Israel prepares to respond

Ariel Sharon arrives home tonight

Following yesterday's suicide bombing near Tel Aviv Israel's Ariel Sharon flies home to discuss the latest waive of terror. What will he do next?

Today the Palestinian leader, Yasser Arafat, "ordered" his security forces to prevent all terrorist operations against Israeli civilians, but does he have the strength and credibility to make that order stick?

How will Israel respond?

Mr Sharon will discuss his comments with his cabinet colleagues in emergency session as soon as he arrives home from the United States, but another bomb this morning looks set to strengthen the resolve of the Israeli government to consider more drastic action against Mr Arafat.

On PM tonight we speak to Danni Shek, a spokesman for the Israeli Foreign ministry. We also hear from Ghassan Khatib, director of the Palestinian news agency the Jerusalem Media and Communications Centre.

Crown Prosecution Service

A new front has been opened up in the war against street crime. Shock troops of expert barristers are being drafted in to the parts of England with the worst street crime problems.

An extra six million pounds is being given to the Crown Prosecution Service to hire more lawyers and caseworkers. They'll be expected to do better at preparing evidence against known offenders to ensure cases stick and convictions are secured.

But the Conservatives are worried it's a gimmick which will divert resources from other equally concerning crimes. We hear from the Attorney General Lord Goldsmith and from our reporter Tim Maby who's been to a crime "hotspot."

To hear the interviews and reports click on the audio links above.