Today - 03/08/2009

Presented by Sarah Montague and Evan Davis. Ralph Silva, Research Director at TowerGroup discusses the 2.98 billion pound profit announced by Barclays. Keith Best, Chief Executive of the Immigration Advisory Service, says new proposals on immigration are more complicated and likely to increase disputes. Correspondent Jon Leyne reports on how the Iranian government seems to be using trials of protestors to intimidate the Iranian people. Gordon Corera talks to Mikhail Lyubimov, a colonel in the KGB, about why he was picked to recruit members of the Conservative Party in the UK. Andrew Hosken reports from the small fishing village of Palliyathidal in Sri Lanka - the scene of the greatest single massacre suffered by any community during the war. Can skateboarding spread the word of Jesus? Andy Gallacher reports from Ramp 48 in Florida on how young Americans are being taught about religion. A small area of north western China has been quarantined after an outbreak of pneumonic plague. Michael Bristow reports. Thought for the Day with Giles Fraser, Canon Chancellor Designate of St Paul's Cathedral. Phil Willis MP and Dr Wendy Piatt discuss how standards can be maintained in UK universities. Profits of over 2.98 billion pounds have been reported by Barclays for the first half of 2009. Business editor Robert Peston explains the importance of the results. John Varley, Chief Executive of Barclays, discusses whether the public should be pleased at the bank's results. Authors John O'Farrell and Sue Palmer discuss how young is too young to be using social networking sites. Phil Woolas, Home Office Minister for borders and immigration, discusses the new points system, which could punish potential citizens for so-called 'bad behaviour'. Yvonne Roberts, of think-tank the Young Foundation, and Jill Kirby, of the Centre for Policy Studies, consider the role of women in politics. Reporter James Gordon visits Coney Island to discover the council's ambitious plans for redevelopment. Killer robots have once again gone on the rampage in central London, causing widespread damage and loss of life. Electronic engineering experts Bart Selman and Alan Winfeld discuss the fear from experts that one day in the not-so-distant future, this headline could become a reality.