The World Tonight

A boost for Labour as another Tory MP defects. But with growing disquiet amongst the Labour ranks - could the coup backfire? Also on the programme: University leaders will meet at Downing Street tomorrow to discuss what the prime minister calls an “unacceptable rise in antisemitism” on campuses. We'll speak to a Jewish student leader - and a pro-Palestinian protester who's gone on hunger strike. As Russia's military attache is expelled for spying - what goes on behind the gates of the Russian Embassy in London? And the sperm whale whisperer: we speak to the scientist who's been decoding the sounds from the deep that resemble a human language.

Disquiet in Labour ranks over Natalie Elphicke's defection from the Conservatives.

Airports including Heathrow, Gatwick, Edinburgh, Birmingham, Bristol, Newcastle and Manchester were all hit by a "technical issue" affecting passport control e-gates, causing long queues. The Home Office, which oversees Border Force, said it was working with the agency and affected airports to "resolve the issue as soon as possible and apologise to all passengers for the inconvenience caused." In Rafah, Israel's military operations continue, even as Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu sends a delegation of negotiators to Cairo for a potential ceasefire deal. And to mark the 200th anniversary of the premiere of Beethoven's 9th Symphony, we spoke to BBC Symphony Orchestra composer Sakari Omaro about the thrills and challenges of the piece.

A "technical issue" with passport e-gates is causing long queues at airports nationwide.

The day began with Israel warning civilians in eastern Rafah to flee as they began a long-anticipated military operation in the city in the south of the Gaza Strip. But by day's end some Gazans were celebrating as news reached them that Hamas has accepted a ceasefire deal put forward by Egypt and Qatar. Israel's operation continues though, as Prime Minister Netanyahu says the deal is "far from meeting Israel's demands". Nonetheless, he has sent a delegation to the negotiations. Meanwhile French President Emmanuel Macron has been welcoming his Chinese counterpart, Xi Jinping, for a state visit. The pair discussed tariffs, trade, and the war in Ukraine. And should Wales, a land of song, have its own Eurovision entry? Campaigners have released a possible contender, it's called Anfonaf Angel and is sung by Sara Davies. We speak to her.

As Israel bombards Rafah, Hamas has accepted a ceasefire put forward by Egypt and Qatar

The Conservatives suffered big losses in Thursday's local elections. Labour swept to victory in places like Redditch, Thurrock and Hartlepool, as well as winning the Blackpool South parliamentary by-election. There was some consolation for the Tories in Tees Valley, where Conservative Ben Houchen was returned as mayor. The Kremlin has reacted angrily to Lord Cameron's remark that Ukraine has the right to use British weapons to hit targets inside Russia. And the twisted comedy series that's become a fan favourite, Inside No. 9, is heading to the West End.

Early counts show painful losses in council elections for Rishi Sunak's Conservatives

Polls have closed in the last big test of voter opinion before the general election - and one that may be decisive for the pime minister's immediate future. Experts are here with me in the studio to guide us through what lies ahead. France's moment of reckoning over sexual abuse allegations in its film industry. We speak to the actress who's become the symbol of France's Me Too Movement. And is it time we scrapped audio guides? We discuss with a leading British artist why he thinks they're part of a “terrible” modern scourge messing up the enjoyment of art.

How will the next 36 hours in UK politics play out?

There have been violent clashes between pro-Palestinian demonstrators and counter-protesters at University of California, Los Angeles. Meanwhile hundreds of people were arrested in New York, where students occupied part of Columbia University and demanded the institution cut ties with Israel. Also on the programme: Police in the South Caucasian country of Georgia fired tear gas and stun grenades to quell protests over new legislation that requires organisations with funding from abroad to register as foreign agents - it's been dubbed the "Russia law". And can you ban politicians from lying? Members of the Welsh Senedd think so, and are discussing a law to do just that.

After Humza Yousaf's resignation we ask who is most likely to succeed him as first minister - and what the dramatic development means for Scottish independence - and UK politics. Also on the programme: Anger in Dublin after Rishi Sunak says a rise in asylum claims in Ireland shows the UK government's Rwanda policy is working. And why are more people than ever signing up to run marathons?

The Foreign Office has summoned the Russian Ambassador after two British men were charged with helping Russian intelligence. We explore the potential threat of alleged interference abroad by Moscow. Also on the programme: The King is to return to some public duties - they'll be the first since it was revealed he'd been diagnosed with cancer. Pro-Palestinian demonstrations on university campuses are growing across the United States - and so is the political backlash. A Republican congressman tells us it's time to clamp down harder. And who's to blame when debris from the International Space Station crashes through your roof? We explore the growing problem of space junk.

The future of Scotland's First Minister hangs in the balance as he faces a vote of no-confidence next week. Humza Yousaf ended his power-sharing agreement with the Greens, who will vote to oust him. Also on the programme: Hollywood actor Ashley Judd, who was one of the first women to accuse Harvey Weinstein of sexual harassment, relates her dismay after his 2020 rape conviction in New York was overturned. And we speak to the astrophysicist who's using the James Webb telescope to investigate signs of life on a distant planet.

US President Joe Biden has signed into law a long-awaited military aid package for Ukraine. We assess how quickly the munitions will reach Ukraine - and ask how much of a game-changer they could be on the battlefield. Also on the programme: Thousands of pro-Palestinian student protesters have clashed with police across the US - as demonstrations spread to more college campuses. We're live in New York where the protests began. We speak to Britain’s first qualified astronaut in more than a decade. And politicians and trainers - is it a good look?

The Lords withdraws one amendment to the bill but continues to insist on a monitoring committee to assess the safety of Rwanda. Also on the programme: James Coomarasamy reports from India where Narendra Modi is accused of stoking anti-Muslim sentiment in his election campaign. And rediscover the Welsh hymns side-lined for their searing lyrics.

Also: After months of delay, the U.S. Congress is poised to vote on a crucial military aid package for Ukraine. Polls open in India's general election and should we ban the playing of loud sounds from phones on buses and trains ?

Nicola Sturgeon's husband Peter Murrell has been charged in connection with the embezzlement of SNP funds. We'll assess what this dramatic development means for the party. Also on the programme: A BBC investigation has revealed children with mild blood conditions were enrolled in secret medical trials, without consent. We hear from one of the victims. A Conservative activist who complained about the suspended Tory MP Mark Menzies, allegedly calling her for money in the middle of the night, has told the BBC she is "appalled" by the party's response to the case. We have the latest. And we speak to the couple from Dorset who found a thousand 400-year-old coins when renovating their kitchen - that could now fetch them tens of thousands of pounds at auction.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has told UK Foreign Secretary Lord Cameron that Israel would “make its own decisions” over how to respond to an Iranian attack. Lord Cameron is one of several western foreign ministers who are expected to visit Israel in the coming days as part of a diplomatic drive to prevent an escalation of fighting in the Middle East. We talk to the shadow foreign secretary, David Lammy. Also on the programme: Heavy rain has caused flash flooding in the United Arab Emirates city of Dubai; And should you be allowed to smack your child? We discuss with two experts.

Prime Minister Rishi Sunak’s Tobacco and Vapes Bill passed by 383 votes to 67, despite opposition from several leading Tory figures – we hear from one of them. Also on the programme: The Republican Speaker of the US House of Representatives has a plan to unblock military aid for Ukraine; And the government’s Rwanda Bill has suffered a fresh set of defeats in the House of Lords. We hear the story of one man who made the journey to the UK from Sudan, knowing he could be flown to the east African country if the law changes…