2342 Andrew welcomes you to the show where everyone gets to finish their sentences (though hopefully, in the case of our guests, not prison sentences), and welcomes the Sven and Nancy of late night political discourse: Diane Abbott and Michael Portillo.

2344 In the week of President Bush's surprise trip to Iraq, we turned to a Brit who's made a home for himself in Massachussetts. TV don Niall Ferguson gives us his Take Of The Week.

2347 Prof. Ferguson joins Andrew, Michael and Diane to discuss his Take.

2358 To cheer up any Scots depressed by England's World Cup survival, we've got a plucky Caledonian: the Today Programme's very own Jim Naughtie, looking at what's been happening off the pitch in the Round Up.

0004 Andrew, Michael and Diane discuss the Round Up.

0012 One story that's run and run this week touches on some of the most basic principles of our legal system. What length of prison time fits what type of crime? Who should decide? And when, if ever, should "life" really mean life? We turned to a former barrister, the creator of that courtroom hero, Horace Rumpole, to bring you The Meaning of Life: John Mortimer puts justice in the Spotlight.

0015 John joins us in the studio to discuss the Spotlight.

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