Today, we look at the naming of the alleged Chinese spy with links to Prince Andrew. Sources have told the BBC that Prince Andrew will not be at Sandringham with the rest of the Royal Family for Christmas this year after the alleged spy was named as businessman Yang Tengbo. Mr Yang has responded in a statement saying it was “entirely untrue” that he was a spy. Prince Andrew previously said in a statement that he had "ceased all contact" with the Chinese businessman, with all meetings having been...
Dec 16, 2024•34 min
It’s the last weekend edition of Newscast of the year, and the government have decided to do their media round on migration. Laura’s been speaking to the Yvette Cooper, and her Conservative counterpart Chris Philp to find out how the main parties want to tackle the issue. Paddy, and Henry convene to chew through how migration has, and continues to be, a dominant issue in British politics - and how it could shape the future of Westminster. And, as we hurtle towards Christmas, we discuss our favou...
Dec 15, 2024•32 min
In this continental edition, Laura speaks to Paddy from Rome, where she’s been talking to the Home Secretary, Yvette Cooper, who will meet her Italian counterpart for diplomacy on migration. She’s also been asking her about the connection between Prince Andrew and an alleged Chinese spy. The Duke of York’s judgement is being questioned after the government advised him to cease all contact with the enigmatic individual known only to the public as ‘H6’. And the developing situation in Syria has ca...
Dec 14, 2024•25 min
Adam, Chris, Alex and Faisal discuss why sandwiches have become the hot topic in Westminster, what the UK’s future relationship with the EU could look like, and planning reforms. 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/newscastcommunityhere Newscast brings you daily analysis of the latest political news stories from th...
Dec 13, 2024•30 min
Today, NHS England medical director Prof Sir Stephen Powis has said a sharp rise in flu cases “are adding to our 'quad-demic' worries”. What is a quad-demic and how worried is the NHS? Adam is joined by BBC health editor Hugh Pym and Nick Hulme, the Chief Executive of East Suffolk and North Essex NHS Foundation Trust, to discuss the rise in hospital flu cases as well as problems caused by Covid, RSV and Norovirus, and how hospitals will cope with the strain. Plus, Keir Starmer has doubled down o...
Dec 12, 2024•35 min
Today, we’re looking at Luigi Mangione, the 26-year-old Ivy League graduate accused of killing UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson. As he fights a extradition to New York, Sumi Somaskanda and Caitríona Perry join Adam to discuss the case, and the social media obsession with the case. Also, Chris and Alex Chalk, former Conservative justice secretary, are on talking about Labour’s announcement that they will inject £2.3 billion towards making more capacity in the prisons system. You can now listen...
Dec 11, 2024•39 min
Today, we look at what a new government in Syria means for the Middle East and why Israel has launched airstrikes on key military targets. The BBC’s Diplomatic Correspondent, James Landale tells Adam about the historic relationship between Syria and Israel and why Israel has decided to launch strikes now. And, BBC Monitoring’s Jihadist Media expert Mina Al-Lami explains how an opportunistic IS might seek to capitalise on abandoned weapons stashes and wider instability in the region. Plus, the Ch...
Dec 10, 2024•36 min
Today, we look at what the end of Bashar al-Assad’s regime means for Syria. As huge crowds gather at a notorious Damascus prison looking for prisoners held under the Assad regime Adam speaks to Lina Sinjab, the BBC’s Middle East Correspondent. He is also joined by chief Jihadist media specialist for BBC monitoring, Mina Al-Lami, who profiles the rebel group’s leader and legacy. And, the Kremlin say Bashar Al-Assad has been given asylum in Moscow after fleeing from Syria. Adam speaks to Russia ed...
Dec 09, 2024•35 min
After more than a decade of civil war, rebel forces in Damascus say they've ended Bashar al-Assad’s rule. His ally Russia says he’s left the country. Laura and Paddy are joined by Joe Pike to discuss the latest developments - and assess what impact it might have on the wider Middle East. Plus, Deputy Prime Minister Angela Rayner tells Laura Labour’s planning reforms will end development chaos. But what will the impact be on local communities? You can join our Newscast online community here: http...
Dec 08, 2024•33 min
Just as France enters a period of deep uncertainty, triggered by the fall of Michel Barnier's government, the country gets ready to reopen the Notre Dame cathedral. And, US President-elect Donald Trump is using the event to return to the geopolitical stage. Laura and Paddy discuss the Macron-Trump relationship. Plus, they hear from Newscasters, as thousands of people are left without power following Storm Darragh. You can join our Newscast online community here: https://tinyurl.com/newscastcommu...
Dec 07, 2024•28 min
Adam and Chris are joined by the journalist and author Tim Shipman, who lifts the lid on what’s going on inside the Labour government now, after some staff rejigging. They also talk through Starmer’s ‘milestones’ announcement, and how the civil service could be reshaped. And, could Reform be a real threat to both Labour and the Conservatives? 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 A...
Dec 06, 2024•33 min
Today, the prime minister set out his ‘Plan for Change’ with six milestones focused on the economy, the NHS, climate, preschool education, policing and housebuilding. Adam and Henry unpick what Keir Starmer said and ask whether these targets could become a challenge in the future. And, the Secretary of State for Business and Trade Jonathan Reynolds MP speaks to Adam about how these milestones will work in practice. You can now listen to Newscast on a smart speaker. If you want to listen, just sa...
Dec 05, 2024•39 min
Today, we look at the vote of no-confidence in the government headed by Prime Minister Michel Barnier in France. It means Barnier has become the shortest-serving French prime minister since 1958. Adam speaks to Marion Solletty - Executive Editor for France at POLITICO, and Shahin Vallée, former economic adviser to Emmanuel Macron, and senior research fellow at the German Council for Foreign Relations. And, after six hours of martial law, South Korea’s president reversed his decision resulting in...
Dec 04, 2024•32 min
Today, we look at the President of South Korea Yoon Suk Yeol declaring martial law. Protestors gathered outside the parliament building after the President gave the military extra power to “eradicate the despicable pro-North Korean anti-state forces”. Adam speaks to BBC Asia and Pacific Editor Micky Bristow and Dr Edward Howell, the Korea Foundation Fellow with the Asia-Pacific Programme at Chatham House. And, after the strong reaction to Jaguar’s latest advertising campaign, the new concept car...
Dec 03, 2024•30 min
Today, we look at Gregg Wallace’s apology for suggesting allegations against him came from "a handful of middle-class women of a certain age". He stepped back from MasterChef last week after allegations were made that he had made inappropriate comments while working on the show. Wallace has denied behaviour of a sexually harassing nature. Culture and media editor Katie Razzall explains where it all leaves him, MasterChef, and the BBC. Plus, Sumi Somaskanda, chief anchor for BBC World, joins Jame...
Dec 02, 2024•28 min
Today, we look at the milestones Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer will set out under what he calls a "plan for change" for Britain. Paddy and Victoria are joined by Joe Pike, BBC politics and investigations correspondent, to discuss the resignation of Louise Haigh, who was serving as transport secretary, after it emerged she pleaded guilty to a fraud offence a decade ago. Does this resignation prompt questions for the government? Plus, Master Chef presenter Gregg Wallace has spoken out on Sunday ...
Dec 01, 2024•26 min
Victoria stands in for Laura this weekend! Today, we discuss the assisted dying bill, one of the most significant and sensitive topics to have been voted on by MPs in recent decades. We hear YOUR reaction to the bill and why it matters. Plus, defence editor at the Economist, Shashank Joshi, joins us to talk about the rebel forces advancing in Aleppo, and whether this could topple the Assad regime. You can now listen to Newscast on a smart speaker. If you want to listen, just say "Ask BBC Sounds ...
Nov 30, 2024•26 min
Today, in a historic vote, MPs have voted in favour of a bill to legalise assisted dying in England and Wales. After five hours of emotional debate the bill passed with 330 in favour to 275 against, at the first stage in the Commons. Before the bill can become law it will face further scrutiny, and the first cases are not expected for at least two years. James and Chris are joined by Vicki Young, deputy political editor, and Fergus Walsh, medical editor. You can now listen to Newscast on a smart...
Nov 29, 2024•29 min
Today, we look at the latest net migration figures, as the UK hit a record 906,000 in the year to June 2023, much higher than previously thought. Sir Keir Starmer seized on the figures - which cover a period before Labour took office - to accuse the Tories of “running an open borders experiment”. Adam is joined by Chris, Alex Forsyth and Nick Watt to discuss that and look ahead to the vote on assisted dying tomorrow. You can join our Newscast online community here: https://tinyurl.com/newscastco...
Nov 28, 2024•31 min
Today, Adam chats to Ed Davey about his tactics as an opposition party, including making TikToks about the “Rizz Dems”, as well as this week’s vote on Assisted Dying and why he’s voting against the bill. Plus, Ed is the first leader of a major political party to release a Christmas single. He tells Adam about teaming up with the Bath Philharmonia's Young Carers' Choir to release the charity single, Love is Enough. You can now listen to Newscast on a smart speaker. If you want to listen, just say...
Nov 28, 2024•32 min
Today, we look at the ceasefire agreement between Israel and Hezbollah and what it means for the Middle East. A deal to end thirteen months of fighting in Lebanon came into affect on Wednesday morning. It follows Israel’s land invasion of Lebanon in October in response to rocket attacks from Hezbollah. Adam is joined by the BBC’s international editor Jeremy Bowen, and Jonny Dymond, host of The Conflict podcast. They discuss how the deal was brokered, what it means for Israel and Lebanon, and why...
Nov 27, 2024•28 min
Today, has Donald Trump outlined his plans for a future trade war once he re-enters the White House? The President Elect has said that he’ll sign an executive order on day one of his presidency imposing a 25% tariff on "all products" entering the US from neighbours Mexico and Canada, until they clamp down on drugs and illegal migrants crossing the border. Adam speaks to economics editor Faisal Islam about that and major news for the UK car industry. Plus, we examine new plans by the government t...
Nov 26, 2024•32 min
Today, we look at the Chancellor Rachel Reeves defending her budget, telling businesses she is “not coming back with more borrowing or more taxes”. Reeves was speaking at the Confederation of British Industry (CBI) conference. Her message comes after the boss of biscuit company McVitie’s warned it was becoming “harder to understand” the case for investing in the UK. Adam and Chris are joined by BBC business editor Simon Jack. And, Europe editor Katya Adler tells Adam about her interview with for...
Nov 25, 2024•35 min
Today, we look at the government’s plans to cut, what the Prime Minister has called, the “bulging benefits bill”. Speaking to Laura on her Sunday morning show - the Work and Pensions Secretary Liz Kendall outlined Labour’s plan “to get Britain working”. Laura, Paddy and Nick Watt of Newsnight discuss how similar this approach is to the previous governments. And, how will it be received by their own party? Plus, COP29 ended with richer countries agreeing to pay developing nations $300 billion a y...
Nov 24, 2024•30 min
Today, we look at a major intervention into the debate on the assisted dying bill from former Prime Minister Gordon Brown. Writing in the Guardian, Brown says the death of his first daughter Jennifer aged only 11 days strengthened his belief that "this is not the right time to make such a profound decision". Laura and Paddy discuss whether this could impact how MPs vote, as well as looking at new polling into how the public feel about the legislation. Plus, the French Foreign Minister has spoken...
Nov 23, 2024•26 min
Today, Adam, Alex, Chris and Henry discuss Ukraine firing British and US missiles on Russia, what the International Criminal Court’s arrest warrant for Benjamin Netanyahu means for Britian’s relationship with Israel, and Newscast remembers John Prescott who has died at the age of 86. 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...
Nov 22, 2024•33 min
Today, we look back on the life and career of former Deputy Prime Minister John Prescott. Lord Prescott died aged 86 on Wednesday in his care home, where he had been living with Alzheimer's, his family have said. Adam speaks to former Labour Director of Communications Lord Peter Mandelson about his memories of working with Lord Prescott. And, Adam talks to Joe Pike, Political Investigations Correspondent, about the Charity Commission’s inquiry into the Captain Tom Foundation, the charity set up ...
Nov 21, 2024•41 min
Today, the BBC believes Ukraine has fired UK-made Storm Shadow long-range missiles into Russia by Ukraine for the first time. Adam speaks to former UK defence attaché to Moscow and Kyiv John Foreman, who describes the Defence Secretary John Healey’s remarks to the House of Commons about Storm Shadow missiles as “clear as mud”. And, BBC News Chief Presenter Sumi Somaskanda discusses why President Biden has changed direction on Ukraine plus the latest on President-elect Trump’s well-known nominees...
Nov 20, 2024•29 min
Today, we look at a protest in Westminster by farmers over inheritance tax changes announced in the Budget. Around 10,000 people are believed to have attended a rally in Whitehall today protesting changes to inheritance tax. From April 2026, inherited agricultural assets worth more than £1m will be liable to tax. Prime Minister Keir Starmer says he understands the concerns, but says the “vast majority” of farms will be unaffected. Plus, Ukraine has fired US-supplied long range missiles at a targ...
Nov 19, 2024•35 min
Today, we look at the US reportedly authorising Ukraine sending long-range missiles into Russia. Plus, Keir Starmer’s meeting with Chinese leader Xi Jinping. Prime Minister Keir Starmer is at the G20 summit in Rio de Janeiro where he’s become the first PM in six years to meet Chinese President Xi. It comes as President Biden his reportedly sanctioned long range US missile strikes into Russia by Ukraine. Adam speaks to Deputy Political Editor Vicki Young and Diplomatic Correspondent James Landale...
Nov 18, 2024•32 min
