The Briefing Room

BBC Radio 4

David Aaronovitch and a panel of experts and insiders present in-depth explainers on big issues in the news

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393 episodes
Updated July 27

Episodes393

Newest first

Feb 11, 2021 · 29 min
“Turmoil” in the SNP
A senior SNP MP says the party is in turmoil. Why?
Feb 4, 2021 · 29 min
GameStop Shock
Chaos on the US markets last week as GameStop’s price rocketed. But what really happened?
Jan 28, 2021 · 28 min
The Irish Question
Has Brexit brought the reunification of Ireland any closer?
Jan 21, 2021 · 29 min
Putin vs Navalny
Alexei Navalny’s return to Russia has tweaked the tiger’s tail. Why is Mr Putin so afraid?
Jan 14, 2021 · 29 min
Covid and the NHS
Infections are rising, hospitals are filling up. Is the NHS coping with the Covid crisis?
Jan 7, 2021 · 28 min
America: what just happened?
What do events in Washington mean for America, its institutions and its politics?
Dec 31, 2020 · 28 min
Facebook's Monopoly Problem
David Aaronovitch explores the antitrust case against Facebook.
Dec 17, 2020 · 28 min
The Climate Crisis: Are We Moving Fast Enough?
China has set a target for net zero CO2, the US will shortly - but is this fast enough?
Dec 10, 2020 · 28 min
Living with the Taliban
Could the Taliban return to power in Afghanistan? If so, what would the world do?
Dec 3, 2020 · 57 min
Brexit: Is It Oven Ready?
David Aaronovitch and The Briefing Room team explore Britain's readiness for 2021.
Nov 26, 2020 · 28 min
How Broke is Britain?
Britain’s borrowing is forecast to hit nearly £400bn this year. Can we afford this?
Nov 5, 2020 · 28 min
The President's In Tray
Whoever wins the US presidential election, what awaits the next man in the White House?
Oct 22, 2020 · 28 min
Education: A Testing Issue
Should school exams be cancelled across the UK next summer?
Oct 15, 2020 · 28 min
Covid-19: Regional Differences
Why are there regional differences in Covid-19 infection rates?
Oct 8, 2020 · 28 min
Britain's Immigration Dilemma
What can the government do to control immigration across the English Channel?
Oct 1, 2020 · 28 min
Covid-19: are we still following the rules?
To what extent are we following and understanding the guidance designed to keep us safe?
Sep 24, 2020 · 29 min
Sweden and the Pandemic
Sweden decided not to lockdown like other countries - was it the right decision?
Sep 17, 2020 · 28 min
Covid-19: Six Months On
It's been six months since lockdown was introduced - what have we learned about Covid-19?
Sep 10, 2020 · 29 min
Will the US election be free and fair?
Could fraud and voter suppression affect this year's presidential election?
Sep 3, 2020 · 28 min
Football and the Pandemic
Coronavirus might put some football clubs out of business, but how important are they?