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Newscast

BBC Newswww.bbc.co.uk

The BBC's daily news podcast, Newscast dives into the day's biggest news stories so you're never out of your depth.

Newscast picks the brains of BBC News experts so you're ready if someone picks yours, covering the latest news, developments in politics in Westminster and beyond.

Newscast is hosted by trusted politics and news journalists including Adam Fleming, BBC Political Editor Chris Mason, Laura Kuenssberg and Paddy O'Connell.

You can now listen to Newscast on a smart speaker. If you want to listen, just say "Ask BBC Sounds to play Newscast”. It works on most smart speakers.

Catch Newscast seven-days a week and watch on BBC One at 23:40 on Thursday night or later on BBC iPlayer.

GET IN TOUCH: You can join our Newscast online community here: https://bbc.in/newscastdiscord Send us a message or voicenote via WhatsApp to 03301239480 Email Newscast@bbc.co.uk Or use the hashtag #BBCNewscast

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Episodes

The Princess’s Video Message

Today, we look at an update on the recovery of Catherine, Princess of Wales. The Princess of Wales has released a video saying that she has completed chemotherapy treatment for cancer. Adam is joined by BBC royal correspondent Daniela Relph to discuss her health and this new style of royal communication. And, more councils are to be given powers to take control of bus services under a franchising system, but how will it work? And will it create a better service for travellers? Adam speaks to May...

Sep 09, 202436 min

Sir Keir Starmer: The Analysis

​​Today, we’re going through the PM’s first major television interview since getting the job. ​​ He defended his decision to cut winter fuel payments for most pensioners, and said his government is "going to have to be unpopular" to deliver change. ​​ ​​Paddy’s also been talking to the Health Secretary Wes Streeting, who says he’ll call in the private sector to get NHS waiting lists down. ​​ ​​You can now listen to Newscast on a smart speaker. If you want to listen, just say "Ask BBC Sounds to p...

Sep 08, 202430 min

Sir Keir Starmer: The Interview

Sir Keir Starmer has sat down with Laura for his first major TV interview as PM, so as well as it going out on BBC One, we thought we'd put it in you Newscast feed too. She spoke to him on Saturday morning in the Downing Street Cabinet Room. Another Newscast with Henry and Paddy, as usual, follows this one. Enjoy!

Sep 08, 202428 min

Starmer Tells Laura the NHS is Broken

Today, we’re looking at what Keir Starmer has to say about the state of the NHS and its future. Laura sat down with the PM for his first major television interview since getting the job. He told her the previous government ‘broke’ the NHS in ways which were ‘unforgiveable’. She chats it through with Paddy. We'll be dropping the full interview next in your Newscast feed. Plus, they take a look at how big a rebellion could be over winter fuel payment cuts that could affect around 10 million pensio...

Sep 07, 202426 min

Rebel MPs, Leadership Dreams and Parliamentary Pets

Today, we’re recapping a busy first week back in Westminster - and hearing from the Green Party conference in Manchester. Adam is joined by Matt Chorley at the end of his first week on 5 Live to chat about how the Labour government is disciplining potential rebel MPs, the latest dispatch from the Conservative leadership contest and the number of Parliamentary pets he’s spoken to on his show so far. And, Dr Ellie Chowns MP speaks to Adam from the Green Party Conference in Manchester, she explains...

Sep 06, 202434 min

Interview: The First Minister of Wales Eluned Morgan

Today Adam and Chris talk to Eluned Morgan, the new first minister of Wales, about her upbringing at the heart of Welsh politics, the working relationship with a new Westminster government, 20mph speed limits and the tough job of uniting Welsh labour after a tumultuous year. You can now listen to Newscast on a smart speaker. If you want to listen, just say "Ask BBC Sounds to play Newscast”. It works on most smart speakers. You can join our Newscast online community here: https://tinyurl.com/news...

Sep 06, 202438 min

Monsieur Brexit(cast) Returns

Today, we look at Michel Barnier’s surprise selection as French Prime Minister, and a “historic success” for the far-right in Germany. The EU’s former Brexit negotiator, Michel Barnier, has been named as the new French prime minister in a surprise announcement by Emmanuel Macron. But will this finally break the deadlock in Paris? And, Germany’s anti-immigration Alternative for Germany (AfD) has won the election in the eastern state of Thuringia. But how much of a threat are they to the current g...

Sep 05, 202426 min

Grenfell: 72 “Avoidable” Deaths

​​Today we look at the publication of the report into the Grenfell Tower fire. ​​ ​​The chair of the inquiry Sir Martin Moore-Bick concluded all 72 deaths “were all avoidable”. ​​ ​​Adam and Chris speak to Kate Lamble, presenter and producer of the BBC’s Grenfell Tower Inquiry Podcast and BBC London presenter Eddie Nestor. ​​ ​​You can now listen to Newscast on a smart speaker. If you want to listen, just say "Ask BBC Sounds to play Newscast”. It works on most smart speakers. ​​ ​​You can join o...

Sep 04, 202434 min

Is THIS Austerity in Scotland?

Today the Scottish government has confirmed up to £500 million of spending cuts to help balance the books ahead of the autumn statement. Scotland’s Finance Secretary Shona Robinson said financial mismanagement of the previous UK government and continuing Labour austerity are to blame for the pressures. But could the SNP have done more to prevent the cuts? And will there be more to come when the full Scottish budget arrives in December? Adam and Chris are joined by the BBC’s Scotland Editor James...

Sep 03, 202429 min

UK Bans (Some) Arms Sales to Israel

Today we look at what’s on the political agenda as Parliament returns. Adam and Chris discuss the government’s decision to suspend some arms exports to Israel and explore the introduction of a new system for grading schools in England. Plus are the Labour backbenches gearing up for a rebellion? An early day motion has been tabled proposing delaying changes to the Winter Fuel Payment. And, there are growing concerns about violent and hateful content being pushed into the social media feeds of you...

Sep 02, 202434 min

Interview: Former Trump Russia Advisor Fiona Hill

Today we speak to Fiona Hill, senior fellow at the Brookings Institute, former presidential adviser to George W. Bush, Barack Obama and Donald Trump and Labour’s new defence adviser. Fiona Hill was born in Bishop Auckland in County Durham before studying Russian at university and moving to the US. She testified during Trump’s first impeachment trial and is now advising the Labour government on their Strategic Defence Review. You can submit evidence to the Strategic Defence Review here: https://w...

Sep 01, 202457 min

Keir Diary… A Week in the Life of the PM

Today, we relive a week in the life of Keir Starmer. Adam and Paddy are joined by Politics Live presenter Jo Coburn, to discuss the Prime Minister’s movements this week - and what they tell us about the direction he may lead his government in when Parliament returns. What can we expect from October’s budget? Why has Keir Starmer taken aim at smoking areas? And could the Labour government take lessons from Kamala Harris’ presidential campaign? You can now listen to Newscast on a smart speaker. If...

Aug 31, 202430 min

Harris in the Hot Seat

Today, we look at Kamala Harris’ first big interview in her presidential campaign. Why did she wait for so long? Why was her VP pick, Tim Walz also there? Did she impress? Adam speaks to presenter of the Coming Storm podcast, Gabriel Gatehouse, and BBC News’ chief presenter, Caitríona Perry. Plus, the SNP are kicking off the conference season with the big question seeming to be what went wrong for them at the election? Adam is joined by MP Stephen Gethins. You can join our Newscast online commun...

Aug 30, 202439 min

Outdoor Cigs Stubbed Out

Today, we look at the government considering banning smoking outdoors in public places. Sir Keir Starmer says that the government is looking at stopping smoking in pub gardens, outdoor restaurants, outside hospitals and sports grounds. Adam is joined by Newsnight political editor Nick Watt and 5Live presenter Nicky Campbell. And, did you see Oasis at Warwick University in 1993? We want to hear from you! You can now listen to Newscast on a smart speaker. If you want to listen, just say "Ask BBC S...

Aug 29, 202427 min

Brexit Means Reset

Today, Adam dusts off his Brexitcast binders as we look at Keir Starmer’s trip to Berlin and his meeting with German Chancellor Olaf Scholz. Adam chats to Henry about travelling with the prime minister, and what’s in his proposed treaty with Scholz, as well as the snacks he’s been enjoying on the plane. What does Keir Starmer mean when he says ‘reset’? And will a charm offensive with other European leaders follow? And, BBC Europe Editor Katya Adler and Anand Menon, Director of UK in a Changing E...

Aug 28, 202436 min

Starmer Looks Back In Anger

Today, we look at a gloomy warning from Keir Starmer, and the return of Oasis. The PM cast a shadow across the Downing Street Rose Garden this morning, warning that the October budget will be painful. Starmer called on the country to accept short term pain for long term good. But are the new government right to be spending so much time levelling blame on the previous administration? Deputy Political Editor Vicki Young joins Adam. Plus, Liam and Noel Gallagher confirm their Oasis reunion saying “...

Aug 27, 202433 min

Party Conference, Tory Leadership and the Budget Q+A!

Today, it’s a Bank Holiday so we’re answering your questions! Adam is joined by Paddy and Henry to chat through the big events to look out for before the end of the year. And they answer your questions about Rachel Reeves’ first budget, who the ‘teacher’s pet’ of the House of Commons might be and how low turnout at the 2024 election could continue to shape the political landscape. Newscast brings you daily analysis of the latest political news stories from the BBC. It was presented by Adam Flemi...

Aug 26, 202432 min

Interview: Actor and RADA President David Harewood

Today we speak to David Harewood, actor and the President of the Royal Academy of Dramatic Art. David has starred in shows like Homeland and Line of Duty and will soon be appearing in season two of Sherwood. In February 2024 he was appointed President of the Royal Academy of Dramatic Art which he first attended as a student. Adam speaks to David about his role as president, what the recent riots tell us about race in the UK and which role he’d like to play next. You can now listen to Newscast on...

Aug 25, 202441 min

Harris v Trump All Eyes on November

Today, we take a look at the race for the White House, following the conclusion of the Democratic National Convention in Chicago. Did Kamala Harris do enough to connect with the voters this week? Will Trump’s attacks on her work? And what impact will Robert Kennedy JR’s decision to drop out have on the race? You can now listen to Newscast on a smart speaker. If you want to listen, just say "Ask BBC Sounds to play Newscast”. It works on most smart speakers. You can join our Newscast online commun...

Aug 24, 202431 min

Did Kamala Harris pull off the biggest speech of her life?

Kamala Harris closed the DNC with a speech that she hopes will sway voters to the Democrats. The day began with speculation over whether she might be joined on stage by Taylor Swift or Beyoncé. In the end, Harris took to the stage alone and focused on her upbringing and a pitch to America’s middle class. The team assemble on the final night of the convention to analyse whether she did enough to win over the undecided. HOSTS: • Justin Webb, Radio 4 presenter • Sarah Smith, North America editor • ...

Aug 23, 202428 min

Can Celeb Support Sign, Seal, Deliver Election Results?

Today we look at celebrity political endorsements, and whether they make a difference at the polls. At the Democratic National Convention last night, Hollywood stars took to the stage to endorse Kamala Harris for President, but will their support actually change the results of the election? Adam’s joined by Marianna and John Burn-Murdoch, chief data reporter at the Financial Times. And, the first drug to slow the progression of Alzheimer’s will not be available on the NHS in England, with health...

Aug 22, 202435 min

What Do The Riots Tell Us About The Far Right?

Today we look at who was involved in organising the riots across the UK. Adam is joined by Investigations Correspondent Daniel De Simone and Chief Political Correspondent Henry Zeffman to chat about what the riots across the country tells us about the far right. And, what the latest government borrowing figures might mean for Rachel Reeves’ first budget as Chancellor. You can now listen to Newscast on a smart speaker. If you want to listen, just say "Ask BBC Sounds to play Newscast”. It works on...

Aug 21, 202433 min

How Did the Super Yacht Sink?

Today, we look at the rescue operation following the sinking of a luxury yacht off the coast off Sicily. Six people are still missing, including British tech tycoon Mike Lynch, after the Bayesian sank on Monday. Why are rescue divers struggling to reach the yacht’s cabins? What freak weather conditions caused the ship to sink? Mark Lowen, BBC Rome correspondent, joins Adam from Sicily where he’s reporting on the rescue efforts. Katie Prescott, technology business editor at The Times, discusses M...

Aug 20, 202426 min

Harris, Obama and Beyoncé (Maybe) At the DNC

Today, we look at Kamala Harris taking centre stage at the Democratic National Convention, as she is poised to become presidential nominee. With just 11 weeks until the American people go to the polls, Kamala Harris will be nominated as the official Democrat presidential nominee on Thursday at the DNC in Chicago. Will we learn more about Harris’ policies? What will President Biden Say? Could Beyoncé make an appearance? Adam is joined by Americast host Anthony Zurcher and Caitriona Perry, BBC new...

Aug 19, 202429 min

Interview: The First British Astronaut Helen Sharman

Today we speak to the first British astronaut Helen Sharman. Helen went to space in 1991 after responding to a radio advert calling for people to apply to become Britain’s first astronaut. After 18 months of intensive training she spent eight days in space conducting experiments. Adam and Helen talk about living in the Soviet Union at the end of the Cold War, whether humans really will make it to Mars in the next decade, and the Nasa astronauts stuck in space. You can join our Newscast online co...

Aug 18, 202457 min

17/08/2024

Adam Fleming and friends discuss the week's biggest stories.

Aug 17, 202433 min

The Infected Blood Scandal Payouts

Today, we look at the pay-outs to victims of the infected blood scandal. The government has pledged to push ahead with compensation payments from the end of 2024, and announced that victims will receives payments for life. Adam is joined by Nick Thomas-Symonds, Paymaster General, to discuss the scandal and how the government will pay for it. Plus, are there more rail strikes on the way? What about in the health service? Adam speaks to political correspondent Nick Eardley. If you want to listen, ...

Aug 16, 202435 min

University Challenged

Today, thousands of students receive their results from A-level, T-level, BTec Nationals and other Level 3 qualifications. Adam is opening Newscast University for one day only! He’s joined by BBC education editor Branwen Jeffreys, who tells us what today’s results reveal about the state of higher education in the UK. And the World Health Organisation (WHO) has declared an mpox outbreak a public health emergency of international concern. Dr Rosamund Lewis, the technical lead for mpox at the WHO, ...

Aug 15, 202434 min

Is Ukraine's Advance Damaging Putin?

Today, we look at the latest inflation figures and how Russian state media are covering Ukraine’s continuing advance into Russia. James Cook is in for Adam, and he’s joined by political correspondent Alex Forsyth and chief economic correspondent Dharshini David to discuss the rise in the rate of UK inflation. They also talk about the Scottish government’s spending cuts, which include no longer providing winter fuel payments to all pensioners. And Russia editor Steve Rosenberg speaks to James fro...

Aug 14, 202438 min

6 Tory Leadership Candidates

Today, we look at the race to be the next leader of the Conservative Party. Who are the 6 candidates? Who’s backing whom? And why have the Tories introduced a yellow card system? Adam and Alex speak to the Spectator’s political correspondent, James Heale. You can join our Newscast online community here: https://tinyurl.com/newscastcommunityhere Newscast brings you daily analysis of the latest political news stories from the BBC. It was presented by Adam Fleming. It was made by Jack Maclaren with...

Aug 13, 202429 min
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