Today - 04/12/2009

Presented by John Humphrys and Justin Webb. Claims that researchers manipulated climate change data are to be investigated by the UN's Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC). Emails leaked from the Climate Research Unit at the University of East Anglia suggest that data was enhanced to challenge climate change sceptics. Reporter Simon Cox outlines the investigation. The government's chief immigration adviser has called for a review of 'lower tier' colleges over fears that too many foreign students are being given visas at the end of their degree courses. Professor David Metcalf said he was 'stunned' to discover hundreds of colleges which were not 'proper' universities could grant two-year work and residence visas to non-EU students. Professor Metcalf discusses visa system. The King of Thailand celebrates his 82nd birthday tomorrow. The world's longest-serving monarch, King Bhumibol Adulyadej, has been in hospital for more than two months and his ill health is threatening to future of the country. Asia correspondent Alistair Leithead reports from Thailand. A National Audit Office report reveals that a clean bill of health was awarded to the Royal Bank of Scotland just days before it required emergency support. Business editor Robert Peston examines the report's findings. Hospitals found to have poor levels of patient safety have complained that they were misrepresented. The company Dr Foster, which compiled the results, has come under criticism by some leading academics. Correspondent Sanchia Berg reports on hospital's reaction to the report, and Roger Taylor, director and co-founder of Dr Foster Intelligence, discusses the reliability of the results. Thought for the Day with the Chief Rabbi, Sir Jonathan Sacks. Class is back on the political agenda. With a general election looming, both parties have attacked the other's social ethics. Gordon Brown has accused Tory policies of being dreamed up on the playing fields of Eton, and David Cameron believes the Labour approach to class is hypocritical. Former deputy prime minister John Prescott and Conservative party chairman Eric Pickles debate whether or not the election should be fought on class. Emails stolen from the University of East Anglia's Climate Research Unit reveal that figures on global warming were changed to exacerbate the threat. The UN's Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change has told the BBC it is taking the matter very seriously and will investigate the emails. Saudi Arabia has said that the emails will have a 'huge impact' on the talks and that countries will now be unwilling to cut emissions. Environment correspondent Richard Black outlines the accusations. Philip Stott, Emeritus Professor of Biogeography at the University of London, and environmentalist and writer Jonathon Porritt discuss whether the row could have the potential to derail the Copenhagen climate talks. Does an all-star cast make or break a movie? The film Nine had its UK premiere in London last night. The musical is notable for its long list of big-name stars including Daniel Day-Lewis, Nicole Kidman, Judi Dench, Penelope Cruz, Sophia Loren and Marion Cotillard. Oscar-wining director Ken Russell and The Times' film critic James Christopher debate how far a cast list contributes to a film's success. Northern Ireland's deputy first minister has warned that the government could become unsustainable if a deal on policing is not achieved before Christmas. Ireland correspondent Mark Simpson reports from Belfast, and Northern Ireland secretary Shaun Woodward outlines the policing devolution negotiations. The hurricanes that devastated Haiti last year have left thousands of children abandoned. Disabled children are particularly vulnerable due to the higher cost of caring for them and the belief that they are unlikely to earn much money for their families. The UN children's charity, UNICEF, says an acute shortage of legal orphanages and the difficult of finding other homes is worsening the situation. In the second of three reports from Haiti, correspondent Mike Thomson met a teenage girl who was born without arms and abandoned by her parents when she was three years old. Police are being accused of misusing powers granted under anti-terror legislation. Amateur and professional photographers have complained at being stopped for taking pictures of tourist destinations, well-known landmarks and a fish and chip shop. Jerome Taylor, a journalist with the Independent who was stopped by police for taking photos of the Houses of Parliament, and Chief Constable Andy Trotter of British Transport Police and chairman of the Association of Chief Police Officers media advisory group, debate whether police are too ready to use their anti-terror powers. There are growing concerns that an email scandal could prevent a deal at Copenhagen climate summit. The Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) is to investigate emails exchanged by researchers at the Clim