyo and today she is the joint founder of a Cape Town theatre company that aims to tap South Africa's rich choral tradition and create a new kind of accessible drama, breaking down barriers between South Africans.

Monday 5 July 2010

Len Freeman | 11:13 UK time, Monday, 5 July 2010

Here is Emily Maitlis with details of tonight's programme:

"A billion here a billion there - pretty soon it all adds up".

The first billion to be cut will be in the Department of Education. Another £265 million will go from the Department of Business. The budget for housing will also be badly hit.

The Treasury insists most of the cuts will be to projects that are unfunded or have not been started. Tonight, we ask what difference they will make and who will be hurt the most. We'll report from one council already cutting their spending and facing difficult choices on front line services.

We'll hear from the man who wants to lead Labour - Ed Balls - and hope to speak to the Education Secretary, Michael Gove.

Also tonight we look at the plight of modern veterans - a disproportionate number of whom find themselves with drink and substance abuse problems, often on the wrong side of the law. In a moving film we hear from Steve, Danny and others who are trying to work out where things went so wrong for them. And we hope to speak to the armed forces minister.

And if it were befitting for a deputy prime minister to publicly punch the air, this might have been the moment to do so. Nick Clegg, announcing in the Commons, the kind of constitutional reform his party's dreams are made of. We'll bring you all the detail and reaction from our political panel on the programme tonight.

Do join us at 10.30pm on Â鶹¹ÙÍøÊ×Ò³Èë¿Ú Two.

Emily

From earlier

Here are some early thoughts on tonight's programme:

The Chief Secretary to the Treasury Danny Alexander is to announce more cuts to this year's public spending - with the largest share to come from the Department for Education including the Building Schools for the Future programme.

In East Sussex today they're deciding how to implement cuts of £8.4m - the Chief Executive says "front line service impacts are unavoidable" with children's services and transport and environment taking the biggest hits. We'll be there as the council's cabinet makes its decision and we'll look at the impact of the cuts locally.

We will also have a special report on how many ex-servicemen end up in prison. Up to 8,500 veterans are thought to be in custody across the UK. Is the government doing enough to help ease servicemen back into civilian life?

Friday 2 July 2010

Len Freeman | 11:17 UK time, Friday, 2 July 2010

Here is Emily with news of tonight's programme:

Summer Lovin

Tonight, viewers, a promise. I hereby pledge not to kick off the show with the comparative merits of the d'Hondt /AV /AV Plus/ Majoritarian and STV systems of voting. (that comes later). What we will do is analyse what a May referendum could mean for the current government, what frictions it may expose within all three parties and whether the country as a whole will have the appetite for change when it comes to ticking the box.

Labour leadership contender Ed Miliband will join me and representatives from the other main parties. This is the moment when party loyalties are expected to kick in big time. Can the Coalition love-in survive?

Beryl Bainbridge:

"Death has never worried me. I wouldn't like to go quickly of a heart attack or something. I'd like a proper goodbye, with lots of words and things said."

Well, the award-winning Liverpudlian author Beryl Bainbridge has died.
Whatever happened within those last few hours, her prolific work ensured that there were 'lots of words and things said'. She will be best remembered as a master storyteller. And as a figure who understood and combined comedy and tragedy.
Tonight we talk to her good friend, A.N. Wilson.

And - why lie - we're all watching the football. And the tennis. And gearing up for the next football. And if Brazil/Ghana/Murray crash out we'll conjure up a deeply intellectual debate on the back of a good bit of telly...

Do join us.

Emily

From earlier

Here are some early thoughts on what we are planning for tonight:

A referendum on changing the UK's voting system is planned for 5 May 2011. The vote on changing from first-past-the-post to the alternative vote (AV) could be held on the day of Holyrood, Welsh Assembly and English local elections.

But the government must first get it through Parliament and may face a rebellion by Tory MPs. Many Labour MPs also oppose a referendum.

Tonight we'll look at how AV works and the implications of the referendum for the coalition.

We will also be looking at the latest social trends report from the National Audit Office which shows Britons are having babies later, getting married less and spending most of their income on housing, water and fuel, according to the latest figures.

Thursday 1 July 2010

Sarah McDermott | 11:25 UK time, Thursday, 1 July 2010

Here are some more details about tonight's programme:

How safe are European banks? Over the last two days, they've borrowed 243 billion euros from the European Central Bank. That's less than some expected but a couple of hundred banks are still on life support.

Our Economics Editor Paul Mason is in Frankfurt to assess how healthy the European banking system is and what the consequences are for the future of the euro and the world economy.

Our Science editor Susan Watts is taking a look at the independent review into the UK's strategic response to last year's swine flu pandemic. The review's author, Dame Deirdre Hine, has outlined 28 recommendations that aim to enhance the proportionality of a future response, strengthen the development and handling of scientific advice, and improve how the government communicates with the public.

We'll be joined live by the Health Secretary at the time of the pandemic, Andy Burnham.

The Foreign Secretary, William Hague says the government wants to increase the country's influence in the European Union and strengthen ties with developing countries like Brazil, India and China. He said the UK must extend its "global reach and influence" or face decline in a fast-changing world.

Our Diplomatic editor Mark Urban will be considering how we re-assert ourselves as a foreign power and we'll discuss Britain's role in the world with the former Foreign Office Minister, Mark Malloch Brown and the Commonwealth Secretary-General, Kamalesh Sharma.

And on the day that the government set up a new website asking the public to suggest laws and regulations they would like to see abolished we'll be talking to some early contributors to the debate and ask whether such efforts at public engagement achieve anything.

Do join Gavin at 10.30pm.

Earlier today

Here's what we are looking at for tonight's Newsnight:

Foreign Secretary William Hague is setting out how he intends to make British foreign policy more "clear, focused and effective". In his first major speech in the role, he said the UK must extend its "global reach and influence" or face decline in a fast-changing world. Our Diplomatic editor Mark Urban will be considering how we re-assert ourselves as a foreign power.

Meanwhile, Paul Mason, our Economics editor, is in Frankfurt to assess what shape Europe's banks are in. If Europe's banking system is in trouble what impact might it have on ours?

Our Science editor Susan Watts is taking a look at the independent review into the UK's strategic response to last year's swine flu pandemic which has just been published. The review's author, Dame Deirdre Hine, has outlined 28 recommendations that aim to enhance the proportionality of a future response, strengthen the development and handling of scientific advice, and improve how the government communicates with the public.

And we're juggling lots more ideas and possible guests - we'll bring you more details later.

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