The World Tonight

Hamas responds to Gaza ceasefire proposal

Hamas has said it has submitted a positive response to mediators about a ceasefire proposed by the US. The BBC has been told that it has requested some key changes but is prepared to enter negotiations ‘immediately’. Also on the programme: frustration in Ukraine over the Trump administration’s decision to…

4 Jul 6PM 38 min

US Congress passes Trump's signature spending bill

The US Congress has passed Donald Trump's huge budget bill after days of votes in the Senate and House of Representatives. The final vote was delayed when Democratic Minority House Leader Hakeem Jeffries broke a record by speaking for more than eight hours on the floor. We hear from a…

3 Jul 6PM 38 min

Starmer backs Reeves after tears during PMQs

Sir Keir Starmer says Rachel Reeves will remain Chancellor of the Exchequer "for a very long time to come" after she could be seen crying during Prime Minister's Questions earlier. Speaking to Nick Robinson on BBC Radio 4's Political Thinking podcast, the Prime Minister backed the Chancellor and said Reeves'…

2 Jul 5PM 36 min

Where does last-minute welfare climbdown leave government's authority?

Chaos and confusion as the government gets its welfare bill through a key parliamentary hurdle. But at what price? We speak to an MP who backed the government - and one who voted against it. Also on the programme: After a popular Gaza seafront cafe is badly damaged in a…

1 Jul 6PM 37 min

Has government done enough to see off welfare rebellion?

On the eve of the vote on its welfare reform bill, the government has tried to defuse a backbench rebellion. But has it done enough? We speak to one rebel MP. Also on the programme: A new dimension to the violence in the Middle East, as Jewish settlers in the…

30 Jun 6PM 38 min

Gaza Humanitarian Foundation defends aid operation

In the face of growing international outrage, the man who runs the US-backed Gaza Humanitarian Foundation tells us he denies Palestinians are being killed as they go to collect aid. Also on the programme: As Sir Keir Starmer approaches his first anniversary in office, we discuss his future. And we…

27 Jun 6PM 37 min

Starmer set to announce welfare climbdown

The government is expected to announce a significant compromise on planned benefits changes to placate Labour rebels. Multiple sources tell the BBC existing claimants of the Personal Independence Payment (Pip) will continue to receive what they currently get, as will recipients of the health element of Universal Credit. Instead, planned…

26 Jun 10PM 38 min

Trump's big win at Nato summit

As Donald Trump calls Nato's new defence spending pledge of 5% of GDP a big win for Western civilisation, we ask a UK defence minister where the cash will come from. Also tonight: Is helping parents to spot the signs of autism and ADHD - rather than getting a formal…

25 Jun 6PM 38 min

Iran Israel ceasefire holds at end of first day

At the end of the first day of a ceasefire between Israel and Iran brokered by US President Donald Trump, early violations have given way to relative calm. Trump issued an expletive-laden rebuke to the two countries earlier in the day. He's claiming success in what he's called the "12…

24 Jun 6PM 38 min

Iran fires missiles at US base in Qatar

Iran has responded to a US strike on its nuclear programme by firing missiles at an American base in Qatar as well as other bases in Iraq. Residents in Doha saw missiles flying through the night sky before being intercepted by Qatar's air defence system, nobody was injured. President Trump…

23 Jun 6PM 39 min