Spain, Ireland, Slovenia and the Netherlands have all said they won’t send acts to the Eurovision Song Contest next May in protest at Israel’s participation. There have been calls for Israel to be excluded because of the war in Gaza, but members of the European Broadcasting Union, which organises the contest, rejected a push for a vote on the issue.
Also on the programme: an Inquiry finds the Russian President Vladimir Putin "morally responsible" for the death by poisoning of Dawn Sturgess in Salisbury; and we remember Steve Cropper, the legendary guitarist who's died at the age of 84.
--------
37:28
--------
37:28
Europe proposes new plan to use Russia’s frozen assets
The President of the European Commission, Ursula Von Der Leyen, has set out revised plans to use frozen Russian assets to loan money to Ukraine. Meanwhile, a German arms manufacturer invests in a drone manufacturing plant in Swindon to boost Europe’s defence. Also on the programme, Somali Americans in Minnesota react to president Trump’s attack on their community; and the chance discovery of one of the world’s largest species of octopus in Aberdeenshire.
--------
37:40
--------
37:40
Can Trump negotiate peace in Ukraine?
Two of US President Donald Trump’s closest envoys, Steve Witkoff and his son-in-law Jared Kushner, today met with Russian President Vladimir Putin. Putin used the meeting to warn that Russia was not planning for war with Ukraine’s European backers but was 'ready' for that eventuality.
Also on the programme: we debate Justice Secretary David Lammy proposes scrapping jury trials for some cases; and we hear about the snake-handling church that's inspired a new piece of music.
--------
37:39
--------
37:39
UK-US agree zero tariffs deal on pharmaceutical shipments
UK-US agree zero tariffs deal on pharmaceutical products. The agreement means that the NHS will have to pay more for new medicines. We speak to a leading member of pharmaceutical industry. Also:
The chairman of the Office for Budget Responsibility resigns after the body mistakenly released its assessment of the budget early. We hear from one MP supportive of the chairman's decision to quit. And Zootropolis, the new Disney animation that is breaking records.
--------
38:50
--------
38:50
Why are so many adoptive families being broken apart?
As a BBC investigation reveals how many adoptions break down, we ask whether the system gives adoptive parents enough support. Also:We ask a Labour MP whether the Chancellor misled the country over the state of the public finances - and ask our live political panel where her budget has left her authority.And the composer looking beyond the solar system for inspiration.
España