Today - 18/06/2009

Presented by James Naughtie and Edward Stourton. Business Editor Robert Peston and Lib Dem Treasury spokesman Vince Cable consider how the Bank of England will be able to discharge its new statutory responsibility. Vince Cable also considers the effects of the publication of MPs' expenses. Author Mark Lynas says the potential threat of climate change is often exaggerated. Angela Merkel is the most popular politician in Germany, according to opinion polls, and the Chancellor even has a Barbie doll in her honour. Steven Rosenberg examines her appeal. Dick Roche, Ireland's Europe minister, and Deaglan de Breadun of the Irish Times consider if Irish voters are likely to change their mind on Europe. Woolly mammoths became extinct 6,000 years later than previously thought, research has shown. Professor Adrian Lister, of the Natural History Museum, explains. Thought for the day with Dr David Wilkinson, principal of St John's College, Durham. Iran analyst Mohammed Shakeel looks at Iran's history of protest. Expenses claims of every MP over the last four years have been published online. Environment Secretary Hilary Benn discusses if this will be the end of the row. Environment Secretary Hilary Benn discusses what can be done to stop climate change. Should the inquiry into the Iraq war be held in public? Political Editor Nick Robinson and Major General Tim Cross consider the growing pressure from the military for evidence to be given in public. John McFall, chairman of the Treasury Select Committee, and David Green, a former Bank of England official, discuss the call for greater powers for the Bank of England. The book and WWII film The Man Who Never Was is being retold in a play called Mincemeat by a theatre company of homeless people. Journalist Roger Morgan and director Adrian Jackson discuss the story. Reporter Nicola Stanbridge goes fishing to find out why the pastime is gradually gaining cult status. The British Library has digitised a large part of its 19th century newspaper collection. Ed King, head of the collection, and Professor Catherine Hall discuss why this has been done.