Episode 17

For centuries Britons have travelled the world either on military campaigns, exploring or just sheer wanderlust. In the course of those global wanderings, they collected objects – sometimes of great value or significance – that were duly brought home. Many such treasures have ended up in British museums, including the Elgin Marbles. There have been calls for them and others to be returned to their countries of origin. Should they be returned or is the UK the best place for them?

That is our vote this week :Should Britain return its historic treasures?

Also in the programme: The coming week is for remembering. Remembering the 453 British servicemen and women who died in the campaign in Afghanistan and, in seven days, Remembrance Sunday, when the nation salutes the fallen across the generations. In particular, this year of course - on the 100th anniversary of its outbreak - the nearly one million members of British and Commonwealth forces killed in the First World War. But whilst we rightly honour those who made the ultimate sacrifice, what of the ethos that drives us to conflict and how we deal with its aftermath. Is war glorified?

Parish churches are a symbol of the English countryside. But with empty pews and spiralling maintenance costs, the existence of many is being questioned. The Church of England is selling 20 a year. Should they be preserved as part of our heritage, or Should the Church of England downsize?

And, Sian speaks to Adil Ray the creator and star of Britain’s first Muslim sitcom, Citizen Khan. He talks about his family, faith and creating that self-appointed pillar of the community, Mr Khan.

The panel of guests joining Sian Williams includes: former newsreader Michael Buerk; theologian Francesca Stavrakopoulou; novelist Kishwar Desai; former British Army officer Major Tim Cross; Sikh treasure hunter Davinder Toor; and Canon of Exeter Cathedral Anna Norman Walker.