Today - 20/05/2009

Presented by James Naughtie and Sarah Montague. Chief military spokesman Major General Athar Abbas discusses the fighting between the army and the Taleban in the Swat Valley, Pakistan. Tom Feilden reports on a new strain of MRSA that can trigger a deadly form of pneumonia in people who catch the flu. Roland Buerk reports on how Japan has been affected by the global downturn. Dr Sean Kingsley, of Wreck Watch International, and Mark Beattie-Edwards, of the Nautical Archaeology Society, discuss if historically important shipwrecks should be raised. James Naughtie examines how the anger at MPs' expenses has turned the spotlight onto politicians. Professor John Pethica, chief scientist at the National Physical Laboratory, explains the significance of World Metrology Day. Thought for the day with Akhandadhi Vas, a Vaishnav Hindu teacher and theologian. Sir Michael Lyons, chairman of the BBC Trust, discusses the long term future of the licence fee. After nine years as House of Commons speaker, Michael Martin will step down on June 21. Tory MP Alan Duncan and Labour minister Hilary Benn reflect on a day most MPs never expected to see. Political editor Nick Robinson examines what will happen following the resignation. The audio of this item has been changed from the version broadcast on the programme. Can the public be trusted to choose public art? Professor of art Andrew Shoben and journalist Ossian Ward discuss. Members of the House of Lords Roy Hattersley, Shirley Williams and Norman Lamont discuss the first Commons Speaker to be effectively forced out of office for 300 years. Can the US win the war in Afghanistan? Lord Guthrie discusses whether President Barack Obama's new strategy in the area has been a success and considers the continuing conflict in Pakistan. Chris Morris reports on the high hopes for a new, stable Indian government. Journalist Michael Kelly and charity worker Maeve Lewis discuss a report into child abuse in Ireland.