Today - 31/08/2009

Presented by James Naughtie and Justin Webb. Oliver Miles, deputy chairman of the Libyan British Business Council, discusses trade agreements between the UK and Libya. Roland Buerk reports on the result of the general election in Japan. Dr Ralph Cordey of the space company Astrium discusses the development of a spaceship that could shadow an asteroid and divert it off course. Prof John Edwards discusses whether patients are satisfied with the food they receive in hospitals. Much of Kenya is in the grip of the worst drought in a decade. Mike Thomson reports. Matt Prescott, director of campaign group Ban the Bulb, examines new rules which means all traditional bulbs will be banned by 2012. What lies behind the name of your local pub? Author Albert Jack has been examining some of the more unusual names. Thought for the Day with Rabbi Lionel Blue. John Thornhill, chairman of the Magistrates' Association, discusses the new powers allowing police and councils to deal with alcohol-related offences. Colonel Richard Kemp and author James Fergusson discuss whether the current strategy in Afghanistan is working. Journalist Ray Connolly remembers 1960s TV chat show host Simon Dee, who has died at the age of 74. Nicola Sturgeon, deputy first minister of Scotland, discusses whether the release of the Lockerbie bomber was linked to trade deals. Andrew Hosken reports on whether or not bureaucracy is deterring some informants from stepping forward, as the Police Federation alleges. Today programme listeners have been emailing in with their questions about the origins of the name of pubs. Author Albert Jack explains some of the names that have been causing confusion. Addison Chebukaka, Kenya's deputy high commissioner in London, reflects on whether or not his government could do more to manage the economy. Correspondent Steve Kingstone talks to Britain's only fully-fledged matador, 67-year-old Frank Evans from Salford. Yukio Okamoto, former adviser to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Japan, and Bill Emmott, former editor of The Economist, discuss the election results in Japan.