Schedule
Early
00:00
Midnight News—05/02/2026
National and international news from BBC Radio 4
00:30
Constable's Year by Susan Owens—Episode 3: Summer
3/5The story of how John Constable’s relationship with the seasons shaped his life and art.
00:48
Shipping Forecast—05/02/2026
The latest weather reports and forecasts for UK shipping
01:00
Selection of BBC World Service Programmes—05/02/2026
A selection of BBC World Service news and current affairs, arts and science programmes.
05:00
News Summary—05/02/2026
National and international news from BBC Radio 4
05:04
Yesterday in Parliament—05/02/2026
Alicia McCarthy reports on a tense Prime Minister's Questions.
05:34
Shipping Forecast—05/02/2026
The latest weather reports and forecasts for UK shipping
05:43
Prayer for the Day—Pompeii speaks of humility before nature’s power and the preciousness of now.
A spiritual comment and prayer to start the day with Michael Kelly.
05:45
Farming Today—05/02/26 EFRA Committee report on EU/UK agri-food trade deal, seed science, starting out in agriculture
MPs call for a 'national conversation' on EU/UK agri-food trade agreement.
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Morning
06:00
Today—05/02/2026
News and current affairs, including Sports Desk, Weather and Thought for the Day.
09:00
In Our Time—Henry IV Part 1
Shakespeare's powerful exploration of power and succession with Hotspur, Hal and Falstaff.
09:45
Strong Message Here—You've Let Your Country Down (with Emily Maitlis)
Emily Maitlis joins Armando to pore through the language of the Epstein Files.
10:00
Woman's Hour—Cervical cancer testing, Imogen Poots, Syria and women, Janet Jackson play
A period blood test could offer a less invasive alternative to cervical screening.
11:00
This Cultural Life—Imogen Cooper
Pianist Dame Imogen Cooper reveals her formative cultural influences and experiences.
11:45
Constable's Year by Susan Owens—Episode 4: Autumn
4/5The story of how John Constable’s relationship with the seasons shaped his life and art.
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Afternoon
12:00
News Summary—05/02/2026
The latest national and international news from BBC Radio 4.
12:04
The Bottom Line—Dynamic Pricing: Who Profits?
How do businesses use it, and how much does it benefit the customer?
12:32
Sliced Bread—VPNs
Do you really need a VPN?
12:57
Weather—05/02/2026
The latest weather forecast
13:00
World at One—Prime minister apologises for Mandelson appointment
Keir Starmer vows he will continue as prime minister following Mandelson scandal.
13:45
In Detail...—Sanctuary: An Act of Defiance, Episode 4
A man begs for Sanctuary in a church. The vicar protects him, defying the government.
14:00
The Archers—04/02/2026
George makes his feelings clear.
14:15
Drama on 4—Wild Woman of the North
A family tries to get back to a simpler way of life.
15:00
Ramblings—Terminal Hillness in the north Lakes
Clare joins Ian Teasdale in the Lakes for a very personal walk.
15:27
Radio 4 Appeal—Radio 4 Appeal Fund
Charlotte Smith makes the Radio 4 Appeal on behalf of the Radio 4 Appeal Fund.
15:30
Word of Mouth—Vincentian Creole
Michael Rosen talks to linguist Teddy Mack about Vincy, a language spoken on St Vincent.
16:00
Rethink—Rethink... authenticity
Is authenticity in the modern age in the eye of the beholder?
16:30
BBC Inside Science—Where do forever chemicals come from?
New research on how forever chemicals get into our environment.
17:00
PM—Sir Keir Starmer apologises to Epstein victims
The prime minister apologises to Epstein victims for appointing Peter Mandelson.
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Evening
18:00
Six O'Clock News—Sir Keir Starmer apologises for appointing Lord Mandelson as ambassador to the US
The prime minister has apologised to victims of Jeffrey Epstein
18:30
Stand-Up Specials—Finlay Christie Is Younger Than You
Finlay Christie on why Gen Z are the worst and also the best generation to save the world.
19:00
The Archers—05/02/2026
Emotions run high for the Gordon family.
19:15
Front Row—Review: Mark Haddon's memoir - Leaving Home, Twinless film, Mackenzie Crook's Small Prophets
Review: Mark Haddon - Leaving Home, Twinless film, Mackenzie Crook's Small Prophets
20:00
When It Hits the Fan—Are Andrew and Mandelson Beyond the Fan?
David Yelland and Simon Lewis look at reputational black holes.
20:15
The Media Show—Tina Brown on the latest Epstein files, the boundaries of behind-the-scenes access in sport, reporting on a rocket launch
The Epstein files, cameras in sport, and why covering space launches is so unpredictable.
21:00
Loose Ends—Marcus Brigstocke, Ashley Storrie, Louise Welsh, Stuart Maconie, Rum Ragged, Hen Hoose Collective
Stuart Maconie is in Glasgow for folk and world music festival Celtic Connections.
21:45
Strong Message Here—You've Let Your Country Down (with Emily Maitlis)
Emily Maitlis joins Armando to pore through the language of the Epstein Files.
22:00
The World Tonight—How safe is Sir Keir Starmer tonight?
More Labour MPs question the prime minister's judgement
22:45
The White Lady of Morecambe by Jenn Ashworth—4. The Burning Tide
4/5Julie Hesmondhalgh continues Jenn Ashworth's ghost story, set in the near future.
23:00
Radical with Amol Rajan—Social Media Bans: Are We at a Global Turning Point? (Jonathan Haidt)
Jonathan Haidt, author of The Anxious Generation, on how to go smartphone free.
23:30
Today in Parliament—05/02/2026
Alicia McCarthy reports as pressure grows on Ministers over the Mandelson scandal.
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Late
00:00
Midnight News—06/02/2026
National and international news from BBC Radio 4
00:30
Constable's Year by Susan Owens—Episode 4: Autumn
4/5The story of how John Constable’s relationship with the seasons shaped his life and art.
00:48
Shipping Forecast—06/02/2026
The latest weather reports and forecasts for UK shipping
01:00
Selection of BBC World Service Programmes—06/02/2026
A selection of BBC World Service news and current affairs, arts and science programmes.
05:00
News Summary—06/02/2026
National and international news from BBC Radio 4
05:04
Yesterday in Parliament—06/02/2026
Susan Hulme reports as MPs discuss England's 10-year cancer strategy
05:34
Shipping Forecast—06/02/2026
The latest weather reports and forecasts for UK shipping
05:43
Prayer for the Day—Technology is both a gift and a challenge
A spiritual comment and prayer to start the day with Michael Kelly.
05:45
Farming Today—06/02/2026 National Farmers' Union of Scotland Annual Conference, seed production, new tenant farmers
The National Farmers' Union of Scotland calls for more funding to improve profitability.
