The Briefing Room

Two years ago we looked at Britain’s political geography and the role of identity and party loyalty. In this special programme in front of a live audience, David Aaronovitch and guests discuss what’s changed since then.David talks to:Paula Surridge, political sociologist from the University of Bristol Rosie Campbell, Professor of Politics at King's College, London Rob Ford, Professor of Political Science at the University of ManchesterProducers: Claire Bowes, Kirsteen Knight and Ben Carter Editor: Richard Vadon Sound Mix: Graham Puddifoot

Some school buildings in England have been forced to close or do urgent repairs because they’re built with a potentially crumbling material, reinforced autoclave aerated concrete, known as RAAC. Lightweight and cheap, RAAC was widely used during the post-war building boom of the 1950s, 60s and 70s. But it has a limited shelf-life, which experts have been aware of for the last 30 years. And poor maintenance of buildings has added to the risks of sudden and catastrophic collapse.But are schools just the tip of the iceberg? David Aaronovitch asks how widespread is the risk – and what structural solutions are available for schools, hospitals and other buildings that contain RAAC? David Aaronovitch talks to: Prof Phil Purnell, Professor of Materials and Structures, University of Leeds; Laura McInerney, education journalist, public speaker and co-founder of Teacher Tapp; Adrian Tagg, Associate Professor in Building Surveying at Reading University and a current practising chartered buildings surveyor; Sergio Cavalaro, Professor of Infrastructure Systems at the School of Architecture, Building and Civil Engineering, Loughborough University.Production: Ben Carter, Kirsteen Knight, Sally Abrahams Production Co-ordinator: Sophie Hill and Debbie Richford Sound: Graham Puddifoot Editor: Richard Vadon(Correction: In this programme we said that 100 schools in the UK had closed due to issues with RAAC. This is incorrect. Although RAAC has been identified in more than 100 schools, most of them have remained open)

The podcast discusses the growth of Airbnb in the UK and its impact on local communities, including rising housing prices and locals being driven away. It explores how Airbnb works, popular locations for rentals, and the advantages of renting through Airbnb. The podcast also delves into the impact on the local housing market, challenges of enforcing regulations, and the connection between Airbnb and housing issues.

Former US President Donald Trump faces multiple criminal and civil cases. Trump's legal problems, their potential impact on swing voters, and contrasting views within the Republican party are discussed. The podcast explores potential options for Trump if elected and convicted, including appointing a corrupt Attorney General or attempting to pardon himself. The implications of the 14th Amendment on Trump's eligibility to run for president and potential Supreme Court involvement are also explored.

Dr. Ed Bates, Robert Spano, and Dr. Joelle Grogan discuss the UK's relationship with the European Convention on Human Rights and the implications of leaving it. They explore the advantages of being inside the Convention, the role of the European Court of Human Rights, and the potential consequences of the UK's withdrawal.

Military unrest in Niger isn't an uncommon phenomenon. There have been five coups in the last 50 years. But what's behind the latest one and is a peaceful resolution possible?David Aaronovitch talks to:Paul Melly, Consulting Fellow at Chatham House Africa Programme Gare Amadou, journalist and manager of the newspaper Le Canard Dechaine in Niger Nabila Ramdani, French Algerian journalist Olayinka Ajala, senior lecturer in Politics and International Relations at Leeds Beckett UniversityProduced by: Ben Carter, Kirsteen Knight and Alix Pickles Edited by: Penny Murphy Sound Engineer: Rod Farquhar Production co-ordinator: Debbie Richford and Sophie Hill

BBC Security Correspondent Frank Gardner, Professor of History Quinn Slobodian, Professor of sport and geopolitical economy Simon Chadwick, and visiting fellow Cinzia Bianco discuss Saudi Arabia's growing global influence, the discovery of oil, Mohammed bin Salman's rise to power, Saudi Arabia's Vision 2030, the construction of NEOM, Saudi Arabia's interest in global sports, and the country's changing foreign policy.

As wildfires tear across southern Europe the need for urgent action on climate change becomes ever clearer. Reducing carbon emissions is a global challenge but can we meet it?David Aaronovitch talks to:Attracta Mooney, climate correspondent at the Financial Times Jemma Conner, Research Manager at YouGov Dr Shaun Fitzgerald, Director of Research for Cambridge Zero and Director of the Centre for Cambridge Climate Repair Frederic Hans, climate policy analyst at the NewClimate InstituteProduced by: Ben Carter, Kirsteen Knight and Claire Bowes Edited by: China Collins Sound Engineer: James Beard Production co-ordinator: Debbie Richford and Sophie Hill

The government needs to radically change its approach to Chinese ambitions in the UK according to a report by Parliament’s Intelligence and Security Committee. The report says Chinese investment in the UK has gone unchecked. It warns that allowing China to develop significant stakes in industry and infrastructure was short-sighted and, unless swift action is taken, “China will have a pliable vehicle through which it can export its values”. So just how much interest and influence does China have in the UK?David Aaronovitch talks to:Isabel Hilton, founder China Dialogue Trust Charles Parton, Former UK diplomat and senior research fellow at RUSI Professor Steve Tsang, Director of the SOAS China Institute Patrick Wintour, Diplomatic Editor, The GuardianProduced by: Kirsteen Knight, Claire Bowes and Ben Carter Edited by: Richard Vadon Sound Engineer: Graham Puddifoot Production co-ordinator: Debbie Richford and Sophie Hill

The pandemic disrupted schooling everywhere. But since then record numbers of children have not returned to regular schooling. Data from the Department for Education show that persistent absence - missing roughly seven days a term - is now at a record high. So is this a blip affecting a Covid cohort or a worrying trend toward a breakdown in the social contract between society and school?David Aaronovitch talks to:Branwen Jeffreys, BBC’s Education Editor Katie Beynon, Statistician at FFT Education Datalab Sam Freedman, Senior fellow at the Institute for Government Emily Hunt, Associate Director Social Mobility and Vulnerable Learners at the Education Institute PolicyProduced by: Kirsteen Knight, Sam Haque and Claire Bowes Edited by: Richard Vadon Sound engineer: Rod Farquhar Production co-ordinator: Debbie Richford and Sophie Hill.