Ontelly

Today - 09/05/2009

Logo for Today - 09/05/2009

Presented by Evan Davis and James Naughtie. Tourism minister Barbara Follett has claimed more than 25,000 pounds for security patrols at her London home, the Daily Telegraph claims. Authorities in Pakistan say they are mobilising to receive as many as half a million people who have been displaced by fighting in the Swat Valley. A senior White House aide has quit over his role in a presidential plane's low-level fly-past that caused panic among New York office workers. Iain Watson reports on further details of MPs' expenses released by the Daily Telegraph. Correspondent Peter Biles considers what changes will be made when Mr Zuma, the fourth president of the republic since the end of Apartheid, is sworn in as South Africa's new president. Authorities in Pakistan say they are mobilising to receive as many as half a million people displaced by fighting in the Swat Valley. Reporter Zubeida Malik speaks to Jamal Nasir Khan, the Nazim of Swat (effectively the local mayor) about how the city of Mingora, the main town in the valley, is now almost completely deserted as the Pakistani army closes in. Martin McGuinness, deputy first minister of Northern Ireland, discusses the importance of putting weapons out of use to send a message to small Republican groups. Accountant Richard Murphy says MPs' expense claims are exempt from tax rules. Chairman of the Gangmasters Licensing Authority Paul Whitehouse discusses how exploitation of workers can be stopped. Economists Jim O'Neill and Graham Turner discuss if the economy is recovering from the banking crisis. Jeremy Bowen reports on the big challenges the Pope is facing on his visit to Jordan. Writers Sarah Dunant and Christina Odone discuss if the feminist ideas of Marilyn French are still relevant. Bruce Riedel says the situation in Pakistan is deteriorating at an alarming rate. Columnists Peter Preston and Daniel Finkelstein discuss if the Daily Telegraph was right to publish MPs' expenses. North America business correspondent Greg Wood reports on how the US newspaper industry is confronting the worst crisis in its history. South African cartoonist and satirist Zapiro and historian Saul DuBow, of Sussex University, discuss Jacob Zuma's attempt to sue over a cartoon published in a leading newspaper.