Today - 01/06/2009

Presented by Evan Davis and Sarah Montague. David Cowling, editor of the BBC's political research unit, discusses whether small parties will be able to capitalise on the current anger at mainstream politics in the upcoming local and European elections. Independent consultant John Ralfe looks at the overall cost of MPs' pensions to the taxpayer. Spokesman for the International Committee of the Red Cross Simon Schorno describes the situation in Pakistan's Swat valley. A species of bumblebee which became extinct in the UK in 2000 but which survived in New Zealand is to be reintroduced to Britain by 2010. Dr Pete Brotherton, head of biodiversity at Natural England, explains how the plan will work. Britain's Got Talent's runner-up Susan Boyle has been taken to a private clinic after being examined under the Mental Health Act. Reporter Colin Paterson discusses the impact the contest and resulting fame allegedly had on Ms Boyle. British academic Danny Blanchflower discusses the possible impact of quantitative easing and interest rates cuts on the UK economy. Gavin Pretor-Pinney, of the Cloud Appreciation Society, and veteran weatherman Michael Fish discuss the possible discovery of a new type of cloud. Thought for the day with Clifford Longley. Jonathan Beale reports from Detroit on how problems in America's car industry are affecting its workers and Martin Leech, the former head of Ford/Maserati in Europe discusses the future of General Motors. Prime Minister Gordon Brown discusses the moral and political damage caused by the ongoing expenses scandal. Historian Professor Niall Ferguson has said he believes the recession is far from over and will soon give rise to a major political crisis. Professor Ferguson explains the reasons for his statements. The Civic Society Initiative has been launched as a replacement for the Civic Trust, which went bankrupt last month. Griff Rhys Jones, former president of the Civic Trust, explains what the new initiative will do and why it is needed. South Korean car maker Kia is to begin making cars at a new plant in the US, on the border between Georgia and Alabama. Correspondent Steve Evans reports from the plant. Can graphs be beautiful? Professor Hans Rosling explains the importance of making data accessible to everyone. On Day 25 of the expenses scandal, political editor Nick Robinson reflects on the impact it has had on Prime Minister Gordon Brown and on UK politics in general. Britain's Got Talent's runner-up Susan Boyle has been taken to a private clinic after being examined under the Mental Health Act. Fred O'Neil, her friend and former voice coach, and media consultant Steve Hewlett discuss the effect that participating in the programme had on Ms. Boyle.