Today - 17/07/2009

Presented by Sarah Montague and Edward Stourton. Shadow Defence Secretary Liam Fox says a Tory government would be extremely likely to send more troops to Afghanistan. Eyewitness Geoffrey Head and security expert Rohan Gunaratna discuss the explosions at luxury hotels in the Indonesian capital Jakarta. Science correspondent Tom Feilden examines the technology behind the Apollo 11 moon landing. Professor Steve Field, Chairman of the Royal College of GPs, discusses how the NHS is coping with a surge in swine flu-related calls and consultations. Several high-profile authors are to stop visiting schools in protest at new laws requiring them to be vetted to work with youngsters. John O'Brien, programme director of the Vetting and Barring Scheme, explains why he believes these checks need to be made. Southern Africa correspondent Karen Allen explores new archive of Nelson Mandela released to mark his 91st birthday. Thought for the Day with Vishvapani, a member of the Western Buddhist Order. Kim Bromley-Derry, of the Association of Directors of Children's Services, and Roger Shippam, Ofsted's director of children's services, discuss what Ofsted means by 'serious concerns' about children's services. The head of the UK Army has said better equipment is needed to protect troops from roadside bombs in Afghanistan. General Sir Richard Dannatt explains what would be on his 'shopping list' of what is required in Afghanistan. Chef Rowley Leigh of Le Cafe Anglais and Dr Judith Bryans of the Dairy Council discuss whether eating cream is a good or bad idea. John Holdren, Director of the Office of Science and Technology Policy (OSTP) at the White House, discusses President Obama's plans for the space programme. Broadcaster Sir Anthony Jay explains why, in his opinion, the history of human evolution should be examined to rediscover personal familiarity in politics. Health correspondent Jane Dreaper reports from Copenhagen on how autistic people can be helped into work. Peter Richardson of the Marine Conservation Society's biodiversity programme explains why they are asking Today programme listeners to help in a national survey of jellyfish. Quentin Letts and Joe Ashton, the editor of Order Order, discuss whether the role of Parliamentary sketch writer is yobbish Nick Hewitt, historian at the Imperial War Museum, discusses the changes in the way those killed in war are commemorated.