In depth reporting, intelligent analysis and breaking news from a global perspective

Shinzo Abe steps down over persistent health problems

In depth reporting, intelligent analysis and major breaking news from a global perspective

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A boost for Labour as another Tory MP defects. But with growing disquiet amongst the Labour ranks - could the coup backfire? Also on the programme: University leaders will meet at Downing Street tomorrow to discuss what the prime minister calls an “unacceptable rise in antisemitism” on campuses.  We'll speak to a Jewish student leader - and a pro-Palestinian protester who's gone on hunger strike. As Russia's military attache is expelled for spying - what goes on behind the gates of the Russian Embassy in London? And the sperm whale whisperer: we speak to the scientist who's been decoding the sounds from the deep that resemble a human language.

Will Elphicke defection backfire on Labour?

Airports including Heathrow, Gatwick, Edinburgh, Birmingham, Bristol, Newcastle and Manchester were all hit by a "technical issue" affecting passport control e-gates, causing long queues. The Home Office, which oversees Border Force, said it was working with the agency and affected airports to "resolve the issue as soon as possible and apologise to all passengers for the inconvenience caused." In Rafah, Israel's military operations continue, even as Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu sends a delegation of negotiators to Cairo for a potential ceasefire deal. And to mark the 200th anniversary of the premiere of Beethoven's 9th Symphony, we spoke to BBC Symphony Orchestra composer Sakari Oramo about the thrills and challenges of the piece.

'Technical issue' at passport e-gates causes backlogs at airports

The day began with Israel warning civilians in eastern Rafah to flee as they began a long-anticipated military operation in the city in the south of the Gaza Strip. But by day's end some Gazans were celebrating as news reached them that Hamas has accepted a ceasefire deal put forward by Egypt and Qatar. Israel's operation continues though, as Prime Minister Netanyahu says the deal is "far from meeting Israel's demands". Nonetheless, he has sent a delegation to the negotiations. Meanwhile French President Emmanuel Macron has been welcoming his Chinese counterpart, Xi Jinping, for a state visit. The pair discussed tariffs, trade, and the war in Ukraine. And should Wales, a land of song, have its own Eurovision entry? Campaigners have released a possible contender, it's called Anfonaf Angel and is sung by Sara Davies. We speak to her.

Hamas accepts ceasefire deal as Rafah bombardment begins

The Conservatives suffered big losses in Thursday's local elections. Labour swept to victory in places like Redditch, Thurrock and Hartlepool, as well as winning the Blackpool South parliamentary by-election. There was some consolation for the Tories in Tees Valley, where Conservative Ben Houchen was returned as mayor. The Kremlin has reacted angrily to Lord Cameron's remark that Ukraine has the right to use British weapons to hit targets inside Russia. And the twisted comedy series that's become a fan favourite, Inside No. 9, is heading to the West End.

Conservatives suffer heavy council election losses

Polls have closed in the last big test of voter opinion before the general election - and one that may be decisive for the pime minister's immediate future. Experts are here with me in the studio to guide us through what lies ahead. France's moment of reckoning over sexual abuse allegations in its film industry. We speak to the actress who's become the symbol of France's Me Too Movement.   And is it time we scrapped audio guides? We discuss with a leading British artist why he thinks they're part of a “terrible” modern scourge messing up the enjoyment of art.

Shinzo Abe steps down over persistent health problems

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