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05/02/2010

What does the British defence spending review mean? What is the difference between the two main parties on the economy? Is the expenses scandal over? And the battle between the media and politicians.

A review of Britain's defence capability was announced this week lookng at ways of countering threats ranging from terrorsim to cyberspace and climate change. What shape should the armed forces take and has the Tony Blair doctrine of liberal intervention been so discredited by the war in Iraq that Britian's foreign policy may also have to be adjusted?

The Conservatives appear to be softening their policy on tackling the budget deficit contrary to City expectations of a tough line on public spending. What now is the difference between the two main parties on the economy?

The expenses scandal at Westminster has resulted in more than half of MPs paying back 1.2 million pounds of public money. What is the overall effect of the scandal and is this the end of the affair?

And the struggle between the media and politicians - where does the power lie?

Available now

28 minutes

Last on

Sat 6 Feb 2010 04:32GMT

Broadcasts

  • Fri 5 Feb 2010 12:32GMT
  • Fri 5 Feb 2010 16:32GMT
  • Fri 5 Feb 2010 23:32GMT
  • Sat 6 Feb 2010 04:32GMT

成人快手 World Service Archive

This programme was restored as part of the World Service archive project