Today - 30/10/2009

Presented by James Naughtie and Justin Webb. EU leaders meeting in Brussels have agreed a deal designed to win Czech backing for the Lisbon Treaty. Leaders will discuss a deal on how to pay the developing world for tackling emissions of greenhouse gases. Europe correspondent Gavin Hewitt analyses the Lisbon treaty deal, and former director of Friends of the Earth Tony Juniper discusses the EU's climate change policy. House prices are rising, but more slowly than they have been, according to the Nationwide house price survey. Chief economist at Nationwide, Martin Gahbauer, examines the results. American troops may have to stay longer in Iraq than is currently anticipated, if elections planned for January are postponed. Bombs recently left 150 people dead, raising concerns over the country's stability and security. Stuart Bowen, Inspector General for Iraq Reconstruction, comments on the violence in the country and whether it will affect the planned elections in January. The Earl of Wessex has sparked controversy after suggesting the risk of dying is part of the attraction of the Duke of Edinburgh's Award scheme (DofE). Prince Edward was speaking during a visit to Australia. Correspondent Nick Bryant discusses the reaction to Prince Edward's comments. The UN's torture investigator has been refused entry to Zimbabwe, despite insisting he was invited by the Prime Minister, Morgan Tsvangirai. The incident is the latest episode in a escalating power struggle between Mr Tsvangirai's MDC party and President Robert Mugabe's Zanu-PF. Human rights group Amnesty International has warned the country is on the brink of sliding back into violence. Correspondent Andrew Harding reports from Zimbabwe's capital, Harare. A pilot who safely landed 155 passengers and crew after his US Airways plane hit a flock of birds has received the highest award given by the Guild of Air Pilots and Air Navigators, the Masters' Medal. Captain Chesley 'Sully' Sullenberger safely brought the aircraft down in the Hudson River shortly after it came into difficulty after taking off from La Guardian airport in New York, last January. Captain Sullenberger has written a book, Highest Duty, about his 42-year career. James Naughtie spoke to "Sully" Sullenberger about the Hudson River flight. Thought for the day with Vishvapani, a member of the Western Buddhist Order. Britain's train operators are calling for longer franchises and more financial support, to deliver what they say would be improved services for passengers. The Association of Train Operating Companies (ATOC) are calling for financial assistance to maintain the appeal of rail travel over more polluting forms of transport, such as road and air travel. ATOC's chief executive Michael Roberts and transport writer Christian Wolmar discuss whether train companies should receive more financial assistance during the recession. A wartime massacre in the Polish town of Jedwabne became the centre of debate between Foreign Secretary David Miliband and shadow foreign secretary William Hague on the Today programme. The argument centred on the views of Polish MEP Michal Kaminski, leader of a new group in the European Parliament, which includes Tory MEPs. The Foreign Secretary claimed that Mr Kaminski is an anti-semite, and cited the Chief Rabbi of Poland and Mr Kaminski's controversial statements on Jedwabne, in support of his argument. A subsequent statement from the Rabbi appears to support the Tories' claim that Mr Kaminski is not a racist. The Chief Rabbi of Poland discusses the argument and clarifies his views, and political editor Nick Robinson comments on the Conservatives' policy in Europe. One of the most famous English compositions of the 18th century is being restaged at the Royal Opera House in Covent Garden, London. Artaxerxes by Thomas Arne, who was the leading British composer of his day, has not been played at the Royal Opera House since 1842. Reporter Nicola Stanbridge goes along to the opera's rehearsals. The UN's torture investigator has been prevented from entering Zimbabwe. Manfred Nowak had been invited by Prime Minister Morgan Tsvangarai, but has been prevented from entering by President Mugabe's Zanu-PF party. Mr Nowak discusses the incident. Royal Mail and the Communication Workers' Union are to resume talks in an attempt to break the dispute which has paralysed the postal service. Neither side is speaking publicly about the talks, but details have been leaking since last night. Employment correspondent Martin Shankleman comments on the fresh talks. A book documenting the economics of World War I and the Great Depression has won the Business Book of the Year Award 2009. Author Liaquat Ahamed was awarded the Financial Times Goldman Sachs award for his book Lords of Finance. Mr Ahamad discusses his book and its appeal in the current recession. The House of Commons will for the first time sit without any MPs, as members of the UK Youth Parliament take to the