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

What sort of Christmas can we have ?

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

News

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.

Parties await local election results

There have been violent clashes between pro-Palestinian demonstrators and counter-protesters at University of California, Los Angeles. Meanwhile hundreds of people were arrested in New York, where students occupied part of Columbia University and demanded the institution cut ties with Israel. Also on the programme: Police in the South Caucasian country of Georgia fired tear gas and stun grenades to quell protests over new legislation that requires organisations with funding from abroad to register as foreign agents - it's been dubbed the "Russia law". And can you ban politicians from lying? Members of the Welsh Senedd think so, and are discussing a law to do just that.

US campus protests turn violent as pro-Israel and pro-Palestine activists clash

After Humza Yousaf's resignation we ask who is most likely to succeed him as first minister - and what the dramatic development means for Scottish independence - and UK politics. Also on the programme: Anger in Dublin after Rishi Sunak says a rise in asylum claims in Ireland shows the UK government's Rwanda policy is working.  And why are more people than ever signing up to run marathons?

What sort of Christmas can we have ?

Download our free app to listen on your phone