On air: Local jobs for local people?

It’s a familiar theme, but it makes it no less pressing for a lot of you. Workers in the UK are furious that companies are bringing in staff from elsewhere in the EU. When we were in Florida last week we heard frustrations that Mexicans are ‘taking jobs from us’. Many South Africans have expressed frustration on the show that other Africans take ‘South African jobs’.

Talking Points 30 January

Strikes in Europe

Despite yesterday’s largest demonstrations in France for over a decade, the French government are continuing with their plans for economic recovery.

On air: Can Obama heal the rift with Iran?

Vigorous diplomacy, direct talks, an extended hand to an unclenched fist and now a letter to Iran. All of these are concrete signs that the Obama administration is adopting a completely different approach to the Islamic Republic than that of his predecessor.

On air: Should the families of victims of conflict receive compensation?

There’s been angry scenes and protests in Belfast in Northern Ireland today. A government-sponsored commission has recommended that the families of all of the 3,700 people who died in the three decades long Troubles, should receive a one-off payment of $17,000 as ‘recognition’ of their loss. The idea has been slammed by many politicians and victims’ relatives. Read one of their stories here.

Stories from victims’ families

We’ll be speaking to John Burns and his sister Patricia on today’s program, John sent me his family’s story:

Talking points 28 January

Despite welcoming the change of tone in US foreign policy towards Iran, Iran’s president demanded an apology for past US “crimes” committed against Iran.

On air: Baby blessing?

I’m sure most of you will have read the amazing story of the American woman who gave birth to octuplets. She’s only the second woman in the US who’s known to have given birth to eight living babies – six boys and two girls, who’re all said to be doing well.

Many of you may have had the same reaction as me and the rest of the WHYS team: sheer amazement at the number of the babies … and wondering what it would be like for the mother (and the father and babies as they grow up).

On air: Does an aid appeal for Gaza undermine impartiality?

The BBC is under growing pressure to air a Disaster Emergency Committee (DEC) charity appeal for aid to Gaza after other channels agreed to broadcast it. Caroline Thompson, the cheif operating officer at the BBC , will be on the first half of the program today to take your questions.

Talking Points 26 January

Arrogant Obama?
The Vatican has fallen out with President Obama just days after his inauguration over lifting the ban on state funding for family-planning groups which facilitate abortions overseas.

A case of not in my backyard for Guantanamo detainees?

President Obama was quick to announce the closure of Guantanamo last week but the question is now what to do with the inmates. Many European countries have been arguing for years the camp should be closed but some are now refusing to accept any former prisoners. A case of not in my backyard? Should EU countries take them in?