Today - 10/12/2008

Presented by James Naughtie and Sarah Montague. GP Dr John Canning discusses whether doctors should decide if people are well enough to work. The Governor of Illinois, Rod Blagojevich, has been arrested and charged with trying to sell the US senate seat that was made vacant when Barack Obama was elected President. Justin Webb reports. David Sillito visits a new exhibition of costumes at the V&A called Magnificence of the Tsars. Paul Wood and George Papakonstantinou, who speaks for Greek opposition party the Panhellenic Socialist Movement, reflect on recent events in Greece. Dr Robert Massey explains why there is no need to panic about the black hole at the centre of our galaxy. Prof Nicholas Christakis thinks everyone is overreacting to the risks of nut allergies. Thought for the day with Prof Mona Siddiqui. Robert Peston explains mining firm Rio Tinto's attempt to cut costs by $2.5 billion a year. Journalist Ray Long explains the background to the arrest of the Governor of Illinois for trying to sell Barack Obama's vacated senate seat. Director John Zaritsky explains his decision to make a documentary showing a man committing suicide. Dame Joan Bakewell and MP Phil Willis discuss whether the moment of death should be shown on television. Work and Pensions Secretary James Purnell discusses how benefit claimants 'can play their part' in the economy. Andrew Hosken follows the riots in Greece. Shami Chakrabarti, director of Liberty, and Michael Wills, minister of state for justice, discuss if the Human Rights Act is a 'villain's charter'. Jonathan Baume and Sue Cameron discuss the relationship between political parties and the civil service. Journalists Jeff McAllister and Jim Schiuto discuss the problems facing US newspapers.