The Briefing Room

Five years ago we in the UK were in the false lull between the first wave of covid and the second, between the first variant and the second, between the first peak of covid deaths and the second, higher peak. There wasn’t a vaccine and we didn’t know when we might get one. Now it’s a memory. But another deadly pathogen might pop up in fifty years or it might be manifesting its early stages right now. In the final part of our three-part mini-series looking at how the resilient the UK might be in dealing with potential future crises, we’re asking…..how prepared are we to deal with the next pandemic?Guests: Dame Sarah Gilbert, Professor of Vaccinology at the Pandemic Sciences Institute, University of Oxford; Sir Peter Horby, Professor of Emerging Infections and Global Health, and Director of the Pandemic Sciences Institute, University of Oxford; Malik Peiris, Emeritus Professor of Virology in the School of Public Health at The University of Hong KongPresenter: David Aaronovitch Production co-ordinator: Maria Ogundele Producers: Ben Carter, Kirsteen Knight, Sally Abrahams Studio engineer: Neil Churchill Editor: Richard Vadon

From councils disrupted by ransomware, leaked defence data or individuals duped by deep fakes, the UK faces increasing cyber threats. David Aaronovitch asks his guests how prepared we are - whether as government defending critical infrastructure or as individuals guarding our digital identities.Guests: Sadie Creese, Professor of Cyber Security in the department of computer science, Oxford University Dr Aybars Tuncdogan, Associate Professor in digital innovation and information security, Kings College, London Emily Taylor, CEO of Oxford Information Labs and Associate Fellow, Chatham House Presenter: David Aaronovitch Producers: Ben Carter, Sally Abrahams and Kirsteen Knight Production co-ordinator: Rosie Strawbridge Sound Engineers: Dave O’Neill and James Beard Editor: Richard Vadon

In this discussion, Mark Maslin, a climatology expert from University College London, Jess Neumann, a hydrology specialist at the University of Reading, and Richard Dawson, an engineering professor from Newcastle University, tackle the UK's escalating climate challenges. They explore the alarming rise in temperatures and extreme weather, revealing strains on infrastructure like railways. The trio emphasizes the need for better flood preparedness and housing adaptations to ensure safety. They also probe the effectiveness of early warning systems in enhancing community resilience.

Duncan Weldon, an economist and author, joins Mehreen Khan and Chris Giles, economics editors at The Times and Financial Times respectively. They delve into the UK's soaring national debt, escalating from £1.8 trillion to £2.8 trillion, and the implications for government spending and market trust. The trio discusses how fiscal policies and historical context shape today’s debt landscape, examining the balance between public perception and financial management. They also draw lessons from Japan and the U.S. on handling national debt and its impact on future generations.

For years there has been an argument, sometimes loud, sometimes subdued, on whether Britain needs an ID card system. One big reason given for wanting them is simply to know who is here legally. With illegal and irregular migration never far from the headlines these days and with President Macron, during his recent visit describing the “pull factor” of illegal migrants being able to work in Britain, the debate is being resurrected. So, what is the history of ID cards in the UK, what form might they take if we have a system and would they work? Presenter: David AaronovitchGuests:Jon Agar, author of The Government Machine Rainer Kattel, Professor of Innovation and Public Governance, UCL Edgar Whitley, Professor of Information Systems in the Department of Management, LSE Rachel Coldicutt, technology specialist and executive director of the research consultancy, Careful Industries. Producers: Caroline Bayley, Kirsteen Knight and Sally Abrahams Productions co-ordinator: Maria Ogundele Sound engineers: James Beard and Neil Churchill Editors: Sam Bonham and Bridget Harney

'Britain is back on the world stage' said Prime Minister Keir Starmer in May following the first UK-EU summit since the UK left the EU in January 2020. Outline agreements were reached to remove red tape for British farm exports and energy trading with the EU as well as plans for a security and defence partnership. Then a few weeks later the Prime Minister held summits in London with first the French President, Emmanuel Macron and then the German Chancellor, Friedrich Merz. David Aaronovitch asks whether this is the beginning of a new closer relationship with the European Union and if so, what compromises might need to be made.Guests: Peter Foster, World Trade Editor of the Financial Times Jill Rutter, Senior Fellow at the Institute for Government Anand Menon, Director of the UK in a Changing Europe Mujtaba Rahman, Managing Director for Europe at Eurasia Group ConsultancyPresenter: David Aaronovitch Producers: Caroline Bayley, Ben Carter and Kirsteen Knight Production Co-ordinator: Maria Ogundele Studio engineers: Callum Mclean and James Beard Editors: Richard Vadon and Lisa Baxter

Paul Adams, BBC World Affairs Correspondent recently returned from Kiev, joins Anton Grushetskyi, Executive Director of the Kyiv International Institute of Sociology, to dissect the shifting dynamics of the Ukraine war. They discuss the recent change in U.S. policy towards Russia, including potential tariffs and military support to Ukraine. Amid rising pessimism among Ukrainians, they explore the psychological toll of drone warfare and the efficacy of Ukraine's defense strategies. Will these developments alter the course of the conflict?

The Trump hokey cokey is back. Tariffs on, tariffs reduced - now they’re heading back up again. It really got going on April 2nd- President Trump’s so-called “Liberation Day” - when he announced a swathe of punitive tariffs on trading partners across the world. The markets tanked and then there was a pause. Countries had 90 days to strike a trade deal - 90 deals in 90 days - we were told. But there weren’t. There were only 2. The deadline was this week but now it’s next month. But in the past few days the White House has been sending out a flurry of letters with higher tariffs for those without a deal - which is almost everyone. David Aaronovitch asks his guests just what is going on, what’s happening to world trade and what happens next? Guests: Soumaya Keynes, Economics Columnist The Financial Times Meredith Crowley, Professor of Economics, University of Cambridge Justin Wolfers, Professor of Economics and Public Professor of Economics and Public Policy, University of Michigan Philip Coggan, author, The Economic Consequences of Mr Trump: What the Trade War Means for the World Presenter: David Aaronovitch Producers: Caroline Bayley, Sally Abrahams, Kirsteen Knight Production co-ordinator: Maria Ogundele Sound engineer: Neil Churchill and David Crackles Editor: Richard Vadon

Paul Lewis, presenter of Radio 4's Moneybox, joins the discussion on the recent backlash over disability benefits. The conversation reveals a staggering 40-50% surge in claims since the pandemic, especially among younger individuals facing mental health challenges. They dissect the complexities of Personal Independence Payments and the proposed government reforms, raising critical questions about who qualifies and the potential impacts on support for those unable to work. The episode navigates the intricate balance between financial constraints and the need for a fair benefits system.

In this discussion, Shashank Joshi, Defence Editor at The Economist, and Dr. Patricia Lewis, an expert in arms control and nuclear physics, dive into the complexities surrounding Iran's nuclear ambitions. They analyze how U.S. military actions have impacted Iran's nuclear capabilities and the country's potential for regime change. The conversation also covers the internal turmoil within Iran and the implications of an upcoming leadership succession, alongside Iran's ongoing quest for nuclear materials amid growing international scrutiny.