This week's programme was devoted to the continued military build-up in the Middle East and the effects, both at home and abroad, that any counter-attack might have.

Northern Ireland Secretary, Dr John Reid, responded to reports that the Government is considering a range of new measures to protect the UK against the threat of terrorism and confirmed that any such moves would be in line with existing Human Rights legislation.

Meanwhile, the Governor of the Bank of England, Sir Eddie George, spoke of his concerns for the UK and world economic situation in the light of the attacks against America.

Liberal Democrat Leader, Charles Kennedy, speaking from his party's annual conference in Bournemouth, echoed his support for Government action against international terrorism but warned that there should be 'no blank cheque' from Britain to the rest of the world.

Javier Solana, the former Secretary General of NATO and now the European Union's Foreign Policy Chief, reaffirmed EU members states' commitment to military action in the Middle East and called for a longer-term coalition of nations to fight terrorism of any kind.

Former US Defence Secretary, Caspar Weinberger, urged caution against a ground offensive and explained that the Afghan terrain was far better suited to attacks from the air.

From Islamabad, Pakistan's Foreign Minister Abdul Sattar issued a warning, later echoed by Ruud Lubbers, the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees, that the human consequences of a war in Afghanistan could be huge. Mr Sattar also confirmed that in the light of America's decision to lift sanctions against Pakistan, negotiations focussing on how the country's airports and borders could be used were still ongoing.

This week's transcripts:

Northern Ireland Secretary Dr John Reid

Governor of the Bank of England Sir Edward George

Liberal Democrat Leader Charles Kennedy

EU Foreign Policy Chief Javier Solana

Former US Defence Secretary Caspar Weinberger

Pakistani Foreign Secretary Dr Abdul Sattar

United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees Ruud Lubbers