Broadcasting House

We get the latest on the prime minister's future from Henry Zeffman - as business secretary Peter Kyle tells the BBC that Keir Starmer is 'reflecting on political reality'. Dame Mary Beard draws parallels between the politicians of today and those of the classical world, and we get advice on political instability from Italian journalist Beppe Severgnini.
Also, we mark the moment of the summer solstice with Scotland's astronomer royal, Professor Catherine Heymans; Frank Gardner talks about rare butterflies, and we review the papers with journalists Joey D'Urso and Stephen Bush, and TV presenter Kirstie Allsopp.

Royal Marine Commandos fast rope onto a Russian shadow fleet oil tanker in the English Channel. Scotland win their first World Cup match in 36 years. Radio 4 favourites Mark Steel, Sian Williams, Deborah Meadon and Giles Brandreth describe their secret holiday spots. Lemn Sissay returns to his childhood stomping ground Makerfield, who's by election is this week. On the news review Neil McIntosh, Cathy Newman and Alexander Dragonetti. Reverend Brian Anderson reflects on a traumatic week in Belfast. The Femmes De La Mer sing a sea shanty to mark the Falmouth sea shanty festival.

MPs warn the hold-up on a plan for defence spending is harming relations with the UK's allies, as the Prime Minister prepares to host European allies in Downing Street. Plus: the death of the proper football anthem is mourned by Keith Allen, the man behind several classics. Rachel Burden presents.

Why has the political world gone mad for essays? Professor Edith Hall and Radio 4 wordsmith Michael Rosen discuss the literary form and its history. It was heartbreak for Arsenal in the Champions League - ex-Gunners goalie Bob Wilson tells us about the pain of penalties. We look ahead to Elon Musk's SpaceX going public - are the heavens being privatised? And we celebrate the Starman, David Bowie, with a new immersive exhibition celebrating his life and legacy. Simon Jack presents.

Matt Chorley asks 'Is the Prime Minister's plan for the country working?' Can Keir Starmer survive? Matt visits a fair in Wokingham to get public opinion. Labour grandee Alan Johnson, former Theresa May advisor Lord Barwell and pollster Scarlett McGuire assess the PM's chances. Also a possible breakthrough between Iran and the US? Former Middle East Minister Alistair Birt reacts. We hear of an investigation into rumours that the CIA poisoned England Goalkeeper Gordon Banks at the 1970 World Cup. On the news review, former Sun Editor turned Radio 4 presenter David Yelland, Space expert Alice Bunn. And a World Cup winner - for England's Rugby Team, Maggie Alphonsi.