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Northern Ireland's First Minister Peter Robinson is to face questions over his wife's business dealings after a BBC investigation revealed she may have broken the law. And President Obama has ordered a shake-up of US intelligence gathering after the failed attempt to blow up a plane over Detroit.
Northern Ireland's First Minister, Peter Robinson, is facing claims that he failed to inform parliamentary authorities of his wife's illegal financial dealings. BBC Northern Ireland's Spotlight programme has alleged that Iris Robinson obtained £50,000 from two property developers to help her 19-year-old lover launch a new café. Mrs Robinson was under obligation to inform authorities herself, in her capacity as MP, member of Stormont, and as a councillor. Mrs Robinson is unable to comment for health reasons. Northern Ireland Editor, Mark Davenport, examines the claims.
Food companies are being urged to be more open about their secret research into potentially harmful nano technology. The Lords Science and Technology Select Committee is concerned that the potentially harmful particles are being used to improve the flavour, texture and shelf-life of foods. Lord Krebs, the committee's chair, and Julian Hunt, director of communications at the Food and Drink federation, debate the use of nano technology in food.
The Court of Protection, which helps people who are mentally incapable of supporting themselves, has received 1500 complaints in the two years since it was established. The court represents the affairs of people with learning difficulties, those who have suffered head injuries, and dementia sufferers. Legal affairs analyst Clive Coleman investigates the court's workings.
President Obama has conceded that US intelligence agencies failed to act on information about Farouk Abdulmutallab, the Nigerian man accused of attempting to bomb a Detroit-bound airliner on Christmas Day. Tom Ridge, former Secretary of Homeland Security, discusses the services' failures.
The UK felt its coldest night of the big freeze, with temperatures plummeting to -20.7c in Altnaharra in Sutherland, Scotland. Mandy Smith who runs a Bed Breakfast in the town, describes how people are coping in the sub-zero temperatures.
0748 Thought for the day with the Reverend Dr Giles Fraser.
The government has been accused of being too close to the drinks industry and supermarkets when deciding alcohol policy. A Health Select Committee report has called for the introduction of minimum pricing on alcohol, tighter controls on advertising and mandatory labelling. Kevin Barron, chair of the committee, and Gavin Partington, head of communications at the Wine and Spirits Trade Association, debate alcohol policy.
Northern Ireland's First Minister, Peter Robinson, is facing allegations that he failed to inform parliamentary authorities of his wife's financial dealings. The BBC Spotlight programme has claimed that Peter Robinson failed to take the necessary action after becoming aware that his wife Iris did not declare £50,000 that she obtained from two property developers. Mrs Robinson MP, who earlier this week admitted having an affair, obtained the money for her 19-year-old lover. Spotlight journalist Darragh MacIntyre, and Ireland correspondent for the Independent, David McKittrick, discuss the allegations.
Another night of deep freeze across the UK is making travel treacherous for millions of people. Some councils say they are close to running out of grit. Matthew Lugg, chair of the UK Roads Board, and Environment Secretary Hilary Benn, discuss grit supply.
The Court of Protection, set up to protect and make decisions about the affairs of people who do not have the mental capacity themselves, has been subject to 1500 complaints. Created following the Mental Capacity Act 2005 for England and Wales, the Court is the only body that has the power to appoint a deputy for someone who is not able to make financial decisions or decisions about their own welfare. The Today programme has learnt that applications for such powers are taking between three and six months to be granted, leaving the affairs of many vulnerable people in limbo. Bridget prentice, Parliamentary Under Secretary of State at the Ministry of Justice, discusses the court.
The legend of Elvis Presley lives on, with the 75th birthday of the music star. An army of white-suited and big-haired Elvis impersonators along with thousands of fans are heading to the small Outback town of Parkes in eastern Australia for the country's largest festival dedicated to the King. A special train service - the Elvis Express - has left Sydney taking hundreds of devotees to the weekend of events. Correspondent Phil Mercer reports from Sydney's Central Station.
Northern Ireland's first Minister, Peter Robinson, has released a statement regarding his wife's business dealings with her 19 year old lover, Kirk McCambley. Ireland correspondent Mark Simpson reports on the statement.
Up to a million pet dogs could have come from puppy farms, according to the rescue charity, The Dogs Trust. It found that about 15% of owners admitted buying their dog through a newspaper ad, website or pet shop outlet thought to be acting as middlemen for the puppy farms. Sanchia Berg reports on the puppy farm market.
Deliberative Democracy is set to hit the United Kingdom this weekend. The event pulls together 200 people from a cross section of society, informs them of the most pressing political issues, and then gathers their opinions. James Fishkin, professor of communication and director of the Center for Deliberative Democracy at Stanford University, and Paul Senior, practice manager for a law firm and a member of the public participating in Power 2010, discuss how the event can influence future policy.
Broadcaster and comedian Jonathan Ross has announced he is leaving the BBC. The controversial presenter said his decision was "not financially motivated". Jon Thoday, founder of talent management company Avalon, discusses whether the days of big talent contracts is over.
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