The World Tonight

As Keir Starmer prepares to fly to Beijing, can he sell his trip as an economic win - without selling out on human rights?
We hear from a Labour MP - and we visit London's Elephant and Castle neighbourhood, where the links between UK and China are visible - and appear to be growing.

Also on the programme: on Holocaust Memorial Day, we speak to Maurice Blik, the man who became a famous sculptor on the origins of his craft - in a concentration camp.

And.. as MENSA turns eighty - can it stay relevant?

After another US citizen is killed by immigration agents in Minneapolis - will a change of tone from the White House alter the public mood?
We'll speak to the former head of US Customs and Border Protection. Also on the programme: a turbulent 36-hours in British politics as Suella Braverman defects and Andy Burnham is blocked.

So is it a double win for Reform UK?

Keir Starmer has hit back at Donald Trump’s claim that NATO forces stayed away from the front line in Afghanistan, calling it “insulting and frankly appalling”. We hear from an American who served alongside British troops and later became a senior Pentagon official under Trump.
Also on the programme: decision time for Andy Burnham, who has less than 24 hours to decide whether to plot a return to Parliament.
And Minneapolis grinds to a halt as opponents of immigration enforcement raids hold a general strike in the city.

As Moscow says peace talks to end the war in Ukraine have begun, President Zelensky launched a strident attack against his European allies at Davos for being in ‘Greenland mode’ and failing to take action independently of the US. We hear from a correspondent who’s spent time on the front line in the Donbas.
Also on the programme: Westminster is flung into speculation as a Manchester seat is to become vacant, potentially giving Andy Burnham a route back into parliament. And mysterious organisms that dominated the ancient landscape: once thought to be fungi, now scientists at the University of Edinburgh believe they are part of a distinct evolutionary branch of life.

The US President said a "very productive" meeting with the head of NATO has led to the framework of a potential deal covering Greenland and the Arctic regions. We speak to a member of the Greenland parliament and a Republican close to Trump. Also on the programme: the latest on the 'Board of Peace' for Gaza; the UK government announces a cash injection for the arts; driving test cheats; and Mel Brooks's son Max on a new documentary about his father.