The Briefing Room

UK net migration hit a record 745,000 in 2022 according to recently revised figures from the Office for National Statistics.That means the numbers coming to live in the UK were almost three quarters of a million more than those leaving.Reducing the numbers of people entering the country has long been a government priority with famous promises to reduce it to “tens of thousands”. In a post-Brexit era it had been assumed that the figures would naturally decline, but that hasn’t been the case. David Aaronovitch invites you into his briefing room to discover what these numbers mean for the UK.He’s joined by: Jay Lindop, Director, Office for National Statistics, Centre for International Migration Heather Rolfe, Director of Research and Relationships at the think tank British Future. Madeline Sumption, Director of Migration Observatory, University of OxfordProduction: Sally Abrahams, Kirsteen Knight, Alex Lewis Production Co-ordinator: Jacqui Johnson + Sophie Hill Sound: Neil Churchill Editor: Richard Vadon

In recent weeks, and for obvious reasons, all eyes have been on Gaza. But more Palestinians live in the West Bank, the other Palestinian territory, and the area is critical forany chances of durable peace. Or to an expansion of the violence. So what is happening there right now? What is likely to happen? And does it entail more disaster or hold out the prospect of a settlement? David Aaronovitch talks to Dr Anne Irfan, historian of the modern Middle East at University College London, Dalia Hatuqa, independent journalist specialising in Palestinian-Israeli affairs, Anshel Pfeffer, senior correspondent for Haaretz and Israel correspondent for The Economist, and Dr Louise Kettle, assistant professor of international relations at the University of Nottingham and associate fellow at RUSI.Production: Alex Lewis, Kirsteen Knight, Sally Abrahams Production Co-ordinator: Jacqui Johnson Sound: Rod Farquhar Editor: Richard Vadon

The Briefing Room discusses the ongoing conflict between Israel and Hamas. Guests analyze the evidence surrounding the Gaza hospital blast and the possibility of an Israeli ground offensive. They also explore Joe Biden's visit to Israel, Hezbollah's role in Iran's strategy, and the potential for achieving peace in the conflict. The need for international involvement and ensuring a realistic life for the people of Gaza after the war are also discussed.

The podcast explores Hamas's deadly attack on Israel, discussing its motivations and consequences. It examines the emergence and rise of Hamas as a counterbalance to the PLO, its leadership and organization, and the failures and challenges in Israel's Gaza operation. The alternative to destroying Hamas through invasion and occupation is also discussed, along with the recent changes in the Israeli government and the formation of a war management cabinet.

David Aaronovitch and guests talk about what a second Trump presidency might mean for America's relationship with the world and discuss what countries are doing to prepare. Guests:Anthony Zurcher, BBC North America correspondent Inu Manak, fellow for trade policy at the Council on Foreign Relations Sir Lawrence Freedman, Emeritus Professor of War Studies at King's College London Elizabeth Saunders, Professor and Director of the Mortara Center for International StudiesProduction: Ben Carter, Claire Bowes and Sally Abrahams Production co-ordinator: Sophie Hill and Jacqui Johnson Sound: James Beard Editor: Richard Vadon

The murder of a Canadian Sikh sparks a diplomatic bust-up between Canada and India, revealing India's relationship with the West. The podcast explores the assassination of an activist advocating for an independent Sikh state and discusses the accusations against India for the assassination. It also delves into the Sikh population distribution globally, the involvement of Sikh farmers in the Indian farmers movement, and India's foreign policy in relation to China and the West.

Guests Paul Johnson, Mehreen Khan, and Torsten Bell discuss the challenges of managing the UK's national debt, increasing taxes, the financial implications of the NHS long-term workforce plan, the cost and benefits of the UK's net zero plans, aligning economic policy with market interests and voter demands, and the strategy behind economic promises in UK election campaigns.

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.