Today - 16/07/2009

Presented by John Humphrys and Edward Stourton. Simon Cox, presenter of The Report on Radio 4, explains his investigation into the UK's policy towards hostage takers. John McFall, chairman of the Treasury Committee, says he wants to see a dramatic change in the way the City works. Rory Jackson, head of planning and property strategy at the Co-op, discusses the viability of the government's plans for eco-towns. What proportion of the public has confidence in the way their police force is performing? Danny Shaw reports. Reporter Sanchia Berg reports on the ruling to keep reporters out of family court hearings involving celebrities. Science correspondent Tom Feilden remembers the Appollo 11 mission to the moon. Thought for the Day with the Reverend Angela Tilby, Vicar of St Bene't's Church in Cambridge. Former Foreign Secretary Lord Owen considers what Gordon Brown should signal in a policy document to be published on nuclear non-proliferation. Business editor Robert Peston, FT columnist Gillian Tett and Sir George Mathewson, former Chairman of RBS, discuss how banks should be run. Reporter Mike Thomson visits Castleford in West Yorkshire, the hometown of Rifleman James Backhouse, who was killed by a roadside bomb in Afghanistan, to see how the death has affected the local community. A group of respected children's authors will stop visiting schools because they are angry at being required to register on a database to prove they are no danger to children. Author Philip Pullman says it is rather dispiriting and sinister. Michael Voss reports on the Royal Ballet's visit to Cuba. Former Home Secretary David Blunkett discusses a police accountability review. Professor Peter Gatrell of Manchester University discusses the legacy of World Refugee Year. Former England cricket player and author Ed Smith and Australian sports writer Gideon Haig consider the history of sledging, both on and off the field. President Sarkozy is to pass a bill to ease the French ban on Sunday trading, which has been in place since 1906. Journalists Agnes Poirier and John Lichfield discuss the president's desire to change the French work ethic.