Today - 11/06/2008

Presented by Sarah Montague and James Naughtie. The government is offering more concessions ahead of a vote on whether terrorism suspects can be held for 42 days without charge. MP Frank Dobson says he is not persuaded by the concessions. BBC Middle East editor Jeremy Bowen reports on signs that a dialogue is taking place between the two main Palestinian factions Fatah and Hamas. Chief constable of British Transport Police Ian Johnston says a continuing world shortage of copper and a growing railway infrastructure are behind a sharp increase in metal thefts. Conservationists are calling for a ban on mass balloon releases. Danny Savage is on a beach in north-east England to see the extent of the problem. Thought for the Day: With the Rev Dr Giles Fraser, vicar of Putney. As the fourth series of The Apprentice draws to a close, Sir Alan Sugar discusses whether the show provides a good example for how people should behave at work. Saudi Arabia is using money from oil sales to build six new cities. Crispin Thorold reports on a plan that could change the kingdom for ever. Philosopher Dr Julian Baggini argues in a new book that our traditional culture of complaint has become debased. He discusses his ideas with Guardian journalist Anna Tims. Ministers are expected to offer a last-minute compensation deal to help push through plans to extend detention of terrorism suspects to 42 days. Legal editor of The Daily Telegraph Joshua Rosenberg says this seems almost akin to 'blood money'. The director of the CIA recently said Al Qaeda has suffered 'near-strategic defeat'. Director of Asia-Pacific Foundation Sajjan Gohel and director of the Quilliam Foundation Maajid Nawaz discuss what has happened to Al Qaeda.