On this week’s episode, as the funeral of Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei continues, Peter will be looking at the current situation in Iran and then Sarah and Peter will be comparing notes on their Desert Island Discs (Sarah tries unsuccessfully to convince Peter of the charms of Faithless), if the BBC ever come calling…

And the pair pore over our mailbag to chat about dogma in education, Peter’s favourite public debate, the charm of the Boston suburbs and why our politicians are all too human and why we expect too much from them.

On our reading, listening and watch list this week:

Sarah’s Desert Island Choices:

· Mendelssohn concerto in E minor: Yehudi Menuhin with the Berlin Phil (for my father)

· Faithless: insomnia

· Hozier: work song

· Rolling Stones: Sympathy for the devil

· Maria Callas: Vissi d’arte

· Led Zeppelin: Fool in the Rain

· David Bowie: Moonage Daydream

· Pink Floyd: The Great Gig in the Sky

· Book: Dante’s divine comedy, I would spend my time translating it into English

· Luxury: Contact lenses. Although they might be considered a necessity as I’m so blind. In which case, a hot bath.

Peter’s Desert Island Choices:

· Bob Dylan: Tomorrow is a Long Time

· Fairport Convention: Farewell, Farewell

· Purcell: Nymphs and Shepherds

· Purcell: Rondeau

· Gustav Holst: St Paul’s Suite

· George Butterworth: The Banks of Green Willow

· Handel: Solomon

· Beethoven: Seventh Symphony

· Book: A collection of the Sherlock Holmes Short and Long Stories

· Luxury: A Fridge

Please do get in touch, email: Alas@dailymail.co.uk you can leave a comment on Spotify or even send us a voice note on Whatsapp – on 07796 657512, start your message with the word ‘alas’.

Presenters: Sarah Vine & Peter Hitchens

Producer: Philip Wilding

Editor: Chelsey Moore

Production Manager: Vittoria Cecchini

Executive Producer: Jamie East

A Daily Mail production. Seriously Popular

To get in touch email alas@mailonline.co.uk, you can leave a comment on Spotify or even send us a voice note on WhatsApp - on 07796 657512 start your message with the word 'alas'

Presenters: Sarah Vine & Peter Hitchens

Producer: Phillip Wilding

Editor: Chelsey Moore

Production Manager: Vittoria Cecchini

Executive Producer: Jamie East

A Daily Mail production. Seriously Popular

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