Today - 23/04/2009

Presented by Sarah Montague and Evan Davis. Sir Christopher Kelly says he is not surprised that political leaders did not reach an agreement about expenses. Director of the IFS Robert Chote explains what he made of the Budget figures. Former Prime Minister Tony Blair says extremism will continue to grow in countries like Afghanistan. Professor Stanley Wells and art historian Sir Roy Strong discuss if a portrait of William Shakespeare is genuine. Shadow Chancellor George Osborne gives his reaction to the budget. British furniture designer Tom Dixon discusses what makes a good chair and to what extent a classic design can be reinvented. Thought for the day with the Reverend Angela Tilby, vicar of St Bene't's Church in Cambridge. Former director of public prosecutions Sir Ken McDonald says intercept evidence should be allowed in court. Chancellor Alistair Darling said the UK economy would return to growth by the end of 2009 and expand by 3.5 per cent in 2011 in his Budget speech. He discusses his forecasts and the 'tough' future for public sector spending. A clip from the BBC's broadcast of the Spithead Royal Naval review from 1937. British surgeon Paul McMaster, who is working with Medecins Sans Frontieres, describes the scene in a Sri Lankan hospital. Indians are going to the polls in the second round of its month-long general election. South Asia correspondent Chris Morris reports from one of the states voting - Bihar. Winners of the Orwell Prize for political writing, journalism and blogging have been unveiled. Prize director Jean Seaton gives the details. Correspondent Matthew Price reports from Barack Obama's home city of Chicago, where there is a growing sense that the areas he worked in as a community leader are 'slipping back' as the recession bites. Historian Michael Wood and Professors Mark Ormrod and Pat Thane discuss great turning points in British history.