Open Space

Research shows there is still much ignorance about the fate of the Jews during the Second World War. The Nazi regime represented an assault not only on the Jews but also on anyone who did not fit the Nazis' racial blueprint. In the US there are over 100 Holocaust museums and research centres. In Britain, despite our unique role in defeating Nazism, there is none. Dr David Cesarani asks whether, at a time when racism, intolerance and fascism are again on the rise, we can afford not to have a Holocaust museum in Britain.

Former Labour leader Michael Foot and his wife Jill Craigie were once regular visitors to the former Yugoslavia. In this documentary, made with the help of their grandson, they call on the leaders of Europe to come to the aid of the stricken country.

Author and academic Alan Sinfield takes a witty and provocative look at Wilde's influence on the 20th century, and argues that the legacy of Wilde is not always helpful to homosexuals. Sinfield recalls that when he was at school, boys who showed interest in other boys were labelled "Oscars". He contends that despite Wilde's trial and what some would call his martyrdom, the lessons learnt have not necessarily made life any easier for gay people. Yet Julian Clary suggests that Wilde opened doors for camp comics such as himself: "He used to say nothing is in bad taste as long as it's funny - which is something I've often quoted when I'm asked about my boundaries of good and bad taste." Other contributors include drag artist Dave Lynn and Chris Smith, MP.

There are those who do not fit comfortably into Britain's collective Second World War memory. As VE Day nears, this programme, made with some of the Second World War's hard-line conscientious objectors, tells of theirexperiences during the war and argues not only that the warwas wrong, but that it was avoidable and should never have been allowed to happen.