Today - 01/09/2009

Presented by James Naughtie and Evan Davis. Conservative MP Daniel Kawczynski discusses evidence that Lockerbie bomber Abdelbaset Ali al-Megrahi's release was not merely an act of compassion. Fire Inspector Frederic Stowers gives a first-hand account of attempts to fight wildfires in California. Correspondent Nicola Stanbridge retraces the journey of one World War II evacuee from town to country. Lord Baker discusses the change in education policy which will revive dedicated training schools not seen since the 1950s. Mike Turner, chairman of the Defence Industries Council, discusses the importance of continued investment in the industry. Correspondent Michael Buchanan analyses the MI5 files on the American actor and producer Sam Wanamaker. Konstantin Kosachev, chairman foreign affairs committee of the Russian parliament, discusses Russian attempts to rewrite the history books. Thought for the Day with Canon Dr Alan Billings, an Anglican priest. Prof Bryan Hoskins of Imperial College, London discusses whether there are geo-engineering solutions to climate change. A Libyan cabinet minister has said that Abdelbaset Ali al-Megrahi's release has 'opened the avenue for developing political relations' between his country and the UK. Sir Alan Jones and Prof Alan Smithers discuss the role of vocational Diploma courses. James Naughtie goes to a football match to discuss the beautiful game with commentator John Motson. Correspondent Kevin Connolly travels around the north-eastern United States to assess the state of its economy. Director of the Poetry Society Judith Palmer discusses the contenders in the BBC's search for the nation's favourite poet. Military historian Richard Holmes and Prof Norman Davies debate whether or not Britain should be held responsible for the fate of Poland in WWII.