The World Tonight

Turkey, Saudi Arabia and Pakistan have signed a major defence pact in Mecca, saying an attack on one is an attack on all three. A former advisor to Turkey's president tells us what he thinks his country gets out of such an agreement.
Also in the programme: after the London-based head of Google DeepMind decides to step back, what does his move mean for the UK AI sector? We hear the views of the regulars in Soho about Westminster Council's plan to reduce 'vertical drinking', and we remember the life of William Orbit, groundbreaking producer behind the music of Madonna, Blur and U2.

Prevent referrals in England and Wales were up 39% in the year to September 2025. It’s the highest number in a single year since records began in 2015. Where the age is known, 393 referrals were for children under 10, the largest proportion concerned 11 to 15-year-olds at 36%, followed by 16 to 17 year-olds at 13% of referrals. So, are more young people being radicalised, or are more people reporting concerning behaviour?

Also in the programme: Policing powers were stepped up in Thetford on Thursday as the Norfolk market town braced itself for further disorder linked to anti-immigration protests. And despite being banned from football at home, the Afghan women's team reunite 8,000 miles away in New Zealand.

A former neo-Nazi, selected by the Conservatives to contest a council election, withdraws his candidacy
A prominent professor who denied claims of plagiarism has quit his role at Cambridge
Germany's Interior Minister has warned about a "new level of danger" after a drone with an explosive was found at Leipzig airport.
and we speak to the head of a Football Association backing the embattled FIFA President

More than 170 migrants have been rescued after the boat they were using to cross the English Channel caught fire. The boat was attempting to travel to the UK when its engine caught fire, according to the French authorities. We hear from an aid worker about the changing tactics of people smugglers.
Also on the programme: the US primary election that could shape the future of the Democratic Party; and what we can learn from a rocket crashing into the moon.

Heatwave conditions in Europe are due to continue for at least another week, pushing temperatures above 40C in many countries. Rivers have dried up in central Europe and wildfires have forced thousands to evacuate their homes in Greece. We hear from an Italian climate scientist and get advice on travel to the continent.
Also on the programme: the wheelie bin rule prompting fury in Stockport; and a tribute to the late journalist Rod Liddle from his former editor.