Monday, 7 November, 2005

Details of tonight's programme
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DETAILS OF TONIGHT'S PROGRAMME

From programme producer, Kate McAndrew

Tonight, Kirsty's in Paris after France suffers its worst night of violence yet, and Martha is presenting from London as Tony Blair faces repeated calls for him to step down.

France riots

A man beaten up during violence in a riot-hit suburb north of Paris has died of his injuries. Jean-Jacques Le Chenadec, who was attacked on Friday evening, and had been in a coma ever since. Overnight, 1,408 vehicles were torched, and 395 arrests made. As the French Prime Minister addresses the nation this evening to explain what the government's going to do, Tim Whewell will be looking at his plan and we'll be talking to French politicians, cultural figures and experts to ask what's really behind the trouble, and what can be done to stop the violence and its spread.

Terror legislation

The Prime Minister of this country is having quite a time of it too. At his monthly news conference this morning, Mr Blair was asked repeatedly whether it was time for him to call it a day. The latest nightmare for him is his terror legislation which only narrowly squeaked through last week, by only one vote. The sticking point for Labour rebels, Tories and Lib Dems alike is the clause to be able to hold people without charge for 90 days. Too long, they say. Tony Blair says any compromise on the figure would compromise national security. But will a compromise have to be found to get the law made? But it's not all bad news. Michael Crick has delivered some good news to the PM. Much to his apparent astonishment.

China

Towards the end of these press events, a few foreign journalists usually get called, and this morning Tony Blair called upon a Chinese journalist from the China Economic Daily, who asked what the PM would be saying to the Chinese President during his visit which begins tomorrow. Mr Blair said he'd be talking about economics, security "preoccupations", climate change, and political and economic development. No direct mention there of the words "human rights". Paul Mason is trying to find out who is prepared to talk to China about the one thing they don't want to talk about.

Don't miss it - tonight you get two for the price of one.

Kate McAndrew

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