Today - 22/05/2009

Presented by Evan Davis and Sarah Montague. Conservative MP Nadine Dorries says the expenses 'witch hunt' has put an almost unbearable strain on MPs. Three new cases of swine flu have been confirmed in England. Dr John McCauley discusses how seriously these new cases should be taken. US Energy Secretary Professor Steven Chu discusses his fears that the world might be heading towards a tipping point on climate change. British Airways' chief executive Willie Walsh discusses if he can see any signs of recovery in the economy. The humble dormouse - which is under threat after numbers suffered a steep decline - could be recovering. Sarah Mukherjee reports. Michael Voss reports on Cuba's Medical Assistance Program, which provides medical resources to help other nations. UK Foreign Secretary David Miliband considers to what extent the UK will be following President Obama's lead. A new poem by WH Auden has been uncovered. Actor Simon Callow reads the poem's opening lines and David Collard of the BFI discusses the discovery. Thought for the day with the writer Rhidian Brook. Lord Tebbit and Tim Montgomerie, of the website ConservativeHome, discuss if all MPs have been treated in the same way over the expenses scandal. Labour MP Dr Ian Gibson says he will stand down at the next election if his constituents demand it, following allegations over his second home expenses claims. Stephen Pound, MP for Ealing North, discusses Day 15 of the Daily Telegraph's reporting of 'the expenses files'. Correspondents Richard Lister and Gordon Correra report on questions about exactly where US dollars end up when sent to bolster the Pakistan's fight against the Taliban. Author Dan Jones and David Carpenter, of Kings College, London, look back at the Peasants' Revolt of 1381. Richard Taylor MP and journalist David Aaronovitch discuss if more independent MPs in the House of Commons would be a good thing. The Church of England has been accused of conducting a cover-up over allegations that it drugged girls in one of its children's homes in the 1970s and 1980s. Angus Stickler reports. Reporter Mark Hutchings meets artist Jean Miller to discuss the Hay-on-Wye Literary Festival. Dr Gavin Hopps and Miranda Sawyer, a broadcaster and music critic, discuss whether the singer-songwriter Morrissey is a worthy subject of academic study.