Today - 17/08/2009

Presented by Edward Stourton and Evan Davis. General Secretary of Compass Gavin Hayes discusses calls for the government to establish a High Pay Commission. The World Cancer Research Fund is urging parents not to use processed meats in their children's packed lunches. Lisa Cooney of the WCRF explains the risks. Journalist and MP Martin Bell explains his plans, alongside former Church of England envoy and hostage Terry Waite, to clean up politics. Correspondent Andy Gallagher goes on the hunt for pet pythons released into the wild in Florida. Transport Secretary Lord Adonis and criminal solicitor Rob Brown discuss a new initiative to target drug driving. Official UFO files are being released online by The National Archives. National Archives consultant Dr David Clarke explains what the newly released records tell us. Professor Karol Sikora discusses his view that health systems like the UK's are 'doomed' with Dr Michael Dixon, chair of the NHS Alliance. Thought for the day with Canon Dr Alan Billings. Sir Roger Bannister, the first man to run the four-minute mile, discusses Usain Bolt's new world record in the 100m sprint at the World Championships in Berlin. Defence Secretary Bob Ainsworth discusses whether British troops are coping with the mounting casualties in Afghanistan. The timetable for the release of the Lockerbie bomber, Abdelbaset Ali al-Megrahi, is still being disputed. Scottish political editor Brian Taylor analyses the latest developments. John Simpson reports from Kabul on fears that Taliban violence will deter Afghans in the upcoming elections. Former Liberal Democrat leader Sir Menzies Campbell and terrorism expert Andy Hull examine the foreign Secretary David Miliband's remarks that some terrorism is 'justifiable' and 'effective'. Natalia Antelava reports from Baghdad on a surge in violence against gay men. Dr Julian McDougall, Reader in Media Education at Newman University College, Birmingham, discusses this much-criticised subject. London Assembly member Murad Qureshi discusses whether the US embassy can continue to avoid the London congestion charge. Professor Bernd Greiner discusses the parallels that can be drawn between the Vietnam War and the war in Afghanistan with the journalist and military historian Sir Max Hastings.