Today - 25/04/2009

Presented by Sarah Montague and John Humphrys. Jim Muir reports on the visit of US Secretary of State Hillary Clinton to Iraq. Andrew Walker reports on whether the world economy shows 'some signs of stabilisation'. Stephen Gibbs explains what is being done to contain an outbreak of swine flu in Mexico. Journalist Tommy McKearney, a former member of the IRA, says the threat on the life of Martin McGuinness must be taken seriously. Education spokesman Michael Gove discusses how he believes schools can become genuinely accountable to parents. Tim Montgomerie, of ConservativeHome, discusses a poll on the future of grammar schools. Author Michael Hutchinson meets Sir Robin Knox-Johnston and looks around the boat on which he sailed around the world. Thought for the day with the novelist and columnist Anne Atkins. Journalist Jason Burke and expert Farzana Shaikh discuss accusations from US Secretary of State Hillary Clinton that Pakistan is 'abdicating to the Taleban'. Member of the protest group Plane Stupid Matilda Gifford, and John O'Connor, a former commander of Scotland Yard's flying squad, discuss if the police have 'a responsibility to gather intelligence'. Reporter Nicola Stanbridge talks to Juldeh Camara about his skills as a Griot - or traditional story teller - and master of the Ritti - the African forerunner to the violin. Open University is celebrating its 40th birthday. The university's Pro Vice Chancellor David Vincent and graduate Vera Baird MP discuss the success of the world's first real 'distance learning' university. Peter Kellner, of the polling organisation YouGov, Geoff Mulgan, of the Young Foundation and former Chancellor Lord Lamont discuss if public spending should be cut. Sam Lesser, a veteran of the International Brigade in the Spanish Civil War, makes a visit to the Imperial War Museum in London with Today presenter Sarah Montague. Influenza expert Professor John Watson, of the Health Protection Agency Centre, discusses how - or if - the outbreak of swine flu in Mexico can be contained. Expensive running shoes are a waste of money, the journalist and runner Christopher McDougall says. He discusses his controversial statement with David Newman, general manager of Runners Need.