Sunday 5th May 2002

Sir David Frost was joined this morning by the Culture Secretary, Tessa Jowell. In the interview she said that she could understand the fury of football fans whose clubs face bankruptcy following the collapse of ITV digital. She also said that the BBC could face fines if it fails to meet its licence conditions, under new Government legislation.

Sir David discussed the the French presidential elections with Robin Cook, who, as well as being Leader of the House of Commons, is also the President of the Party of European Socialists.

To talk about the latest situation in Israel, the programme interviewed Terje Roed-Larsen the UN Special Envoy to the Middle East, and the Israeli Minister Danny Naveh.

In Afghanistan British troops are taking part in their biggest military operation since the Gulf War, and for the latest news there Sir David interviewed Major General Robert Fry of the Royal Marines.

Back home our postal service was the subject of discussion: Consignia - the company that runs the Royal Mail and the Post Offices, is having difficulty in providing the service it would like and is very concerned about the effect of opening up the service to competition. Sir David spoke to the Chairman of Consignia, Allan Leighton and also to Billy Hayes the General Secretary of the Communication Workers Union.

There was also a comprehensive review of the papers with the Conservative MP Ann Widdecombe and the London Correspondent for the French newspaper, La Tribune, Philippe Le Corre.

Tessa Jowell MP, culture secretary

Robin Cook MP, leader of the House of Commons

Terje Roed-Larsen, UN special envoy

Danny Naveh, Israeli cabinet minister

Major-General Robert Fry, Royal Marines

Allan Leighton, chairman, Consignia and Billy Hayes, Communications Workers Union