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

Aug 1, 2024 · 28 min
Can planning reform really boost economic growth?
Will Labour's pledge to overhaul planning rules deliver the economic growth they want?
Jul 11, 2024 · 36 min
Health 3: How far could artificial intelligence transform medicine?
AI technology promises to improve health outcomes. How soon might it be a reality?
Jul 11, 2024 · 27 min
Health 2: Why is anxiety and depression increasing in the UK?
Figures show a significant rise in mental health disorders among 16 to 24-year-olds. Why?
Jul 11, 2024 · 36 min
Health 1: Advances in cancer research and treatment
Cancer: Are we are experiencing a step change in how we understand and treat the disease?
Jul 4, 2024 · 28 min
South African and Indian elections: the aftermath
What's happening in South Africa and India after shock election results?
Jun 27, 2024 · 28 min
What's happening in Sudan?
Tens of thousands have been killed and millions have been displaced as fighting rages.
Jun 20, 2024 · 28 min
What's the Biden ceasefire plan and will it work?
There's a plan to end the war in Gaza, but do Israel and Hamas want to sign up to it?
Jun 13, 2024 · 28 min
What does Macron's gamble mean for France?
France is at a political crossroads but will Macron or Le Pen come out on top?
Jun 6, 2024 · 29 min
Are Trump's legal cases really a problem for him?
Donald Trump is 0 for 3 in court and the more serious cases are yet to be heard.
May 30, 2024 · 28 min
Ukraine: Who's winning the war?
Russia has stepped up its attacks in Ukraine and is putting pressure on Kharkiv.
May 23, 2024 · 29 min
How much trouble are UK universities in?
Domestic fees haven't risen with inflation and foreign student visas are set to curbed.
May 16, 2024 · 28 min
Avian flu is evolving but what risk does it pose to us?
Avian flu has killed millions of birds and seals and it's now infecting cows in America
May 9, 2024 · 28 min
Why is the water industry in so much trouble?
Britain's biggest water suppliers are struggling with sewage, leaks and huge debts.
May 2, 2024 · 28 min
How does America fix its border crisis?
Who's crossing the US border, why and how does the government tackle it effectively?
Apr 25, 2024 · 29 min
Are Britain's missing workers really a problem?
1 in 5 people in the UK are not in paid work, but they're also not looking for a job.
Apr 22, 2024 · 29 min
India: Is democracy under threat?
Prime Minister Modi is expected to win a third term, but what does that mean for India?
Apr 18, 2024 · 27 min
What does Iran want?
What the short and long term aims of the Iranian regime?
Apr 11, 2024 · 28 min
What's happened to Hamas?
What do we know about Hamas after 6 months of war with Israel?
Apr 4, 2024 · 28 min
What's the future of the state pension?
David Aaronovitch and guests ask whether the state pension is sustainable in the long term
Mar 5, 2024 · 28 min
Election special 2. Elections without democracy
In some countries election outcomes are predetermined, so why bother holding them at all?