Today - 28/10/2008

Presented by Evan Davis and Edward Stourton. In the light of the offensive remarks made on air to Andrew Sachs by Russell Brand and Jonathan Ross, John Whittingdale MP discusses whether the BBC has enough oversight of its programming. Jonty Bloom reports on the loan package for Hungary agreed by the IMF. Reporter Jon Manel and Stuart Danskin of Macmillan discuss NHS funding for cancer drugs. George Magnus, senior economic advisor to UBS Investment Bank, and Vince Cable, Treasury spokesman for the Liberal Democrats, discuss whether banks 'need a fundamental rethink' in the way they operate. James Naughtie reports from Las Vegas on the US election battle over the 'wild west'. Thought for the Day with Akhandadhi Das, a Vaishnav Hindu teacher and theologian. Richard Perle, former Assistant US Secretary of Defense, discusses whether the US special forces operation in Syria was justified. Squadron Leader Tony Iveson discusses the Daily Telegraph's 2 million pound appeal for a Bomber Command memorial. James Naughtie reports on the gambling pastimes of the two US presidential candidates. Robert Peston reports on the Bank of England's bi-annual Financial Stability Report. The Chairman of the Equalities and Human Rights Commission, Trevor Phillips, discusses why a cap on the UK population would be 'pointless'. Helena Wilkinson reports on tougher measures to prevent extremists entering the UK. Jim Muir reports on the Christian population of Mosul, in northern Iraq, who have fled their homes following a rise in attacks. Michael Holman, former Africa editor of the Financial Times, and Richard Lee, southern Africa spokesman for the World Food Programme, discuss how to help the malnourished in Zimbabwe.