The PM Programme

PM Newsletter

2012-01-27T15:44:00.000Z

Hello

We've got a slide rule and we want to use it to do some calculations about Stephen Hester's bonus. We'll be asking if mega bucks bonuses really do encourage employees to work harder? We'll be in Davos as well with our Economics Editor Stephanie Flanders and some important figures on the financial stage.

Our reporter Jon Manel's been examining the advice that's being issued to people who want to take their own lives but don't have relatives able to, or willing to help. There's an important court case today which he'll be telling us all about later.
Are you excited about the London Olympics? Only six months to go. The opening ceremony's artistic director, the film-maker Danny Boyle, has been explaining how it'll all work today. Among other things there'll be a celebration of the NHS and the ringing of a massive bell. The theme for the opening ceremony I can not exclusively reveal is "Isles of Wonder". On a more prosaic note, we're told the olympic village is being furnished with 170 thousand coat hangers. You can never have enough of them.

And amongst our other goodies... our usual weekly roundup of your correspondence to PM. No one has yet mentioned Neil Armstrong...
See you at 5,
Carolyn

Thursday's PM Newsletter

2012-01-26T12:32:00.000Z

Hello.

We'll hear from Davos, where the Prime Minister has been calling for more bold action from European leaders. In a departure from the prepared text, Mr Cameron left the stage, grabbed a box of washing powder and took it to Angela Merkel's chalet where, on her doorstep, he challenged her to....oh wait a minute I've just checked and it turns out the old commercials were for Daz, not Bold. Forget all that. We'll hear from Robert Peston or somebody. We'll also have a report on ski helmets.

Why was a teacher able to abuse children in his classroom? We have the results of a review. The owner of the breast implant company PIP has been arrested. We'll debate whether schools should encourage children to celebrate the Queen's Jubilee.

And why did the Prime Minister of Australia lose a shoe, on Australia Day?

See you at 5,

Eric Muir

Wednesday's PM newsletter

2012-01-25T13:16:00.000Z

Hello.

If I had a sentence of news about my week it would be:

"Mis-spelled fuchsia in PM Newsletter and have not been allowed to forget it".

If you have a sentence of news about your week, please email it to iPM@bbc.co.uk, and who knows you could be part of iPM's Your News bulletin this week.

Tonight's programme will talk about the UK's falling GDP last quarter (a slightly horrified email arrives from Nadine: "Are we now one quarter away from the return of Upshares, Down shares?") and will hear live from Lord Browne who knows a thing or two.

We'll hear what Alex Salmond is thinking about independence. I mean, he's in favour, but we'll learn today how he hopes to achieve his aims.

Also - who are Andrew Lansley's friends in the NHS when it comes to his health reforms. The 02 network is facing "a storm of criticism after a blogger claimed that users' mobile phone numbers are automatically revealed to any website they visit."

Oh and - how does this music make you feel: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MbsuAbTTsV8

:o) or :o(

See you at five,

Eric Mayor.

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Tuesday's PM Newsletter

2012-01-24T13:42:00.000Z

Hello.

Obviously we all have Academy Award fever, and at 5pm I'll be hosting the first of our hour-long, glittering pre-ceremony specials direct from the fuschia carpet. Do NOT ask about the carpet colour mix-up. Suffice to say someone has been fired.

If there is time for anything else in the programme, we'll squeeze in a mention of Iran, Harry Redknapp, Asil Nadir, something from Sweden and perhaps a discussion about handshakes. Have you ever shaken hands with someone you couldn't abide? Is it wrong to refuse a handshake? Http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/football/article-2090763/QPR-force-Anton-Ferdinand-shake-John-Terrys-hand.html

See you in the surf at 5 (GMT), that's 9am here in LA.

Los Muir

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PM Newsletter

2012-01-23T13:25:00.000Z

Hello.

Members of the House of Lords will be debating the Government's welfare reforms this afternoon. We'll have the best of the debate and perhaps an important vote while we're on the air.

Various senior BBC figures are appearing at the Leveson inquiry today. As a result nothing is being done here, we've all brought in games. Martha Kearney has just whacked me at Ker Plunk for the third time. She has an unerringly steady hand. I think it's all that bee-keeping she does.

The thing I'm looking forward to most tonight is a follow-up to our recent interview with Kim Novak about music from Vertigo appearing in the film The Artist. We had a letter afterwards from the widow of Bernard Herrmann, who composed the music in question. Our reporter Michael Buchanan swung into action and you can hear his report tonight.

Also - do you think this is ghoulish? Http://www.thesun.co.uk/sol/homepage/news/4077887/Costa-Concordia-cruise-ghouls.html

See you at 5,

Alfred Muir.

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PM Newsletter

2012-01-20T12:14:00.000Z

Hello,

After a week in which I transposed someone's surname and first name on air, and last night when we apparently got our moon cameras mixed up, there is a growing clamour for me to be stripped of my Eric. As you know I was given it by Gordon Brown when he was Prime Minister. Today the Labour leader Ed Miliband was asked directly whether Mr Brown was wrong to make me an Eric and he said: "Yes, he was. He didn't know of course at the time that Eddie "Eric" Muir was making a mess of PM in the way that he was. But he was wrong to do it. I've said that publicly. I think that we should take Eddie Mair's Eric away. I think it's the least that can be done, frankly."

In the programme tonight, another mystery celebrity will introduce Previously on PM. A lot of our news will come from Northern Ireland where a third baby has died in a Belfast neo-natal unit, and in the past few minutes a high-profile republican was cleared of murdering two British soldiers outside an Army base. Colin Duffy was acquitted at Antrim Crown Court of the killings of Sappers Patrick Azimkar and Mark Quinsey who were ambushed by gunmen from the dissident republican Real IRA at the gates of Massereene barracks in 2009. A decision is awaited on another defendant.

XANADU

Did newsletter subscribers get Olivia Newton John's Xanadu stuck in their heads yesterday either by just reading those words or clicking on the You Tube link? Among the responses:

"Actually, I get the song 'xanadu' by Rush stuck in my head! Patrick Dobson"

"can't remember what Xanadu goes like - but now have 'Let's Get Physical' as an 'ear worm' gee, thanks, de Belin Mandy"

"No it's going to take a much stronger woman than ONJ to dislodge the Sherlock theme from my head! Michelle Lang"

"Nope, can't remember the ONJ version at all. However, you have managed to stick me with Dave Dee, Dozy, Beaky, Mick, and Tich's The Legend of Xanadu complete with whipcracks. Thanks so much. Nick"

"Darn you Mair. I now have Xanadu as what the Germans charmingly call an Ohrwurm. A term which I don't think we have an equivalent translation. In essence, a song that you just can't get out of your head. Similarly, the Germans don't have a word for Schadenfreude. Ian"

"Thanks for that. Milliseconds after reading the fourth paragraph I'm stuck with an appalling earworm! don't need the video! Jane."

"Just the name was not enough to jog the memory but the video is a killer. Being of a certain age I cannot shift either the tune or the image !! Steve"

"I had a big crush on her when I was younger, now I cannot get her out of my mind rather than the song. Barry"

"I didn't get that stuck in my head, but rather ABBA's Waterloo tune with the word Xanadu. Which isn't great. Now you need a piece on how to get rid of earworms. Claire"

"Dear Mr Eric, It is considerably worse once the link has been clicked. Thank you. Allison"

"Curse you for the Xanadu link - may your left ear wither and fall off into your right pocket - can't get Miss Olivia Neutron Bomb out of my head now. I suppose it could have been worse. 'Let's get physical'. Stop that, stop that right now. Derek"

"It's much, much (fabulously) worse when you "click this". Xanadoooooooooooooooooooooooooooo. Cindy"

"Eddie - your wicked!!! Couldn't stop myself opening the link. What a treat after just completing tax return on line with much hair pulling and teeth nashing. Shelley"

"Hello Eddie and the team, Thanks so much Eddie I have Xanadu on loop in my head now without watching youtube! I always enjoy the programme keep up the good work. Long Julie (On no that's catching too!)"

"I don't know Xanadu as far as I am aware, but I sung it to the tune of Waterloo and now I have that stuck in my head. So thanks very much. Have a good afternoon, Alistair."

And this, from Rob, struck me as odd: "Xanadu - yes and yes ! But, inexplicably, why do I always get ABBA songs in my head when I have a hangover ?"

See you at 5,
Sir Fred Muir

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PM Newsletter

2012-01-19T12:25:00.000Z

Hello.

Join me on PM tonight to hear what other names I will get wrong after last night's Fraser Giles/Giles Fraser controversy.

We'll talk about phone hacking with Coleman Clive. We'll discuss whether capitalism is at its best when it's rampant. Sorry about the use of the word rampant there. Kodak's in trouble...do you have fond memories of their products? And Bowen Jeremy has something for us, the details of which I am a little hazy on.

Oh and there's something from Siberia about people swimming in cold water.

And now a small experiment. If I type the words: Olivia Newton John - Xanadu, will you get that song stuck in your head all afternoon? Do let me know.

Is it worse once you click this? Http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7m1UWSD-FaA

See you at 5,

Muir Eric

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PM Newsletter

2012-01-18T11:54:00.000Z

Hello.

Dickie Davies is the voice of Your News this weekend. If you have a sentence of news about yourself for the great man, please email it to ipm@bbc.co.uk.

In the programme tonight, the unemployment figures, Peter Hunt at the Leveson inquiry (glossy magazines today) and a report from Libya which will try to answer the question - what are they teaching in schools about Colonel Gaddafi?

We'll have the latest on the Concordia, and we'll discuss time.

And now, because you probably need cheering up, here is something with Dickie Davies and Eric Morecambe: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1JjHPCzLus8

See you at 5,

Eric Wise.

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PM Newsletter

2012-01-17T12:16:00.000Z

Hello.

The editors of Private Eye, The Times and The Guardian are appearing at the Leveson inquiry today. Peter Hunt will continue PM's comprehensive coverage.

You may know him as Abu Qatada. You may know him as Omar Othman. Either way, he is not on a plane to Jordan at the moment, much as the Home Secretary might want him to be. We'll tell you why.

The Captain of the Concordia has appeared in court. Jonty will have a good look at the latest economic indicators and we hope to talk to some struggling authors.

We'll see you at 5, right after the last pip.

Eric Muir.

PM Newsletter

2012-01-16T12:11:00.000Z

Hello.

Do you now realise the power of "Previously on PM?" On Friday our mystery voice was Hugh Bonneville and on Sunday, Downton Abbey won a Golden Globe for best TV mini-series. Coincidence? I think not. Another mystery voice this Friday on PM...or as we refer to ourselves on Twitter #bbcpm. (I had to have that explained to me, so please don't feel bad if you too are baffled.)

In the programme tonight, the latest on the Costa Concordia. We've a report on Pakistan where for days there has been talk of an "imminent" coup. It's Mirror day at the Leveson inquiry. Our reporter Becky Milligan has an interview with Barbara Hulanicki and we'll discuss whether animals can act.

See you at 5,

Eric Muir

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Friday's PM Newsletter

2012-01-13T12:34:00.000Z

Hello.

The cheek of it. Admittedly yesterday's newsletter had so many errors in it, it was like an explosion in a Scrabble factory. That was all my fault. Sloppy, sloppy, sloppy. But did Marion Walton really have to write this?:

"Dear Mr Mair
I caught your comment about difficulty with spelling on your newsletter. Could I volunteer some child labour? My daughter Maya, 11 is in charge of spell checking the school intranet because of the (very lovely) Heads occasional difficulty with the same. Maya is a literacy whizz and has been missing presumed in a book since 5. If you think she could help please do let us know.

Best wishes

Marion Walton"

Thank you Marion. Given my track record, it would be churlish to whine about the lack of apostrophe in the word Heads, but your point is well made.

WHO IS THE MYSTERY VOICE INTRODUCING TONIGHT'S "PREVIOUSLY ON PM"?

We've had Larry King, but tonight a brand new voice will say the coveted words "Previously on PM". You will have only one chance in the programme to hear him. He's very famous. Perhaps you saw him on TV over Christmas?

Elsewhere in the programme, Sir Dr Professor Robin Lustig from The World Tonight will report for PM from Cairo. We'll have a think about what Scotland's currency might be should it become independent and have a good gander at the government's latest thinking on child benefit.

See you at 5,

Eric Muir

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PM Newsletter

2012-01-12T12:17:00.000Z

Hello.

PUT THAT SEAT UPSRIGHT I'M TRYING TO EAT*

Seven hundred of your fellow PM listeners have signed up to receive this rubbishy email in their inboxes every day. What is WRONG with this country? (Hello Dillie by the way)

In the mix tonight, job losses at RBS, a cricketer admits to corruption, more energy companies are lowering gas prices, and we'll hear the verdict on the behaviour of MI5 and MI6. At the Leveson inquiry, Richard Desmond of the Express and Star speaks.

*Today's Daily Telegraph reports the case of two airline passengers questioned by police about the etiquette of reclining seats during the in-flight meal. You get the picture. One complained about the other putting the seat back, and in the end of the police were called.

What IS the correct etiquette? Is it OK to put your seat back on any flight once the seat belt sign is off? If you're the annoyed person behind, what methods do you use to make your displeasure clear? PM@bbc.co.uk.

See you at 5.

Eric Emirates.

Wednesday's PM Letter

2012-01-11T12:37:00.000Z

Hello.

Scottish independence remains in the news, and it may be you have a practical question. What would happen to the Royal Bank of Scotland? Will people need passports? You've probably got a much better question. Please send it to pm@bbc.co.uk. We intend to have experts on hand.

Chris Evans is the voice of Your News this week. Please send your sentence of news to iPM@bbc.co.uk.

In the programme tonight, more on what's being said about independence in the House of Commons.

Little Chef is getting littler: http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/business-16511001 I wonder whether you have memories of its heyday or could suggest where it's gone wrong. Not you, Heston.

Also on our minds, energy prices, breast implants (the cosmetic surgery firm which did more PIP implants than any other in the UK has said it will not replace the implants free of charge) and more trouble brewing for brewers.

See you at 5,

Eric Novak

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PM Newsletter

2012-01-10T12:37:00.000Z

Hello and welcome to Tuesday's PM Newsletter.

Did you know that Radio 2's Chris Evans is reading Your News this week on iPM? If you have a sentence of news about you for us, please email: ipm@bbc.co.uk.

In the programme tonight, oh something or other about railways. And Kim Novak. Yes, that Kim Novak. She has agreed to record an interview on the phone with me at 16.30. These things can go wrong so I mustn't promise anything, but it's the only thing that's getting me through the day. And I dare say the thought of being interviewed by me is the only thing that's getting her through the night over there in California.

We'll have more on Scottish independence (listen out for Alex Salmond on Radio 4's The World at One) and did I mention Kim Novak?

ALTERNATIVES TO WINE WITH DINNER

Here are just some of the helpful responses to yesterday's newsletter appeal:

"A nice cup of tea is very good with fish and chips." Owen Jones

"Linking the wine-replacement question with the Scottish referendum question: why not try diet Irn-Bru?" Sandra

"Accompaniments for dinner of lovely, non-sugary, non-alcoholic nature: classy cordials - homemade or bought cordials in elderflower, ginger, rose and similar varieties can be subtle, not too sweet (as long as you don't make them as per the bottle!) and very nice indeed.
Lassie - salty sweet curry accompaniment, far more traditional than wine too!
Homemade iced teas - of black tea, green, brown rice tea, fruity and other varieties. Nice tea, brewed, cooled and served without sweetening is refined, delicious, refreshing and very good indeed. Hot non-milky teas are also excellent - and fresh peppermint tea is traditional with middle eastern meals and very good indeed." Nicola Osborne

"Eddie,
As a youngster my family were in the Salvation Army, and alcohol was frowned upon at all times. Our Sunday dinner 'treat' however, was a glass or two of a leading carbonated water/grape juice drink. Now I'm older I can't stand the stuff, and have instead turned to ginger beer instead." Bob Norfolk

"I don't think water is too bland. Like many things we imbibe, it's an acquired taste, however. I recently discovered it and I now find that my palate is much more finely honed to the tastes of food; my buds are pepped up to the max. Incidentally, my appreciation of water has enhanced my receptiveness to the occasional glass of wine. St. Bernard of Clairvaux"

"Why a good Jug of Real Ale of course with a SG of 3.6 compared to wine averaging 13%. It tastes better and goes further. No contest!!!!" Alan M Bush.

"I think ginger beer is the only thing that gets close." Gillian Oliver (and Louise Keane agrees)

"Unfortunately there just isn't a suitable replacement for wine. However, if you are determined to spoil your meal, drink a non-alcoholic beverage such as Shloer to keep the misery to a minimum." Steph

"Tea and some bread and butter..." George Mears

"Accompaniment for food; my husband suggested mother milk, but he is a crazy Belgian!" Marilyn, Brugge

"As an aperitif (get me) my friend and I have a tonic with lime and find it easy to imagine the gin. We even get a bit tiddly! Mind over matter!" Nora Young

"Tea, surely! Not just for Northerners." Nick Fisher
"Perhaps you could ask Anthony Worrall Thompson whether he could suggest any non-alcoholic alternatives to wine." Callum Thomson
"I'd say a rich,( say 13.5/14% volume,) full bodied Cotes du Rhone. Probably not more than two glasses with dinner, every day... I only have one per day, being female and not weighing more than 57kg... I think that telling people to abstain completely for 2 days per week, isn't helpful... a bit like people who drink nothing all week and then binge on a Friday! What happened to 'moderation'?" Georgette Nicolai in Narbonne, France
"I don't drink wine. Not all that keen on the taste and I have a nasty, albeit delayed reaction to even one glass. I generally drink water with meals, with ice and plenty of lemon, or preferably lime. This is a pleasant accompaniment. Another austerity-conscious choice is a glass of water with a dash of cider vinegar. A refreshing piquant apple flavoured drink. If you want bubbles, you can't beat an elderflower pressé. Since I don't like champagne either, this is what will be served for the toast at my wedding. If you really must have wine - try diluting it with water. A red diluted in Ribena proportions is refreshing without inebriating!" Edna the Formerly Inebriated Woman

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PM Newsletter

2012-01-09T13:09:00.000Z

Hello.

Is there a decent alternative to wine with dinner? In our editorial meeting we discussed today's advice to avoid alcohol at least two days a week. A colleague wondered, however, what can come close to the right wine for being the perfect accompaniment to food. Water? "(too bland") Fruit juice "too sugary" etc.

None of that will make it onto the programme I suspect, but it can be our newsletter thing. I will pass on the best tips.

In the programme tonight, Kelvin Mackenzie appears at the Leveson inquiry. We'll try to understand what's really going on in the political battle over a Scottish independence referendum. The leaders of France and Germany are having another chat about things. And the TV chef Antony Worrall Thompson says he has "let down" his family after being cautioned by police for shoplifting and says he will "seek treatment".

Five o'clock it is then.

Eric Antony Cardew Muir

Friday's PM Newsletter

2012-01-06T13:15:00.000Z

Hello.

It's Friday and our plans for the programme tonight are a closely guarded secret.*

I mean there will be something on breast implants (if the government's review comes out in time. Department of Health claims not to know timings), as well as something on the Irish Open and a report on the hard-pressed Greek families who're giving up their children.

We'll have Previously on PM too.

But I'd like you to consider these important questions. The first of which was raised by a listener and the second is raised by me.

1: Why can't you recycle wrapping paper?
2: Could Meryl Streep play David Cameron in a film?

See you at 5,

Eric Muir

*We just don't have the faintest idea what we're doing.

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PM Newsletter

2012-01-05T12:24:00.000Z

Hello,

Welcome to the very first PM NEWSLETTER SINEAD O'CONNOR HAPPILY-MARRIED-WATCH.

CURRENT STATUS: HAPPILY MARRIED.

In the programme tonight - Burma. What should be done with the Weston-super-Mare lido? We'll ask whether it would be a good or a bad thing if the US could only fight one ground war at a time. There's a report on canteens in Berlin (which might sound odd but we're in the good hands of Steve Evans so it will all be fine) and I'll be asking why it appears that men don't do synchronised swimming.

See you at five,

Eric Herridge.

STOP PRESS IMPORTANT UPDATE ON THE SINEAD O'CONNOR HAPPILY-MARRIED-WATCH.

CURRENT STATUS: HAPPILY MARRIED.

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Wednesday's PM Newsletter

2012-01-04T12:29:00.000Z

Hello.

The men convicted yesterday of murdering Stephen Lawrence have been sentenced. Gary Dobson was jailed for at least 15 years and two months. David Norris got a minimum of 14 years and three months. The sentencing was complex - Clive Coleman will explain the judge's thinking.

We'll keep an eye on the weather, look at how Nissan have been able to make so many cars in the UK and try to explain football's offside rule.

And the result of the how-old-is-this-violin experiment.

See you at 5.

Eric

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PM News Letter

2012-01-03T12:23:00.000Z

Hello.

Are you having trouble with wind?

We'll talk about the weather in the programme tonight. We might also look at gun laws, lawyers, and perhaps breast implants.

We will talk about the life of Ronald Searle http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/entertainment-arts-16391857.

And we'll hear from a father and son about their experiences during the Libyan uprising.

See you at five,

Eric Stradivarius

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PM News Letter

2012-01-02T12:04:00.000Z

Hello,

So, it's not, technically, new year but it is our first PM of 2012 so I'm going to wish you all the best for the 12 months ahead.

It's a bank holiday so you may not be back into the swing of things yet. Let us ease you back into the flow…

A couple of stories we're looking at:

As concerns over faulty breast implants continue - we're prompted to talk more widely about why people choose to have cosmetic surgery and ask if they are aware of the risks. Steven Wright (PM's number 2 editor today) is on the phone to Susie Orbach at the moment. …. a radio car is being revved up…..

We'll take a look at the three new year's messages from the main party leaders - David Cameron's today follows Ed Miliband's and Nick Clegg's. We're calling three backbenchers to invite them to join us for a debate.

Do you know anything about the main candidates for the Republican leadership in the USA? We'll try to find an interviewee who can remedy that.

And we have the latest in Eddie's big interviews with people for whom 2011 was an unforgettable year. Today he hears from a British Army commander about his time in Afghanistan.

That's about all I can tell you at the moment. Join us if you can at 5.

Carolyn

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PM Newsletter

2011-12-30T12:30:00.000Z

Hello,

Fantastic pictures of foam in the papers today. At first glance it looked like Blackpool had been hit by a snowstorm. You might want to amuse yourself today with a flick through the BBC's UK news photos of the year, it being December 30th and all that.

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/in-pictures-16267241

We've got an interesting take on the official papers released as always at this time of year under the 30 year rule.

It's not about Margaret Thatcher's ironing board, but about spooks, the government, the BBC and Panorama. Here's how our correspondent Gordon Corera explains it:

The BBC Director General personally intervened to censor a Panorama programme on Britain's intelligence agencies, official papers reveal. The then Director General Sir Ian Trethowan was put under pressure by government to deal with rising concern over a programme broadcast in 1981. According to the papers, Trethowan told the press that no one from the government had seen the film and that there had been no pressure from the government on the BBC, something which the papers make clear was not the case.

We'll be talking to the reporter on Panorama at the time, Tom Mangold.

Also this evening:
*the latest of Eddie's interviews with people for whom 2011 was unforgettable. He hears from a prominent member of the Occupy movement.
*we explore the debate about gender-based marketing of toys - remember the toyshop Hamleys decided to stop the practice of having separate floors for girls (pink) and boys (full of trains and tanks).
* and after a darts player blamed an attractive woman in the front row for putting him off his game, we're thinking of doing more on "great sporting excuses of our time. "

And we look back at the best of "Previously on PM" over the past year.

Join us if you can at 5

Carolyn

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PM Newsletter

2011-12-29T12:53:00.000Z

Hello,

The PM team are beavering away finding goodies to fill this afternoon's programme.

Already we know we've got another of Eddie's end of year interviews - today he hears from Pauline Pearce who made her mark during the summer riots by ranting at the looting going on around her in Hackney.

I'll be recording an interview with the Health Secretary Andrew Lansley about the new year message from the NHS Confederation Chief Executive Mike Farrar. He's warned of a potential loss of confidence in the NHS unless political and healthcare leaders make a "compelling case to the public for changes to the delivery of services". Mr Farrar argues that resouces must be shifted into community based-services, early intervention and self care to allow more people to be allowed out of hospital and treated at home.

Lots of the newspapers report on a "mystery man" who handed out envelopes containing a £50 note to shoppers at a Tesco store in Sampford Peverell in Devon. Is it a true story? Did you or anyone you know receive any money from the man? Can we track him down to ask him why he did it?

Also we're keeping an eye on any developments in Syria and asking a former foreign office adviser who's met President Bashar al-Assad whether negotiations should take place with Assad to bring an end to the violence in Syria. Are there any incentives that could be offered - or indeed should any incentives be offered to him? Can you do deals with a dictator?

We are a work in progress. Join us to see what happens at 5.

Carolyn

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The PM day after day after Boxing Day Newsletter

2011-12-28T12:52:00.000Z

Hello.

PM's Editor, Joanna Carr, received an unfortunate gift in her Christmas stocking. A plastic set of hands tied together on a stick. When shaken it makes a clapping noise. Good ideas in the morning meeting were greeted with a "clap". She shook it several times before we confiscated it.

One of the ideas we had, after reading Nick Clegg's New Year message to the nation, was asking you what YOUR New Year message to the politicians might be. Keep it clean please. Email your suggestions, as we're thinking of compiling them for a list later in the week.

Tonight we're hoping to examine the proposal by the incoming head of Ofsted, Sir Michael Wilshaw, to create a network of local commissioners to keep an eye on standards and performance of academy schools, and intervene where schools are failing or coasting.

We'll get the latest from Syria and the financial markets which reopen today; we meet Elvis the lawnmower-attacking crocodile in Australia; and we ask who owns your Twitter followers if you move from one company to another.

And Eddie has left us another gem of an interview. It's with a youth leader in Norway recalling the day in July when a group of students were massacred by a lone gunman on a holiday island.

See you at 5pm,

Carolyn

P.S. there's a piece of chocolate cake left on the desk if anyone wants it?*

*Editor's note- get to it before Shaun Ley.

PM's Boxing Day Newsletter

2011-12-26T12:39:00.000Z

Hello from PM,

As you read this, a small team's working to bring you a Boxing Day PM. As well as offering the day's news, we've also got some treats we've been working on for weeks.

+ Syria. As more Arab observers are due to arrive there, Eddie's been speaking to a French photographer who spent weeks undercover. His images have been credited with bringing global attention to single events that would otherwise have passed by forgotten.

+ Prince Philip. HRH has spent a third night in hospital, and is still said to be in "good spirits." We'll bring you the latest health bulletin, and also we'll ask how to calm the nerves of a patient who doesn't want to stay in bed on Boxing Day.

+ Nigeria. Mourning continues after Christians celebrating Christmas were targeted by Islamist extremists.

+ British Politics. Our three veteran PM panellists read the traditional tea leaves.

+ Advice please on re-gifting. The writer Alexander McCall Smith has publicly questioned when is it appropriate to pass along a Christmas present you do not like, want or need?

Here's to you for reading this, fighting long queues and dealing with a transport strike to get to this newsletter.

Paddy O'Connell and PM team, Amanda, Manveen and Rebecca.

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PM Newsletter

2011-12-23T11:49:00.000Z

Hello.

If you know what Festivus is, you should tune our way tonight. Also in the programme, the most previous Previously on PM we've done. Plus another short story inspired by a listener and...brace yourself for Monday's programme when our famous political panel of Lord Parkinson, Baroness Prosser and Lord Steel will hold forth on the year gone and the year ahead.

But look you haven't come here for that. This is the moment we've all been waiting for - the final line for our Christmas limerick.

We've already had:

"A CHRISTMASSY ELF NICKNAMED PESTO
HAD A FEW THINGS TO GET OFF HIS CHEST-O"
HE WHIPPED OFF HIS VEST
ON WHICH HE'D WRITTEN IN JEST"

Among the suggestions:

"I love Eddie Mair, he's the Best-O" (Sarah Urmson)
"The 'Eddie for Mayor' manifesto" (Stephen Salter)
"His banking reform manifesto." (Lynwen Davison)
"Ladies - it's time to come play with the Bizzo" (Rupert Allman...hello Rupert!)
"Your money has all gone a-Westo" (Jane Johnson)
"When it's warm you can't beat alfresco" (Stephen John Ashmore and Carole Day)
"'Tis my job to make you depressedo!" (Nicholas Hely-Hutchinson)
"Add an R to my name and - Hey Presto!" (Ivan Laybourne)

But the winner - and thank goodness there's no prize because we can't face the BBC paperwork - is Clive Osborne. Here is the limerick in full:

"A CHRISTMASSY ELF NICKNAMED PESTO
HAD A FEW THINGS TO GET OFF HIS CHEST-O"
HE WHIPPED OFF HIS VEST
ON WHICH HE'D WRITTEN IN JEST
LET IT SNOW OR I'LL TAKE OFF THE REST-O"

Thanks to everyone who took part and our congratulations to Clive who can expect a magnum of Champagne any day now. Not from us, however, but because someone he knows may have sent him one. I have no idea.

If you're looking for a Christmas Eve treat, why not swing iPM's way tomorrow at 0545 or 17.30 on Radio 4 when we'll bring our listeners' sentences to life.

And if you are looking to feel a bit down on Christmas Night, can I warmly recommend the News Review of the Year at 22.00 on Radio 4 in which I'll be reflecting on twelve months of death, despair and misery.

Ebenezer Muir

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PM Newsletter

2011-12-22T12:00:00.000Z

Hello.

In the programme tonight, we've got two interviews with two rather interesting people.

Sir Gus O'Donnell is stepping down as Cabinet Secretary at the end of the year. I've just recorded an interview with him in which he talks about Scottish independence, the West Lothian question, Prime Ministerial biographies, the size of his pension, who's in charge if something ghastly happens to a Prime Minister, and what he thinks of being called GOD. It's his only broadcast interview and you'll hear it first in PM tonight.

You can also hear from someone whose name you probably don't recognise. Amy Cooney lives in New Zealand. When the earthquake hit Christchurch on the 22nd of February she was just starting her shift, with her brother, running a bar. She has quite a story, and as you'll hear, is quite a woman.

As for the fourth line of the Christmas limerick....we had some great suggestions. Remember where we got up to:

"A CHRISTMASSY ELF NICKNAMED PESTO
HAD A FEW THINGS TO GET OFF HIS CHEST-O"
HE WHIPPED OFF HIS VEST

Among the suggestions, Ivan with "proclaiming with zest"
Alison Arthur: Tattoo-ed "PM's the BEST"
Judy Berry: 'And, oh dear, you've guessed ...'
Ian Ray: "saying French made are best"
Catherine Warwick: "At Eddie's request"
Kevin Thorpe: "And then all the rest"
Mark Richards: "To reveal he had breasts"
Miles Harrison: "and you'd never have guessed"
Isabel Rogers: "God, I'm depressed!"
Rod Behr: "Socks, pants and the rest"
Sir Peter Bottomley: "But protected the rest/ Wrote his name, self-addressed/He was no Beau Geste/Made his love manifest"
Lucien: "Revealing six of the best"

But you know what, we've chosen Mike Massey's suggestion: "On which he'd written in jest".

So your challenge is to come up with a fifth line:

"A CHRISTMASSY ELF NICKNAMED PESTO
HAD A FEW THINGS TO GET OFF HIS CHEST-O"
HE WHIPPED OFF HIS VEST
ON WHICH HE'D WRITTEN IN JEST"

Good luck!

Eric

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PM Newsletter

2011-12-21T10:30:00.000Z

Hello.

A nice early newsletter today so you have as much time as possible to give you time to consider the next line of our Christmas limerick.

We already have:

"A CHRISTMASSY ELF NICKNAMED PESTO
HAD A FEW THINGS TO GET OFF HIS CHEST-O"

To which we add this promising line from Keith and Gill Stone:

"He whipped off his vest..."

So what do you suggest for line four?

"A Christmassy elf nicknamed Pesto,
Had a few things to get off his chesto-o,
He whipped off his vest"

See you at 5,

Eric

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PM Newsletter

2011-12-20T12:43:00.000Z

Hello,
A pre-Christmas feast for you; Piers Morgan, pensions negotiations and North Korea will feature this evening.
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-asia-16261060
We're trying to see if we can track down anyone who knew Kim Jong Un - the "Great Successor" when he was at school in Switzerland. (And did his father really order that each grain of rice should be weighed and measured to ensure consistency??)

A report into the August riots says police could have used water cannon, plastic bullets and even firearms, PM will hear from Sir Hugh Orde, President of the Association of Chief Police Officers and former Chief Constable of the Police Service of Northern Ireland.

We've also got an interview with Richard Adams, the author of Watership Down, the tale of rabbits on the run after developers move in. Now in a case of art mirroring life, West Berkshire council is planning to build homes on the land where the fictional bunnies once lived.

Eddie's away - only for one day - entrusting us with the delicate task of choosing line 2 of the Christmas limerick. Line one you'll remember was: "A CHRISTMASSY ELF NICKNAMED PESTO ...."

We've had more than a few suggestions for line two - including this from our Business Editor Robert Peston himself:

…"WARNED THERE'S NO MONEY LEFT IN THE WEST-O"

Eddie has exercised his veto on that. Sorry Robert. Here are some others though..

gossipmistress: "…Had a painfully small manifesto"
Georgina Pritchard: … Explained fiscal twisters with zesto"
Miles Harrison: .." was encouraged to give it a rest-oh"
Janet Long: " …was so saucy he thought he was besto".
Martin Hughes: "… was loading his parcels with gusto".
Mike Sargent: " …had a cough and a very sore chesto".
Doug Read: "…. said let's put the banks to the testo".
Sean Muirhead: " …was last-minute shopping at Tesco".

But our winner today is Kerry Dutton with :

"A CHRISTMASSY ELF NICKNAMED PESTO
HAD A FEW THINGS TO GET OFF HIS CHEST-O"

Email your suggested THIRD LINE ONLY to pm@bbc.co.uk. Please put "pointless Christmas limerick thing" in the subject line.

I thank you.
Carolyn

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PM Newsletter

2011-12-19T11:54:00.000Z

Hello,

Me again.

After a LOT of TOP LEVEL people here at the BBC have suggested the first line should be:

"A Christmassy elf nicknamed Pesto"

in order for it to scan properly.

Thank you.

Eric

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PM Newsletter

2011-12-19T10:48:00.000Z

Hello.

Three things.

1: Starting this Wednesday on PM, a series of interviews for the festive season.

2: This Christmas Eve, iPM (0545 and 17.30) takes Your News to a whole new level. We've taken the sentences sent in by listeners and created something rather special.

3: I can't be bothered to tell you about tonight's PM but wonder if you'd be interested in taking part in a pointless Christmas limerick thing. I'll start us off with the opening line, and you can get your creative juices flowing by suggesting a second line. Tomorrow, Carolyn will choose a winner, thus inviting the third line. And so it will go on until we pass out with excitement.

So here we go:

"A Christmas elf nicknamed Pesto,"

Email your suggested second line to pm@bbc.co.uk. Please put "pointless Christmas limerick thing" in the subject line.

Robert Muir

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Friday's PM Newsletter

2011-12-16T12:44:00.000Z

Hello.

Sorry for the slightly late newsletter. I'm a bit worried I'm the love child of Sir Jimmy Savile.

What happens when you get a French MP (from Mr Sarkozy's party) and a British Eurosceptic MP together to discuss relations between the two countries? Find out in PM at 5.

Also in the programme, the trial of Bradley Manning. We'll hear Christopher Hitchens in his own words. And this week's Previously on PM will be introduced by Larry King. Yes, that Larry King. Oh and we'll have a report on those pandas.

Yesterday, I should have sent a link to THIS Billie Jo Spears song. What was I thinking? Http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6O4BJSZn4og&feature=fvst

See you at 5,

Eric Gingrich

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PM Newsletter

2011-12-15T12:14:00.000Z

Hello.

Have you ever been THIS lost?: http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-2074156/Lost-pensioner-Dennis-Leighton-spends-TWO-DAYS-driving-M25.html?ito=feeds-newsxml

I once got completely lost whilst walking in a fog-bound part of northern Norway. No compass (stupid me), no phone signal to give me a map and fog so thick you could have knitted it. By sheer luck I found my way back to the car, which I'd assumed was in the opposite direction. Can you top that? And is it ever nice to be lost? PM@bbc.co.uk.

In the programme tonight, Hugh Sykes on an important day for Iraq. We'll look at the Westminster government's plan for families. We'll have a look too at Mr Putin's appearance on a TV phone-in.

Not in the programme, but I wanted to mention it, country star Billie Jo Spears has died. Http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/entertainment-arts-16193947
Enjoy one of her hits here: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=18oflu6PLEA

See you at 5,

Eric Parton.

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PM News Letter

2011-12-14T13:27:00.000Z

Hello,

We've just finished watching PMQs. We'd like to talk further tonight about the latest unemployment figures, and the way that women in particular are being affected.
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/business-16175309

Also tonight….. should "no begging zones" be set up in London - it's happening in Paris.

Hugh Sykes reports from Baghdad as American troops prepare to withdraw from Iraq.

We read this on the Press Association this morning:

Journalists and legal commentators no longer have to make an application for
permission to Twitter, text or email from court, the Lord Chief Justice
announced today.

As he handed down new guidance on using laptops and hand-held devices to
communicate directly from courts in England and Wales, Lord Judge told reporters
present: "Twitter as much as you like from today."
We've asked our legal correspondent Clive Coleman to look into this and examine whether, in the age of the internet, twitter and online blogging, the law of contempt of court can remain relevant and enforceable?

And… a butter crisis in Norway - why do Norwegians have to cook 7 Christmas cakes? We provide the answers tonight.

Join us if you can at 5.

Carolyn

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PM Newsletter

2011-12-14T13:16:00.000Z

Hello,

We've just finished watching PMQs. We'd like to talk further tonight about the latest unemployment figures, and the way that women in particular are being affected.

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/business-16175309

Also tonight….. should "no begging zones" be set up in London - it's happening in Paris.

Hugh Sykes reports from Baghdad as American troops prepare to withdraw from Iraq.

We read this on the Press Association this morning:

Journalists and legal commentators no longer have to make an application for
permission to Twitter, text or email from court, the Lord Chief Justice
announced today. As he handed down new guidance on using laptops and hand-held devices to communicate directly from courts in England and Wales, Lord Judge told reporters present: "Twitter as much as you like from today."

We've asked our legal correspondent Clive Coleman to look into this and examine whether, in the age of the internet, twitter and online blogging, the law of contempt of court can remain relevant and enforceable?

And… a butter crisis in Norway - why do Norwegians have to cook 7 Christmas cakes? We provide the answers tonight.

Join us if you can at 5.

Carolyn

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PM Newsletter

2011-12-13T12:51:00.000Z

Hello,
For those of you who require a warning to prepare yourself for Eddie's absence - herewith, said warning. Like Santa Claus he has to spend a lot of time preparing all those gifts to bring you over Christmas. He'll be back later in the week.

So tonight what do we have for you? Professor Brian Cox will be talking to us live - explaining all about the latest BIG thing in particle physics. Scientists at the large hadron collider near Geneva are expected to present preliminary evidence today that the Higgs boson has been glimpsed. I'll obviously ask Prof Cox what it is and why it matters. But what other questions would you like to put to him? Let me know.

Also this evening - the end of Nazi hunting; the latest from the Leveson inquiry and advice on how to regenerate Britain's high streets - from retail expert Mary Portas. She's recommended a series of measures, including the easing of restrictions on traders. Here's the verdict from one emailer to PM - Philip Collie.

"Here's some reasons why I don't care whether "the High Street" survives. I walk up and down my High St to and from work and lunch, ie 4 times a day…
Two pubs stand face to face at one end – the day-long drinkers shouting at passers-by or being questioned by police
Smokers use their trips between shops to foul the air
Charity muggers try to arrest me every day with their fake bon homie
The choice in High St shops is poor and widely dispersed
I never know where to look for anything
The weather during Christmas shopping is foul
No-one stocks trousers for my long legs
The music in shops is uniformly disgusting – especially at Christmas
The shopping traffic makes crossing roads unpleasant
etc
As for the cultural argument – what culture is there in the High St? Busking is all I'm aware of in mine: sometimes enjoyable, but it would not be missed. In the 25 years I've lived in Cheltenham I don't remember there ever being an art gallery in the shopping area of town (the municipal one is outside it). No music venues either (ditto). The theatre is relatively central but hardly attracts shoppers as it operates different hours.

Personally I'd prefer to see all the shops in the town centre closed and do all my shopping online. Then I could walk to and from work in peace and quiet.

It would be more productive to set up mall teams rather than town centre ones: build phones apps so we can find items in shops, encourage buskers, offer some cheaper rental space for smaller providers, put on more family-friendly films during the day, offer interactivity via feedback polls on phones - anyway, not my field, but the point is that people prefer malls – let's make them more attractive: to people like me!"
Philip Collie

Food for thought.
Hear what we do on the subject at 5.
Carolyn

PM Newsletter

2011-12-12T12:27:00.000Z

Hello from PM,

We go to air as the other PM has just explained his Euro-vision* to the House of Commons. We'll sum up this afternoon's debate over Europe, and listen to the main arguments made. We're also interested in the people queuing for the Strangers Gallery today: do they think the UK is at a crossroads?

It's also a busy afternoon at the Leveson Inquiry into hacking. As I type, the former chief reporter of the News Of The World Neville Thurlbeck is giving evidence, and due to legal proceedings, he won't be asked about phone hacking.

Our Correspondent Frank Gardner is meeting the King of Bahrain and the Leader of the Opposition, and we hope to hear from him in the latest effort to take the temperature of the Arab "Spring."

We're looking into claims that the popular Frozen Planet series on BBC TV is in hot waters with some viewers. Scenes of baby polar bears in their nest were filmed in captivity rather than in the wild. (Getting into a polar bear's den, moving the mother bear aside, and pointing a lens at her babes is quite a task.) Whilst it's plain from the programme's website that the team explained they used animals in a "controlled environment" in a German animal park, it's claimed that some viewers would not have known this watching the episode itself.

I'm sitting in for Eddie Mair, and he's much taller than I thought, since I can't reach the keyboard easily and his screen is a long way above me. Quite fitting really.

Please tune in to see what really happens.

Paddy O'Connell

*This is not the same as Eurovision.

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PM Newsletter

2011-12-08T11:44:00.000Z

Hello.

Is it windy with you?

We'll have coverage of the stormy weather which pretty much explains why there's no sun up in the sky. This just in: "FROM MET OFFICE (VIA TWITTER)
Aonach Mor in the Highlands (elevation 1200m) has reported a wind gust of 130 mph. Some lowland gusts now above 70 mph."

There'll be a lot of euro stuff too of course. I've JUST been speaking to a listener who heard our item this week about concrete blocks being thrown onto cars and has quite a tale of his own.

Plus: bendy buses, is it possible to sort out the euro over dinner, and a report from Orla about Sesame Street.

See you at 5,

Eric

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PM Newsletter

2011-12-07T16:21:00.000Z

Hello.

What with one thing and another, this newsletter is rather late. But perhaps it's more exciting. We're very close to transmission - it is 16.13 as I write.

I can tell you Europe is our lead story. Fiona is busy editing an opening sequence of questions from PMQs. Jane Peel will report on a meeting we expect to happen while we are on air, in a tent near St Paul's Cathedral. What's a senior figure from the FSA doing in there?

Plus Barbara Walters appears on PM. I forget who she is talking to.

Jon Manel who's done a lot of work on phone hacking, with news of fresh developments.

Also - a new scheme to make good use of seized counterfeit goods.

And the woman who's campaigning to make it easier to have her husband declared dead.

And if you're still reading - have you noticed how some airlines have different rules on when and whether you should turn off your phone or mobile device on board? We'll talk about that. Feel free to email pm@bbc.co.uk. Our inspiration was this:
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-us-canada-16063586

OK, now it's 1618. I'm off to make-up

Eric

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PM Newsletter

2011-12-05T11:53:00.000Z

Hello.

Please just assume that throughout the week, our programmes will be talking a lot about the euro crisis. That includes tonight.

We'll also look at Afghanistan as interested parties meet in Bonn - ten years after a similar gathering.

The pay gap between the highest and lowest earners in the UK has grown more quickly than in any other high-income country since 1975, according to a report by the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development. We'll debate whether the gap matters.

Plus - have you ever gone into a bookshop, taken the advice of the experts there, browsed for hours, flicked through some pages, perhaps being impressed with the lists of staff recommendations....only to leave the store and buy the book online? You're not alone, it seems: http://mediadecoder.blogs.nytimes.com/2011/12/04/book-shopping-in-stores-then-buying-online/ We'll discuss whether such behaviour is ethical.

See you at 5.

Eric.

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PM News Letter

2011-12-01T12:06:00.000Z

Hello.

An email arrives from a listener:

"The BBC should not aid, abet or disseminate the views of someone advocating the shooting of peaceful protesters. Jeremy Clarkson's pat argument that he should be afforded the freedoms of a satirist is phoney. He exaggerates his rightist view as a way to gain media attention and to normalise and trivialise extremism. Whatever it does, it does not provide fresh air for a reasoned debate. Mr Clarkson should be given the freedom to take his product to the private sphere where his appearance would be less of a disgrace to British people who do not have the freedom to avoid being associated with the BBC."

Our Westminster newsroom just sent this: "The Prime Minister has responded to Jeremy Clarkson's remarks about yesterday's public sector strike. Speaking on " This Morning" on ITV1, Mr Cameron said that it was "a silly thing to say". He then added: "I'm sure he didn't mean it"".

What do you think?

Eric

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Wednesday's newsletter

2011-11-30T11:59:00.000Z

Hello.

I'm wondering what experience you've had in life of strikes. Being on strike...choosing not to go on strike when colleagues have...being an employer whose staff have gone on strike...whatever your experience, if you want to share it, please drop me an email. pm@bbc.co.uk.

At 5, we'll have coverage of the strikes. We have our eye on Egypt's election results and we'll talk to Ms Frostrup about this: http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/celebritynews/8923263/Mariella-Frostrup-accidentally-invites-swingers-with-pampas-grass.html

I have my own theory about this story which I will be putting to her.

Eric Muir.

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PM Newsletter

2011-11-29T12:13:00.000Z

Hello.

Well the autumn statement is here. Full coverage at 5. We'll also listen in to what a former Daily Star reporter has had to say to the Leveson inquiry.

We'll do more on this copy which dropped at 11.22: "OSLO, Nov 29, 2011 (AFP) - Psychiatrists tasked with determining the mental state of Anders Behring Breivik when he carried out twin attacks in Norway have found he was insane at the time of the crime, the VG daily reported Tuesday on its website. If confirmed, this would mean that the rightwing extremist who killed 77 people four months ago cannot be sentenced to prison but must undergo psychiatric care."

We fixed our blog page so computer programme writing should be easier than we made it: http://www.bbc.co.uk/blogs/pm/2011/11/become_a_computer_programmer.shtml

You can still send us a sentence of news about your week for John Craven to read out on Your News this week - ipm@bbc.co.uk.

See you at 5,
Eric Barker.

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PM Newsletter

2011-11-25T12:02:00.000Z

Hello.

Pensions. Would we all be better off just taking all the money out of our pensions and putting every penny into the Euromillions? We'll ask an expert tonight.

Also, Vince Cable on the ideas business people have been putting to us this week about growth (Paul Smith tonight by the way).

Previously will reflect on our discussions about "how long have I got?" and made up swearwords.

And can I make a quick appeal about tomorrow's iPM, at 5.30 on Radio 4. There is a song in it, made up of swearwords sent in by listeners, which I think you might like.

See you at 5,

Eric Fludging Bluck (swear word sent in by Nigel Kendrick)

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PM News Letter

2011-11-24T10:58:00.000Z

Hello.

My ace-reporter colleague Michael Buchanan (he's Scottish you know) has sent me this: "We are looking to find a small business that closed within the past year to profile what happened to each staff member when they were made redundant. If you worked for such a company, or know of someone who did, we'd be grateful if you could get in touch."

If that's you, please email pm@bbc.co.uk and I will let Michael know you rang.

In the programme tonight, much talk of the Leveson inquiry where as I speak Sienna Miller is speaking. We'll talk about the economy, rugby, immigration and goodness knows what else.

Thank you if you've taken the trouble to nominate someone for an iPM New Year's Honour. If you're still having a wee think, this link might help: http://www.bbc.co.uk/blogs/pm/2011/11/ipm_new_year_honour_award.shtml

See you at 5,

Eric

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Wednesday's newsletter

2011-11-23T12:23:00.000Z

Hello.

Do you know someone who merits an iPM New Year's Honour? Http://www.bbc.co.uk/blogs/pm/2011/11/ipm_new_year_honour_award.shtml

In PM tonight, Peter Hunt with extensive coverage from the Leveson inquiry. Peter tweets, you know, http://twitter.com/#!/BBCPeterHunt and will keep you up to date with this afternoon's events, including Kate and Gerry McCann.

What's the difference between a small business and a micro-business? We'll delve into the nest of vipers that is English rugby, and we'll follow up our interview last night about cancer.

See you at 5,

Eric

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Tuesday PM Newsletter

2011-11-22T12:24:00.000Z

Hello.

At 5, Peter Hunt will have radio's most extensive coverage from the Leveson inquiry. Hugh will report from Egypt and I ... well I will be hearing from a woman who wants to change the words of the Austrian National Anthem.

Plus - Thomas Cook. More ideas for making the economy grow, and more on this story about cancer survival: http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/health-15726810. Specifically, a guest who says - well that's all very well but the trouble is the medical profession tend not to tell people who're dying, that they are dying.

We'll see you at 5.

I am now about to have a read of several hundred emails about swearing.

Er*c

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PM Newsletter

2011-11-21T12:27:00.000Z

Hello. Do you like swearing?*

Growth can be scary. When I discovered a growth last year I took myself off to the doctor who advised a hospital check. Thankfully it was nothing to worry about and went away by itself - but you should always check.

In another context, people get excited about growth and in this economy, we're wondering how it can be encouraged. All this week on the programme, we're going to to hear different ideas for getting the economy growing. The first set of ideas is tonight. Why not tune in an see what you think?

It's a big night for another reason - we're launching the 4th Annual iPM New Year's Honours, when you get a chance to put someone you know in the spotlight. Full details with Jen on the programme tonight.

Also at 5 - the Leveson inquiry...Peter Hunt is there. He tweets you know: https://twitter.com/#!/BBCPeterHunt

Hugh Sykes will report from Egypt. We'll talk about fog.

See you at 5,

Eric Fog.

*We are thinking of inventing a brand new swear word. This article in the Daily Telegraph explains how in the eyes of the law, saying the f word to a police officer is not what it was: http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/uknews/law-and-order/8902770/Swearing-at-police-is-not-a-crime-judge-rules.html

So if all the existing swear words are losing their power to shock, we think it's time to invent a brand new one. Please email your new, utterly concocted swear word to pm@bbc.co.uk. Please, don't send compounds of existing words (in the style of Malcolm Tucker) as we obviously won't be able to broadcast them. But creative inventions we love. pm@bbc.co.uk.

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Friday's PM Newsletter

2011-11-18T12:36:00.000Z

Hello,

Can David Cameron turn Angela Merkel's "Nein Nein" into a "ja ja"? We may or may not find out after their meeting in Berlin this morning. We'd also like to get a sense of how eurosceptics here are viewing the Prime Minister's approach...

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-politics-15782854

Another big question this evening - is Iran actually building a nuclear weapon? We ask the UK Governor for the International Atomic Energy Agency.

We've been told to tune in to a Californian Police press conference at about 5.30 this evening. Apparently they know something we don't about the circumstances surrounding the death of the film star Natalie Wood. Some of my younger colleagues round here said "Natalie Who?" but we'll be enlightening them.

We also discussed Welsh sheep and lamas in our meeting earlier - but you'll have to wait to hear which of them make it onto our programme….

bis später

Carolyn

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PM Newsletter

2011-11-17T11:55:00.000Z

Hello.

I thought I'd start with a pause. Please enjoy it. You deserve it.

Northern Rock has been sold. If anything goes wrong in future there will be a run on Virgins.

In our thoughts for tonight: Syria, the revival of prizes, the latest from the Stephen Lawrence murder trial, and we'll be near St Paul's to see whether the demonstrators plan to comply with the legal order they've been given.

Plus: elections in Spain.

See you at 5.

Eric

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Wednesday's PM newsletter- includes a song.

2011-11-16T12:42:00.000Z

Hello.

We have figures today about unemployment and the economic outlook.

In PM we will talk more about those but I don't want to get you down at this stage of the day, so howsabout this instead:

I see trees of green, red roses too
I see them bloom for me and you
And I think to myself what a wonderful world.

I see skies of blue and clouds of white
The bright blessed day, the dark sacred night
And I think to myself what a wonderful world.

The colours of the rainbow so pretty in the sky
Are also on the faces of people going by
I see friends shaking hands saying how do you do
They're really saying I love you.

I hear babies cry, I watch them grow
They'll learn much more than I'll never know
And I think to myself what a wonderful world
Yes I think to myself what a wonderful world.

See you at 5,

Eric Armstrong

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PM Newsletter

2011-11-15T12:34:00.000Z

Hello.

As I write, Brodie Clark is talking to a committee of MPs about his row with Theresa May. Danny Shaw will have ball by ball coverage. I've no idea what that means in this context and yet there it is, I've written it.

Also in the programme tonight, more on this story, on which the Press Association has just filed this copy: "Stephen Lawrence was "swallowed up" by a gang of five youths who stabbed the
black teenager to death in London 18 years ago, the Old Bailey heard today."

Protestors in Wall Street have been cleared away by police: http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-us-canada-15732661

We will listen back to some of the highlights of the careers of Meryl Streep and Margaret Thatcher. We'll listen in to today's debate about fuel prices and Peter Hunt is at the Leveson inquiry and will have more on that for you.

See you at 5,

Eric Kramer

PM Newsletter

2011-11-14T12:14:00.000Z

Hello.

The Conservative MP Patrick Mercer is declining to discuss whether, as claimed, he described David Cameron as a "despicable creature without any redeeming features" (you can read more here: http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-politics-15717336). Have you ever said anything vile about your boss that actually got back to them? Please share: pm@bbc.co.uk.

In the programme tonight, let's hear it for technocrats. We'll have more on the Olympic security story. And we'll bring you an interview with Gabriel Gifford http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-us-canada-14367987.

See you at 5,

Eric

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PM Newsletter

2011-11-11T12:22:00.000Z

Hello.

The Bank of England has held the prison population of England and Wales at 0.5%.

No wait.

Oh I don't know. Bit of a Rick Perry moment. Talking of which:
http://www.cbsnews.com/8301-503544_162-57322932-503544/perry-laughs-off-brain-lock-in-lettermans-top-10/

We'll talk about Italy and Greece. Frank Peachey has written me a letter which suggests things will get better with this:

ELBOW GREECE.

I haven't included it in tonight's Previously on PM as it rather relies on the written word. But still, thank you Frank.

In our editorial meeting there was talk of dogs, caving and China. Tune in tonight to see if any of that makes the cut.

See you at 5

Eric Crystal

Thursday's PM Newsletter

2011-11-10T11:13:00.000Z

Hello,

Has this ever happened to you?

Http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-us-canada-15669242

I don't mean, have you ever taken part in a live TV debate in your quest to become President of the United States of America. I mean, have you (like me) had important words completely slip your mind at crucial moments?

On air once I forgot the name of the then German currency, during an interview about the said currency. I forgot the name of a weather forecaster once, even though he was sitting next to me and had done so twice a show for several years. I now write down the names of all the people in the studio. I am 45 years old.

So if YOU have a cracking tale of forgetting something in the style of Mr Perry, please share it at pm@bbc.co.uk.

How good is James Murdoch's memory? You'll find out at 5, when we also hope to have some Richard Nixon, caving in Cumbria and women singing in public - something which can be controversial.

Eric...er...let me check my notes...........Muir

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Wednesday's PM Newsletter

2011-11-09T13:31:00.000Z

Hello.

It's not been a lot of fun this past hour, reading Lord Carlile's 56 page report on events at Ealing Abbey and St Benedict's School. But the purpose has been to make sure you have the details and recommendations in time for PM and we'll have that for you. We'll have the details. You can read more here: http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-london-15650420

Also in the news as I type, the cost of Italy's bonds. Children are marching through central London. We'll ask why and look at some of the other demos of various kinds that are taking place. I think someone's trying to clog up Trafalgar Square.

We'll tell you whether a Greek government has been formed. We turn up our noses at the Leonardo Da Vinci exhibition in London and tempt you instead with other delights around the UK and we've something thrilling about the Olympics.

Honestly, if I wasn't working at 5, I'd be listening.

Eric

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PM Newsletter

2011-11-08T12:07:00.000Z

Hello.

Yesterday people were queuing up to see a live Justin Bieber. Today they are queuing to see the late Sir Jimmy Savile. I don't think it's the same people.

In PM tonight, who is in that queue? Also, your nightly tour of Eurogloom. We'll be in Italy, with coverage from Alan Johnston and David Willey and we might venture to France depending on their border controls.

Plus, the return of the airship - marvel as our reporter pokes a blimp. And we might well have an interview with a man whose view of the recent Libya crisis was from the inside of a jail. It's quite a tale.

See you at 5,

Justin Muir

PM Newsletter

2011-11-07T12:02:00.000Z

Hello,

As a one-off treat, this newsletter will be mainly about The World at One.

Today, The World at One becomes a 45 minute programme and will include a live interview with Nick Clegg (on the eurozone crisis and what on earth is happening at the UK's borders)…Ai Wei Wei will be talking to Martha about having money thrown into his garden to help pay his tax bill…and Bill Gates will discuss the state of the world economy.

That's the newly extended World at One with Martha Kearney. Radio 4 from 13.00.

In PM with me Eric Muir, I'll be talking to Cleggie from Last of the Summer Wine, Ken Dodd about how he's jealous of Ai Wei Wei and I'll be asking Bill Gates 'seriously, what's the alt gr button for, Bill?'

All that plus Justin Bieber fever, live from five in a specially unextended edition of PM.

Eric Sutton

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PM Newsletter

2011-11-04T13:36:00.000Z

Hello.

Athens and Cannes remain our focus again tonight. We'll also have news of what the Boundary Commission is up to, along with news of who will lead Scotland's Conservatives in future.

Plus Previously on PM, and our special guest tonight Martha "look at my extra 15 minutes" Kearney.

See you at 5.

Eric

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Thursday's PM Newsletter

2011-11-03T12:36:00.000Z

Hello.

JUST in from our man in Athens:

"Greek PM Papandreou will go to the President in next 30 mins to ask that a coalition government be formed"

More on that. Plus the Occupy protests here. We'll look at the sentences handed down to the corrupt cricketers and we'll report from Cannes.

See you at 5,

Eric

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PM Newsletter

2011-11-02T12:19:00.000Z

Hello.

In the programme tonight, more on Greece, the negotiations on public sector pensions and Julian Assange who has failed in his appeal against extradition from the UK to Sweden over allegations of rape and sexual assault.

Among the topics being covered by our reporters:
Andrew Bomford: nuclear waste.
Orla Guerin: drones.

See you at 5,

Eric Papandreou

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PM newsletter

2011-11-01T14:02:00.000Z

Visit the pm blog at http://www.bbc.co.uk/blogs/pm

Hello.

Our plans are a little fluid.

I cannot say what kind of fluid.

Eric

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PM Newsletter

2011-10-31T12:34:00.000Z

Hello.

Sir Jimmy would have been 85 today: http://www.thepoke.co.uk/2011/10/29/my-favourite-jimll-fix-it-request/

World population reaches 7 billion: http://www.guardian.co.uk/world/2011/oct/31/seven-billionth-baby-born-philippines

Jim can't fix it for all those people to be fed. Does the government's chief scientific adviser have some answers? We'll hear from him tonight. We'll also have a live interview with the woman who is the government's riots tsar - though that's not her proper title.

Plus cyber attacks, state-sponsored holidays and possibly something about UNESCO.

See you at 5,

Eric.

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PM News Letter

2011-10-28T12:14:00.000+01:00

Hello,

Executive Pay, match-fixing, the Commonwealth Heads of Government conference in Australia - all on our agenda today. Our political Editor Nick Robinson is sitting down shortly with the Prime Minister to record an interview

We'll be watching for any signs of a verdict from the Joanna Yeates murder trial.

St Pauls opens its doors again at lunchtime - we'll have sounds from there - and commentary on how the Church has handled the situation.

And of course our usual round up of your correspondence to PM.

Eddie's otherwise engaged. It's me tonight. Join us if you can at 5.

Carolyn

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PM Newsletter

2011-10-27T12:10:00.000+01:00

Hello.

"Autumn Thursday" has arrived. At around 10.30 we recorded our annual interview with Alan Power, head gardener at Stourhead in Wiltshire and you can hear it in PM tonight.

To whet your appetite, here are two photos taken less than 24 hours ago at Stourhead: http://www.bbc.co.uk/blogs/pm/2011/10/stourhead_2.shtml

The programme will be almost all about the beautiful autumn colours but if there's time we'll discuss the market reaction to the Euro deal, Pallab Gosh will have news of an interesting scientific development and we may well discuss whether the flu vaccine is all it's cracked up to be.

Some news just in to us: "Serial killer Robert Black has been found guilty at Armagh Crown Court of kidnapping and murdering schoolgirl Jennifer Cardy in August 1981." We'll have more on that.

See you at 5.

Eric

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PM Newsletter

2011-10-26T12:00:00.000+01:00

Hello,

We're keeping our eye on all things Euro-ey. We'll talk about breast cancer, the flashmob at St. Paul's which is due tonight while we're on air and we might have that report I promised you last night, about help for shops affected by the riots.

We could also be talking about how sometimes, on the green economy, you could almost think that George Osborne and Chris Huhne think completely different things.

See you at 5,

Eric

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PM Newsletter

2011-10-25T12:30:00.000+01:00

Hello.

Have you ever walked out of something? A play, film, concert or the like. Around 30 people a night are said to have been walking out of the RSC's production of Marat. I can only remember walking out of the Mel Brooks film "Life Stinks" which made me sad as he is obviously brilliant. All contributions welcome at pm@bbc.co.uk. We may well try to make you walk out of PM tonight.

Also in the programme, the closing stages of the trial of Vincent Tabak.

Andrew Bomford will have a look at where the money went that was promised to shop owners whose premises were damaged during the riots.

And as Colonel Gaddafi is buried at a secret location in the desert...where ARE all the shrines in the world that are a danger to governments?

See you at 5.

Eric Muir

PM Newsletter

2011-10-24T12:52:00.000+01:00

Hello.

I'm afraid there's a three line whip for listening to tonight's PM, so no excuses will be accepted. You have to listen to the whole hour.

The debate in the Commons is due to start around 16.30 and we'll be dropping in on it throughout the hour. We'll report on the Irish Presidential campaign and Colin Blane will have a report that's pure gold.

Two other things: have you a sentence of news about your life? Email it please to iPM@bbc.co.uk and you could be part of this week's Your News bulletin. Did you hear John Simpson read last week's?

And Sir Alex Ferguson spoke of his team's defeat yesterday as their "worst ever day". I've been trying to think of my worst ever day and it's quite an exercise. I can't isolate one that stands out. Can you? Pm@bbc.co.uk. We won't use your name if you don't want us to.

See you at 5. NO exceptions.

Eric

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PM Newsletter

2011-10-21T12:17:00.000+01:00

Hello,

We'll have more Libya-related material tonight. We'll hear more of the evidence from Vincent Tabak. And there's a report on the end of Empire.

Plus - the protests outside St Paul's Cathedral. Should they be allowed to go on? What's the Christian thing to do?

By the way I haven't forgotten my questions of the other day, about children leaving home, and the spare room left behind. Among the responses:

Neil: "Removed the bed and haven't decided what to do next. Only >6 years"

Rachel: "Presumably the people who suggest older couples should move out of family homes into smaller ones are middle-aged parents of teenagers who themselves want to move into family-size homes and would like more of them to be on the market so that the price of them comes down. They probably don't care that the resulting increase in demand for smaller homes would make homes for first time buyers and young families even more expensive and unaffordable. hey ho."

Alan: "Have a couple of spare bedrooms kitted out as guest rooms. One was occupied until recently by my 37 year old son, and had to be fumigated on his departure!!!! Had I left it as it was it would have grown many legs, arms and stings and defended allcomers!!!!"

Baz: "Both of our offspring have long since flown the nest but retain a substantial presence in their erstwhile rooms. You know, vital stuff like A level notes, cuddly toys and clothes that might one day be officially retro. In any case, given their somewhat tenuous grip on the lower rungs of the property ladder, we feel the need to keep the accommodation vacant in case they need it in a hurry."

See you at 5,

Eric

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PM Newsletter

2011-10-20T12:01:00.000+01:00

Hello.

As an undercover police officer, I am often asked: when are you going to reveal your true identity? I mean, you've been getting away with this Eddie Mair nonsense for years...even though it's clear to anyone listening carefully that you're not a proper journalist.

And I say in response: yah boo, you can't catch me. I have prepared a full and detailed report on the shortcomings of this response which I will withdraw shortly before tonight's PM.

Eric Hogan-Why.

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Wednesday's PM Newsletter

2011-10-19T11:47:00.000+01:00

Hello,

We're watching events at Dale Farm, and in the Commons where there will be PMQs and possibly a word or two from Liam Fox.

We'll investigate a Viking discovery...talk about fuel poverty...and ask whether we care more about preserving old stately homes than old factories.

For reasons I won't bore you with, I'm wondering whether you have plans for the room or rooms currently occupied by your children. Will it be a study when they go? Sewing room? Den? Railway Centre?

Or perhaps they have already gone. Did you follow through on your plans for their room, or chicken out and keep it just as they left it?

See you at 5 when we hope some of our technical equipment might work.

Eric

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PM newsletter

2011-10-18T12:36:00.000+01:00

Hello.

Inflation is up. Gilad Shalit is out. Two Facebook rioters are not.

Have you had fish nibble at your feet? Does it worry you? The Health Protection Agency says people with weak immune systems or underlying medical conditions are at increased risk of infection from fish pedicures.

The latest copy of The Army Journal arrived at my desk this morning. Last published in November 2009, the front cover promises an article inside by "Rt Hon Dr Liam Fox MP Secretary of State for Defence" entitled: "The Challenge of Change".

Eric Bestman

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PM Newsletter

2011-10-17T12:54:00.000+01:00

Hello,

I'd like to lobby you to listen to tonight's PM. There might be something in it for you. There might not. Obviously I can't say in writing. But we both know each other. You know what I'm saying.

Nudge nudge.

Actually, we have a report on the government's "nudge unit" tonight. I don't think it's actually called that - unless it's in the Ministry for Silly Walks. Becky Milligan will report.

We might well debate how easy it would be for the UK to leave the EU. And we'll hear from a passenger who spent nine hours on an Air India jet which didn't take off.

See you at 5.

Eric

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Friday's PM Newsletter

2011-10-14T12:11:00.000+01:00

Hello,

Amid a slew of fresh allegations, we'll have your Fox News update. Plus Frank Gardner on Bahrain. We'll have news of plans for a jockeys' strike on Monday in protest at controversial new whip rules introduced this week. I have just sent a letter to Oliver Letwin and we have people standing next to bins at various parks in London to see how long it takes to get there. This being Friday we'll have Previously on PM.

Sorry about the double send yesterday.

Eric

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PM Newsletter

2011-10-13T13:16:00.000+01:00

Hello.

We're on the lookout for someone who has suffered more than just inconvenience as a result of the Blackberry Crisis. Is that you? If so, drop me an email at pm@bbc.co.uk. Maybe your Blackberry has died and it's made you happier. Again - pm@bbc.co.uk. Maybe you only eat blackberries. Blackberries and nothing else. Please email your doctor directly.

We'll be talking about pensions, the art market, Welsh rugby and Jeremy Clarkson tonight.

I hope you'll be able to join me. 5 o'clock prompt.

Dr Eric Fox.

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PM Newsletter

2011-10-13T12:03:00.000+01:00

Hello.

We'll be talking about pensions, the art market, Welsh rugby and Jeremy Clarkson tonight.

I hope you'll be able to join me. 5 o'clock prompt.

Dr Eric Fox.

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Wednesday's Newsletter

2011-10-12T13:00:00.000+01:00

Hello,

Unemployment's reached its highest level for 17 years. Just watching the Prime Minister and Labour leader jousting over it at PMQs. We'll be hearing from young people who are trying to find jobs, from the union boss who says the government should be doing more to create them, and we're asking for a Government minister to respond. Watch this space.

Also- the NHS, the editor of the Daily Mail firing broadsides against what he called "hypocrisy in the political class", reaction to the impending release of Gilad Shalit, and what's going on at Blackberry?

Also, are you a "housewife" if you're a woman not going out to work? A "stay at home mum?" Or do you defy definition? We want to discuss it later. We have the Oxo mum on standby.

Join us if you can at 5.

Carolyn

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PM Newsletter Tuesday

2011-10-11T13:53:00.000+01:00

Visit the pm blog at http://www.bbc.co.uk/blogs/pm

Hello,

What could today's song about the Defence Secretary be? Yesterday it was Fox on the Run. Today? Your suggestions please…

We'll be hearing more about the inquiry into Liam Fox and the questions that continue to be asked about his friend, Adam Werrity.

The Government's Health and Social Care Bill which would change the way the NHS is run in England is being discussed in the Lords. Many peers aren't happy with it - and intend to say so. We'll be listening to the debate and we've asked for an interview with the Health Secretary Andrew Lansley.

The Institute for Fiscal Studies says its research suggests most people are going to get poorer over the next three years. We hear some personal stories from our listeners who think they will be affected.

And among our other items this evening - Andrew Bomford's second report into the rehabilitation of offenders. Tonight he talks to a prisoner now coping with life on the outside. And after our discussion last night of the long term prospects for Long Wave here in the UK, we're trying to find out how other longwave broadcasters in other countries cope.

More work in progress
Join us at 5,

Carolyn

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PM Newsletter

2011-10-10T12:30:00.000+01:00

Hello,

I have Sweet's "Fox on the Run" on my brain as I sit in Eddie's chair today. The Fox in question - Liam, Defence Sec - will in fact be running towards the fire today - as he takes questions in the Commons at 2.30 and then makes a statement at 3.30. We'll be watching . At issue -- whether Liam Fox's personal loyalties to his friend Adam Werrity breached national security protocols. The Prime Minister we're told "absolutely" has full confidence in his Defence Secretary…

Also tonight -
The Archbishop of Canterbury, Dr Rowan Williams is in Zimbabwe. He's scheduled to meet Robert Mugabe at 2pm
We'll get the latest from Cairo where the Egyptian Prime Minister has called an emergency cabinet meeting after the worst outbreak of violence since President Mubarak was overthrown in February.
We'll be stepping onto a carpet of fun in Blackpool
And asking….is it safe to shake hands? How else could we greet each other - maybe nose-rubbing is your thing, but what other options are there ?

Join us if you can at 5

Carolyn

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PM Newsletter

2011-10-06T13:45:00.000+01:00

Hello,

Exciting news and you're hearing it first here.

Robert Peston will be reading our Your News bulletin on iPM this week.

So if you have a sentence of news about your week, send it soon please to: iPM@bbc.co.uk.

Eric Lake and Palmer.

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PM Newsletter

2011-10-06T12:24:00.000+01:00

Hello,

The Bank of England is pumping 75 billion pounds into the BBC. No wait, let me read my notes again.

The Swedish poet Tomas Transtromer has won the 2011 Nobel Prize in literature. Me neither but by five o'clock I will.

I will not be running for the US Presidency but I may be running in the 2012 Olympics since they seem ready to overlook the fact I'm a dope.

Oh and we'll have an episode of "Are You Being Deported?" starring Theresa May as Mrs Slocombe, Kenneth Clarke as Ernest Grainger and David Cameron as Captain Peacock. Here's a flavour:

Mrs Slocombe (rushing down stairs to sign in): "Sorry I'm late Captain Peacock"
Captain Peacock: "I wish you'd try to be on time. We're all in this together, you know, Mrs Slocombe. We're British. Wouldn't you agree Ernest?"
Mr Grainger: "Yes, Stephen I would. I'm not sure we would have got through the war if everyone turned up late."
Mrs Slocombe: "I'll have you know that I have a very good excuse. When I was leaving home this morning, someone tried to deport my pussy."
Mr Grainger: "Honestly, Stephen, I'm sick of these laughable child-like excuses. Would you please decide whose side you're on. Her or mine?"

See you at 5, when I'll be talking live to the BBC Director General Mark Thompson about how many repeats of Are You Being Served we'll be shown, what with all the cuts.

Eric

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PM Newsletter

2011-10-05T11:47:00.000+01:00

Hello,

David Cameron is offering to pay off your credit card bill. I've only had a cursory glance at the papers but I think that's the thrust of it. Carolyn will have full coverage of his conference speech for you at 5.

Phil Mercer will report from post-'quake New Zealand. We'll have the final PM Conference of the Night and we'll ask - would The Simpsons be the same/better/worse with different voice artistes?http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/entertainment-arts-15179431

Also in the programme, Robert Peston.

Yours in despair,

Eric

PM Newsletter

2011-10-03T12:54:00.000+01:00

Hello,

The Conservative Party Conference is in full swing and Carolyn will report from there tonight, possibly from next to another racetrack. Who knows? Tune in to find out.

We'll keep our eye on events related to Greece. We're hoping to talk to someone Danish about this new saturated fat tax of theirs. Obviously we have put in calls to Sandi Toksvig, the woman off The Killing and someone from the bacon people.

Pallab Gosh has news of an enormous telescope. And we'll listen in as Amanda Knox makes the case for her freedom, in an Italian courtroom.

See you on the ice at 5,

Eric Muir

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PM Newsletter

2011-09-30T12:27:00.000+01:00

Hello,

This just in (at 1208) from Reuters:

SLOVAK GOVT SPOX SAYS PM RADICOVA HELD ONE-ON-ONE MEETING WITH GERMANY'S MERKEL IN POLAND, NO DETAILS AVAILABLE
MORE

I have no idea either.

How hot is it with you? Are you watching the mercury rise? Is that rude? Let me know. I'm at a loose end. pm@bbc.co.uk.

Also in the programme: US-born radical Islamist cleric and suspected al-Qaeda leader Anwar al-Awlaki has been killed in Yemen, reports say.

Bins to be emptied weekly, reports say.

Ali Dizaei re-instated at the Metropolitan police, reports say.

Old jokes sometimes begin I say I say I say, reports say.

SHAMELESS PLUG:

http://www.bbc.co.uk/radio4extra/

See you on the ice at 5. And tomorrow at 0545 for iPM ( I think you will like our listener, Jane Mallion )....and on Radio 4 Extra tomorrow all day, it seems.

Eric Chutney.

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PM Newsletter

2011-09-29T13:32:00.000+01:00

Hello.

Germany's Parliament has approved new powers for the EU's main bailout fund. It's something like a squillion euro. They've also asked me to tell you - just you - that as they were writing such a huge cheque, they've tacked on a payment that will clear all your credit cards and loans. Watch the post.

Plus - what about this weather, eh?

We'll have the PM Conference of the Night and your friend and mine has a report on forensic science. Clive Coleman is standing by with something on privacy and we'll have some live Beethoven. That's unrelated to developments in forensic science, by the way.

See you at 5,

Eric

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PM Newsletter

2011-09-28T13:19:00.000+01:00

Visit the pm blog at http://www.bbc.co.uk/blogs/pm

Hello.

On our minds tonight, this: http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-york-north-yorkshire-15086126

This: http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/health-15082763

And this: http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-us-canada-15085289

See you at 5,

Eric Muir

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Tuesday's PM Newsletter

2011-09-27T12:29:00.000+01:00

Hello.

I have a question for you about cancer - which I'll get to at the end.

In the programme tonight, it's leader's speech day at the Labour party conference. Carolyn will be listening in and will talk afterwards to Hilary Benn.

We'll look more closely at the job losses at BAE systems - mentioned on the programme last night and confirmed today.

Also - what happens if you're confined to Broadmoor but feel you shouldn't be? Today, journalists are being allowed in to see the appeals process that takes place. Our own Andrew Bomford will report on that.

Plus - are there too many ads in Downton ... the PM conference of the night ... and what October foods should we be throwing on the barbecue since it seems the sun is about to come out.

That cancer question I mentioned relates to this story: http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/health-15032862 . There's Daily Mail coverage here: http://www.dailymail.co.uk/health/article-2042172/Dont-terminal-cancer-patients-drugs-just-prolong-lives-say-experts.html As you'll see it's multi-faceted but I particularly wanted to ask your experience of life-extending cancer drugs. I suspect that among our subscribers, there will be people who have watched loved ones take such drugs. If that's you, I wonder in the light of your experience (and today's stories) what you think? Of course this is personal stuff and if you didn't want us to use your name on air, we wouldn't.

Best wishes

Eric Muir

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Monday's PM newsletter

2011-09-26T12:14:00.000+01:00

Hello.

Ed Balls is due to speak any moment now. We'll tell you what he said. Also in the programme, what do women in Saudi Arabia make of their forthcoming opportunity to vote?

Plus, news from Syria and the PM conference of the night.

See you at 5,

Eric Muir

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PM newsletter

2011-09-23T11:59:00.000+01:00

Hello.

Tonight at 5: Gloom gloom gloom, Jonty Gloom gloom gloom.

Oh and Previously on PM.

Eric

PM Newsletter

2011-09-22T12:23:00.000+01:00

Hello.

Putting the grate into Britain - tonight's PM.

We'll ask who is completely and utterly to blame/thank for PFI. Is it you?

We'll take a look at David Cameron's speech to the UN tonight. It's due to start at 17.45 BST. If by any chance the person doing the speech before him is reading this, could you please think about our timings and keep it short? Nobody likes a windbag.

Having said that, let me go on a bit more. We have a report which at the moment has these words as its introduction:

"More and more women are serving in the US military than ever before - 14.5 per cent, and rising - and female soldiers are experiencing the horrors of war just like the men. As women come back from the battlefield, they too must cope with post traumatic stress disorder - with the added burden of motherhood. The BBC's Laura Trevelyan reports from California."

Hugh will have the second of his reports on Iran. And we'll have the PM Conference of the Night.

By the way, in iPM on Saturday an interview that will resonate if you've ever been the victim of an email scam.

I mean a real email scam, not a fake one like this.

Eric

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PM Newsletter

2011-09-21T12:22:00.000+01:00

Hello.

Nick Clegg is preparing to make his speech to the Liberal Democrat conference. Carolyn is standing by and will tell you what he said, what it means and how it can be made into a paper plane*.

Hugh Sykes will have a report on Iran. Allan Little will be in Libya. Kevin Connolly will report on the Palestinian effort at the UN to become a state.

Plus, the latest Conference of the Night.

See you at 5,

Eric Conference.

*if you have a paper copy of the speech. Do not try this if you only hear the speech on the radio.

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PM newsletter

2011-09-20T13:18:00.000+01:00

Visit the pm blog at http://www.bbc.co.uk/blogs/pm

Hello.

We'll look at the state of the Euro, and hear what the UNHCR has to say about Syria. Carolyn will have the latest from the Liberal Democrat conference including an interview with Vince Cable. We may well hear from an Olympian, too.

That's how it's looking at the moment.

Eric.

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PM Newsletter

2011-09-19T13:24:00.000+01:00

Hello.

In the programme tonight we'll update you on events at Dale Farm. If you want to know what's happening at Bridge Farm, can I recommend The Archers at 14.02?

Carolyn is standing by with coverage from the Liberal Democrat conference. Are you having a conference this week? Is it worth us putting on the radio? Feel free to email me: pm@bbc.co.uk. I can't promise you'll get on but we are seeking to broaden our conference coverage.

Ginger McCain, trainer of the legendary Grand National winner Red Rum, has died at the age of 80. We'll reflect on his life.

With Palestinian officials trying to get Palestine admitted to the UN as a full member state, PM's John Sudworth will look at those countries which don't quite exist.

See you at 5.

Eric

Friday's PM newsletter

2011-09-16T12:24:00.000+01:00

Hello.

We're watching events at the mine very closely and will report from there at 5.

We'll also hear from Libya and Syria, and get a thoughtful assessment of just what on earth is happening in the Eurozone. Jonty is relaxing at home with a wet cloth on his head.

Plus, Previously on PM and the answer to the question on all our minds - what IS the oldest product at the back of our listeners' cupboards?

See you at 5,

Eric

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News Letter

2011-09-15T12:26:00.000+01:00

Hello.

Honestly - do you have some ancient jars at the back of your fridge or storage cupboard? You know, secretly, that there's no chance you would ever eat the contents, but throwing them out is one of those jobs you put off.

Well now we have this new advice from the Food Standards Agency about food labels: http://www.food.gov.uk/news/newsarchive/2011/sep/datelabels

In the programme tonight we're going to try to find the UK's most out of date food item. Please search your cupboard...right to the darkest recesses...and then email me with the details. We don't have to use your name. We will also have a food expert on hand to answer your "sell-by/use-by/can I eat this yoghurt it smells funny?" sort of questions. PM@bbc.co.uk

Also tonight, David Cameron in Tripoli. Police in London have arrested a man over allegations of unauthorised trading which has cost the Swiss banking group UBS an estimated 1.3 billion pounds. Plus Donald Trump, Michael Buchanan reports on the Criminal Injuries Compensation Authority, and we'll update you on the Euro.

Now. Really. Check that cupboard and email me.

Fanny Muir.

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PM Newsletter - Yes We're Early

2011-09-14T10:03:00.000+01:00

Hello, I'm Jackie Onassis Bouvier F'tang F'tang O-lay Olay Biscuit Barrel Kennedy.

You may remember me from such Presidencies as Jack Kennedy's and from marrying one of the people above.

People often ask me - why, since you specified that you didn't want that interview broadcast until 50 years after your death, did your family ignore your wishes?

And my good friend Eric Muir at Radio 4's PM wants to know whether YOU have ignored the wishes of a now-dead loved one. Or have you gone out of your way to observe their desires, no matter how outlandish/stupid/expensive?

Please email him at pm@bbc.co.uk.

He says that you can share personal stuff because, if you wish, he will not broadcast your name.

By the way, did you have any idea before last night's PM that I sounded so much like that Marilyn Monroe?

And now I have to go. I will leave you with my Monroe-esque rendition of Happy Birthday, dedicated to Morten Harket out of A-ha, who is 52 today.

Happy Birthday to you
Happy Birthday to you,
Happy Birthday Mr President of Norway,
Happy Birthday to you.

Jacks
x

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Tuesday's PM Newsletter

2011-09-13T11:48:00.000+01:00

Hello,

At the moment our main focus is on bomb and gun attacks on the US embassy and Nato's Isaf headquarters in Kabul.

We'll also watch events in Kenya as police look for Judith Tebbutt. The Labour leader has been speaking to the TUC. David Shukman has been inside the exclusion zone at the Fukushima nuclear plant in Japan. He'll have a report.

Plus, the exclusive story of how David Walliams has returned to the Thames and is now half way to Holland.

See you at 5.

Eric

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PM Newsletter

2011-09-12T12:21:00.000+01:00

Hello.

How's your weather? Hope it's not too stormy but of course that is the prediction.

In the programme tonight, we might have the name of the new head of the Metropolitan Police. David Walliams is expected to come to the end of his big swim. And we will talk about how the Westminster Parliamentary boundaries might look. In all likelihood, still quite squiggly but the squiggles will be in different places.

We'll report on the Prime Minister's visit to Moscow. Oh and has the taste of HP sauce changed for the worse?

See you at 5,

Eric

PM Newsletter

2011-09-09T13:39:00.000+01:00

Hello,

There'll be no change in the government's economic strategy, says the Chancellor George Osborne. The IMF head Christine Lagarde says the government should be ready to change course if conditions worsen.
Who's right?
G7 finance ministers are meeting in Marseilles - the day after the OECD downgraded its global growth forecasts.
That's the background. How are countries going to respond? And can George Osborne stick to his current course? We'll discuss later.

Other stories we're pursuing:
The London teacher who's become Deputy Prime Minister of Somalia
The singing dog that's been awarded a a busking permit.

Definites:
The second of Hugh Sykes' reports to mark the tenth anniversary of the September 11th attacks in New York.
Our weekly roundup of your correspondence to the programme.
Reports from UKIP, Plaid and Green Party conferences.

All of this to be padded out later, at 5. Join us if you can.

Carolyn

PM News Letter

2011-09-08T12:27:00.000+01:00

Hello,

The findings of the Iraq abuse inquiry will lead our programme tonight. In the words of the man conducting it, Sir William Cage, Baha Moussa who died in British custody in Iraq in 2003, suffered "serious gratuitous violence" and 93 external injuries. Sir William said a number of British soldiers bore "a heavy responsibility" for the tragedy. Full coverage on PM tonight of the findings of the inquiry - and a response from Chief of General Staff.

Also tonight - we ask whether the Archbishop of Canterbury should go to Zimbabwe to meet President Mugabe. And how should police tackle riot situations in future? (The Home Secretary's been talking about the august riots at the Home Affairs select committee).

More 9/11 recollections - Hugh Sykes catches up with people he spoke to in the United States in the aftermath of the Twin towers tragedy.

And what do you think of news that the government is lifting the ban on gay men giving blood in England, Wales and Scotland? They'll be expected not to have had sex for a year before donating blood. The ban was introduced in the early 1980s because of fears about HIV and AIDS. We'll be discussing it later.

Join us if you can at 5,

Carolyn

Wednesday's Pm newsletter

2011-09-07T12:32:00.000+01:00

Hello,

We're watching PMQs at the moment - who knows what might come out of it. But if there's good material, we'll bring it to you. Promise.

Otherwise tonight….

Should the 50p top rate of tax be scrapped? Is it threatening entrepreneurship in Britain? We'll extract the arguments for and against.

We hear from the man who led the team of grief counsellors trying to help British people seeking out their loved ones after the 9/11 attacks.

A new version of Wuthering Heights is nearly upon us, and in this one, Heathcliff is black. Bronte described Heathcliff as resembling "a dark-skinned gipsy by aspect" or "a Spanish castaway". We take the opportunity to ask why it is we love a good Wuther, and to listen again to some the best bits.

And Jonty Gloom brings us up to date with euro finance news. To musical accompaniment.

Join us at 5 if you can,

Carolyn

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