Two events in the Middle East have grabbed the headlines this week - the killing of seven aid workers, including three British nationals, in Israeli strikes in Gaza and the assassination of three Iranian generals in Syria. But will these events change anything?

Nick is joined by former chief of MI6, Sir Alex Younger, almost six months after his first appearance in the wake of the Hamas attacks. They reflect on how the war has changed since they first spoke.

Tel Aviv-based political analyst Dahlia Scheindlin updates us on the Israeli public’s view of the war as it nears the six month point.

And Radio 2 DJ and novelist Sara Cox swings by the studio to give us her moment of the week.

Episodes of The Today Podcast land every Thursday and watch out for bonus episodes. Subscribe on BBC Sounds to get Amol and Nick's take on the biggest stories of the week, with insights from behind the scenes at the UK's most influential radio news programme. If you would like a question answering, get in touch by sending us a message or voice note via WhatsApp to +44 330 123 4346 or email us [email protected]

The Today Podcast is hosted by Amol Rajan and Nick Robinson, both presenters of BBC Radio 4’s Today programme, the UK’s most influential radio news programme. Amol was the BBC’s media editor for six years and is the former editor of the Independent, he’s also the current presenter of University Challenge. Nick has presented the Today programme since 2015, he was the BBC’s political editor for ten years before that and also previously worked as ITV’s political editor.

The senior producer is Tom Smithard, the producers are Hazel Morgan and Joe Wilkinson. The editor is Louisa Lewis. The executive producer is Owenna Griffiths. Technical production from Ricardo McCarthy and digital production from Elliot Ryder.

BBC director general Tim Davie has outlined his vision for the future of the BBC. He fired the starting gun on a consultation on the future of the licence fee and spoke of how the BBC could increase its revenue through adverts. So this week Amol and Nick ask, why should you have to pay for the BBC?

They speak to Richard Sharp, the former chairman of the BBC, in his first interview with the BBC since leaving the corporation.

Youtuber and comedian, Max Fosh, explains why younger people are choosing to bypass the BBC and publish their content direct on platforms like YouTube and TikTok.

Plus historian and host of the You're Dead To Me podcast, Greg Jenner, drops in to give his moment of the week.

Episodes of The Today Podcast land every Thursday and watch out for bonus episodes. Subscribe on BBC Sounds to get Amol and Nick's take on the biggest stories of the week, with insights from behind the scenes at the UK's most influential radio news programme. If you would like a question answering, get in touch by sending us a message or voice note via WhatsApp to +44 330 123 4346 or email us [email protected]

The Today Podcast is hosted by Amol Rajan and Nick Robinson, both presenters of BBC Radio 4’s Today programme, the UK’s most influential radio news programme. Amol was the BBC’s media editor for six years and is the former editor of the Independent, he’s also the current presenter of University Challenge. Nick has presented the Today programme since 2015, he was the BBC’s political editor for ten years before that and also previously worked as ITV’s political editor.

The senior producer is Tom Smithard, the producers are Hazel Morgan and Joe Wilkinson. The editor is Louisa Lewis. The executive producer is Owenna Griffiths. Technical production from Michael Regaard and digital production from Elliot Ryder.

In a week where shadow chancellor Rachel Reeves echoed Margaret Thatcher when outlining her vision for the UK economy, we ask, is Labour ready for government?

Amol is joined by The Rest is Politics’s Alastair Campbell to talk about Reeves’ speech and whether Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer has done enough to signal what his government could look like.

Pollster Kelly Beaver, chief executive of Ipsos Mori, unpacks whether Keir Starmer appeals to people enough to win the election.

And voice of University Challenge, Roger Tilling, swings by to help Amol out whilst Nick’s away and gives us his moment of the week.

Episodes of The Today Podcast land every Thursday and watch out for bonus episodes. Subscribe on BBC Sounds to get Amol and Nick's take on the biggest stories of the week, with insights from behind the scenes at the UK's most influential radio news programme. If you would like a question answering, get in touch by sending us a message or voice note via WhatsApp to +44 330 123 4346 or email us [email protected]

The Today Podcast is hosted by Amol Rajan and Nick Robinson, both presenters of BBC Radio 4’s Today programme, the UK’s most influential radio news programme. Amol was the BBC’s media editor for six years and is the former editor of the Independent, he’s also the current presenter of University Challenge. Nick has presented the Today programme since 2015, he was the BBC’s political editor for ten years before that and also previously worked as ITV’s political editor.

The senior producer is Tom Smithard, the producers are Hazel Morgan and Joe Wilkinson. The editor is Louisa Lewis. The executive producer is Owenna Griffiths. Technical production from Michael Regaard and digital production from Elliot Ryder.

Lee Anderson grabbed the headlines this week as he defected from the Conservatives to become Reform UK’s first MP. This prompted rumours of further red wall MPs thinking about defecting. This week we ask, is there a new revolt on the right?

Amol is joined by James Kanagasooriam, the pollster who first identified and the defined the red wall, to look at what will happen in those constituencies in the coming general election and whether Reform UK offers a genuine threat.

Dame Andrea Jenkyns gives Amol the lowdown on the mood among Conservative MPs and says she would like to see a new leader before the election.

Plus property presenting duo Kirstie Allsopp and Phil Spencer call in to give Amol their moments of the week.

And Nick’s away – but the pod squad have come up with a genius way of ensuring his presence is felt…

Episodes of The Today Podcast land every Thursday and watch out for bonus episodes.

Subscribe on BBC Sounds to get Amol and Nick's take on the biggest stories of the week, with insights from behind the scenes at the UK's most influential radio news programme. If you would like a question answering, get in touch by sending us a message or voice note via WhatsApp to +44 330 123 4346 or email us [email protected]

The Today Podcast is hosted by Amol Rajan and Nick Robinson, both presenters of BBC Radio 4’s Today programme, the UK’s most influential radio news programme. Amol was the BBC’s media editor for six years and is the former editor of the Independent, he’s also the current presenter of University Challenge. Nick has presented the Today programme since 2015, he was the BBC’s political editor for ten years before that and also previously worked as ITV’s political editor.

The senior producer is Tom Smithard, the producers are Hazel Morgan and Joe Wilkinson. The editor is Louisa Lewis. The executive producer is Owenna Griffiths. Technical production from Matt Hewitt and digital production from Elliot Ryder.

David Neal was sacked last month from his job as Chief Inspector of Borders and Immigration for leaking details of critical reports which ministers had not published. In his first broadcast interview since then he tells Amol and Nick why he thinks the Home Office is dysfunctional and in need of urgent reform.

He adds that since his dismissal there is now no one in place to monitor how ministers implement the Rwanda plan, if it goes ahead.

Regular episodes of The Today Podcast land every Thursday and watch out for bonus episodes. Subscribe on BBC Sounds to get Amol and Nick's take on the biggest stories of the week, with insights from behind the scenes at the UK's most influential radio news programme.

If you would like a question answering, get in touch by sending us a message or voice note via WhatsApp to +44 330 123 4346 or email us [email protected]

The Today Podcast is hosted by Amol Rajan and Nick Robinson, both presenters of BBC Radio 4’s Today programme, the UK’s most influential radio news programme. Amol was the BBC’s media editor for six years and is the former editor of the Independent, he’s also the current presenter of University Challenge. Nick has presented the Today programme since 2015, he was the BBC’s political editor for ten years before that and also previously worked as ITV’s political editor.

The senior producer is Tom Smithard, the producers are Hazel Morgan and Joe Wilkinson. The editor is Louisa Lewis. The executive producer is Owenna Griffiths. Technical production from Matt Hewitt. Digital production from Elliot Ryder.

Has Jeremy Hunt done enough with his Budget to change the political and economic weather?

Amol and Nick assess the politics of the Chancellor’s speech – possibly his last major intervention before a general election.

And they’re joined by Andy Haldane, a former chief economist at the Bank of England and now chief executive of the Royal Society of Arts, to look at what difference the economic measures will make.

Episodes of The Today Podcast are weekly and watch out for bonus episodes. Subscribe on BBC Sounds to get Amol and Nick's take on the biggest stories of the week, with insights from behind the scenes at the UK's most influential radio news programme.

If you would like a question answering, get in touch by sending us a message or voice note via WhatsApp to +44 330 123 4346 or email us [email protected]

The Today Podcast is hosted by Amol Rajan and Nick Robinson, both presenters of BBC Radio 4’s Today programme, the UK’s most influential radio news programme.

Amol was the BBC’s media editor for six years and is the former editor of the Independent, he’s also the current presenter of University Challenge. Nick has presented the Today programme since 2015, he was the BBC’s political editor for ten years before that and also previously worked as ITV’s political editor.

The senior producer is Tom Smithard, the producers are Hazel Morgan and Joe Wilkinson. The editor is Louisa Lewis. The executive producer is Owenna Griffiths. Technical production from Dafydd Evans and digital production from Elliot Ryder.

George Galloway is back in parliament with a resounding win in the Rochdale by-election.

In this bonus episode of The Today Podcast Amol and Nick discuss what his victory means and how the Israel-Gaza conflict is shaping politics.

They also look back Galloway’s fifty years in politics and consider how he will operate in a social media age.

Episodes of The Today Podcast land every Thursday and watch out for bonus episodes. Subscribe on BBC Sounds to get Amol and Nick's take on the biggest stories of the week, with insights from behind the scenes at the UK's most influential radio news programme.

If you would like a question answering, get in touch by sending us a message or voice note via WhatsApp to +44 330 123 4346 or email us [email protected] The Today Podcast is hosted by Amol Rajan and Nick Robinson, both presenters of BBC Radio 4’s Today programme, the UK’s most influential radio news programme.

Amol was the BBC’s media editor for six years and is the former editor of the Independent, he’s also the current presenter of University Challenge. Nick has presented the Today programme since 2015, he was the BBC’s political editor for ten years before that and also previously worked as ITV’s political editor.

The senior producer is Tom Smithard. The editors are Jonathan Aspinwall and Louisa Lewis. The executive producer is Owenna Griffiths. Technical production from Emma Crowe in London and Lucy Harper in Salford. Digital production from Elliot Ryder.

With pro-Palestinian marches in the spotlight, the prime minister saying mob rule is replacing democratic rule and the government announcing more money to protect MPs whose homes are being targeted, this week Amol and Nick explore where the line stands on legitimate protest.

And they look at why Lee Anderson - the MP who lost the Conservative whip after accusing London Mayor Sadiq Khan of being ‘controlled’ by Islamists – still holds power over the Conservative party.

Amol and Nick speak to veteran gay rights campaigner Peter Tatchell about why he thinks movements have to push boundaries and engage in direct action to effect change.

And they also hear from Dave Rich, director of policy at the Community Security Trust, which protects British Jews from antisemitism, on why he thinks many of the pro-Palestinian protesters are going too far.

Episodes of The Today Podcast land every Thursday and watch out for bonus episodes. Subscribe on BBC Sounds to get Amol and Nick's take on the biggest stories of the week, with insights from behind the scenes at the UK's most influential radio news programme.

If you would like a question answering, get in touch by sending us a message or voice note via WhatsApp to +44 330 123 4346 or email us [email protected] The Today Podcast is hosted by Amol Rajan and Nick Robinson, both presenters of BBC Radio 4’s Today programme, the UK’s most influential radio news programme.

Amol was the BBC’s media editor for six years and is the former editor of the Independent, he’s also the current presenter of University Challenge. Nick has presented the Today programme since 2015, he was the BBC’s political editor for ten years before that and also previously worked as ITV’s political editor.

The senior producer is Tom Smithard, the producers are Hazel Morgan and Joe Wilkinson. The editors are Jonathan Aspinwall and Louisa Lewis. The executive producer is Owenna Griffiths. Technical production from Mike Regaard in London and Paul Lewis in Salford. Digital production from Elliot Ryder.

As the fallout continues from the chaos in the Commons over a ceasefire vote, Amol and Nick look at the issues the unprecedented night in parliament highlighted.

Labour’s Harriet Harman is in the studio to discuss the safety of MPs.

Plus hear some of this week’s coverage of Israel-Gaza conflict from the Today programme.

Episodes of The Today Podcast land every Thursday and watch out for bonus episodes. Subscribe on BBC Sounds to get Amol and Nick's take on the biggest stories of the week, with insights from behind the scenes at the UK's most influential radio news programme.

If you would like a question answering, get in touch by sending us a message or voice note via WhatsApp to +44 330 123 4346 or email us [email protected] The Today Podcast is hosted by Amol Rajan and Nick Robinson, both presenters of BBC Radio 4’s Today programme, the UK’s most influential radio news programme.

Amol was the BBC’s media editor for six years and is the former editor of the Independent, he’s also the current presenter of University Challenge. Nick has presented the Today programme since 2015, he was the BBC’s political editor for ten years before that and also previously worked as ITV’s political editor.

The senior producer is Tom Smithard, the producers are Hazel Morgan and Joe Wilkinson. The editors are Jonathan Aspinwall and Louisa Lewis. The executive producer is Owenna Griffiths. Technical production from Sam Dickinson and digital production from Elliot Ryder.

Rarely a week goes by without a fresh skirmish in the culture wars between the right and the left. Whether it’s cancel culture, wokeism, defining a woman or marking colonial history, battles between the warring tribes are increasingly having an impact on our lives.

With the row over Rishi Sunak’s joke at Prime Minister’s Questions over defining a woman still reverberating around Westminster, this week Amol and Nick look at the roots of culture wars, why they matter and where they’re going.

They’re joined by Jon Ronson, the journalist, documentary-maker and podcaster whose series ‘Things Fall Apart’ has catalogued and defined culture wars on both sides of the Atlantic.

Episodes of The Today Podcast land every Thursday and watch out for bonus episodes. Subscribe on BBC Sounds to get Amol and Nick's take on the biggest stories of the week, with insights from behind the scenes at the UK's most influential radio news programme.

If you would like a question answering, get in touch by sending us a message or voice note via WhatsApp to +44 330 123 4346 or email us [email protected]

The Today Podcast is hosted by Amol Rajan and Nick Robinson, both presenters of BBC Radio 4’s Today programme, the UK’s most influential radio news programme. Amol was the BBC’s media editor for six years and is the former editor of the Independent, he’s also the current presenter of University Challenge. Nick has presented the Today programme since 2015, he was the BBC’s political editor for ten years before that and also previously worked as ITV’s political editor.

The senior producer is Tom Smithard, the producers are Hazel Morgan and Joe Wilkinson. The editors are Jonathan Aspinwall and Louisa Lewis. The executive producer is Owenna Griffiths. Technical production from Jack Graysmark and digital production from Elliot Ryder.