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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

Shadow cab rank

Who's who in the shadow cabinet? Newsnight’s Nick Watt has the beginner's guide to the Labour frontbench. And, after yesterday's Newscast raised the possibility of loopholes in the testing system, the BBC’s Rachel Schraer explains what's going on. Studio Director: Emma Crowe Producers: Ben Weisz, Frankie Tobi Assistant Editor: Sam Bonham

Sep 16, 202029 min

To the Lighthouse (Lab)

Why is there a shortage of covid tests? Adam speaks to epidemiologist Alan McNally who was one of the people involved in setting up the Milton Keynes Lighthouse Lab. And as the unemployment rate continues to increase and finding a job is becoming harder, former winner of The Apprentice, Lee McQueen, offers some handy CV tips. Studio Director: Emma Crowe Lead producer: Frankie Tobi Producers: Ben Weisz and Natalie Ktena Assistant Editor: Emma Close

Sep 15, 202038 min

Aye at night

The Internal Market Bill, giving government the power to override parts of the Brexit agreement with the EU, passed its first hurdle in a late night Commons vote. Adam and Laura digest the details of the dramatic day at Westminster. And is there life on Venus? Studio Director: Michael Regaard Producers: Ben Weisz, Frankie Tobi Output Editor: Harriet Noble Assistant Editor: Sam Bonham Editor: Dino Sofos

Sep 14, 202036 min

Where R we now?

Adam is joined by the BBC's Fergus Walsh and Vicki Young to discuss the government's response to the growing infection rate. And the BBC's Mark Lowen tells us what life is like for migrants and refugees after the fire at the Moria camp on the Greek island of Lesbos. Studio Director: Emma Crowe Producer: Harriet Noble, Natalie Ktena Assistant Editor: Sam Bonham Editor: Dino Sofos

Sep 11, 202031 min

EUltimatum

In a Brexitcast reunion, Adam, Laura and Katya ask what can be salvaged from negotiations with the EU that appear to have hit the buffers. Michel Barnier is back in town - this time it's Laura who gets to say bonjour. And while wildfires turn the sky orange in California, we ask Justin Rowlatt what he makes of a citizens' assembly plan to tackle climate change - and where snotcicles come from. Studio Director: William Allott Producer: Ben Weisz Assistant Editor: Emma Close Editor: Dino Sofos...

Sep 10, 202029 min

The Rule of Six

Adam, Laura and Fergus walk through the new, 'simpler' coronavirus restrictions in England - dubbed the 'Rule of Six' by Boris Johnson. The government's top scientists warn they might be with us for a while. And where does the 'Rule of Six' leave S Club 7? Bradley McIntosh tells us. Studio Director: Emma Crowe Producer: Ben Weisz Editor: Dino Sofos

Sep 09, 202031 min

Safe Six

Social gatherings of more than six people will be illegal in England from Monday - with some exemptions - after a steep rise in coronavirus cases. Adam is joined by the BBC's Laura Kuenssberg, Fergus Walsh, Branwen Jeffreys and Nick Eardley. Studio director: Emma Crowe Producers: Ben Weisz, Jo Deahl Assistant Editor: Sam Bonham Editor: Dino Sofos

Sep 08, 202035 min

BREXITCAST IS BACK

Brexit is back. So we've fired up the klaxon and brought out the binders. Laura, Katya and Adam discuss the government’s plans for a post-Brexit customs bill, and look ahead to another round of talks starting this week. It's like September 2019 all over again. And how worried should we be about the rise in coronavirus cases? Fergus is back to tell us. Studio director: Chris Murphy Producers: Harriet Noble and Ben Weisz Editor: Dino Sofos

Sep 07, 202038 min

Pret A Danger

Adam is joined by Pano Christou, the CEO of Pret A Manger, to discuss the sandwich chain's plan for pandemic survival. And we speak to a suburban cafe that’s thriving in the new normal. Studio Director: Michael Regaard Producers: Harriet Noble, Alix Pickles Assistant Editor: Sam Bonham Editor: Dino Sofos

Sep 04, 202040 min

Testing Tony Blair

Former Prime Minister Tony Blair joins Adam to explain why he’s turned into a testing geek – and how he thinks the international community needs to up its game to tackle Covid-19. Not content with a single Tony, Jo Coburn drops in to update us on the row surrounding Mr Abbott, Australia’s ex-PM, becoming a UK trade envoy. And Amol Rajan on whether the BBC’s new boss Tim Davie can win his battle against bureaucracy. Studio Director: Michael Regaard Producers: Ben Weisz, Lucy Boast Editor: Dino So...

Sep 03, 202036 min

Kickstarter

Adam is joined by BBC Newsnight's Nick Watt and Network Rail’s Nick King to discuss the Government’s new work placement scheme. Will it create enough long-term jobs for young people? Also, we get a local lockdown lowdown from Eleanor Roaf, Director of Public Health for Trafford. Studio Director: Michael Regaard Producers: Ben Weisz Assistant Editors: Emma Close, Sam Bonham Editor: Dino Sofos

Sep 02, 202032 min

The Mysterious Tony Abbott

Politics resumes at Westminster today - and Adam is reunited with Chris Mason for a well-needed chat about what they've been up to on their first day back. And what is the former Australian PM Tony Abbott doing in town? The Sydney Morning Herald's Latika Bourke explains, and tells us everything we need to know about the man who once ate a raw onion on camera. Studio Director: Mike Regaard Producer: Ben Weisz Assistant Editor: Emma Close Editor: Dino Sofos

Sep 01, 202034 min

Where now for the Lib Dems?

Sir Ed Davey has been named the new leader of the Liberal Democrats. Our guest presenter Jane Garvey asks his former adviser Polly Mackenzie whether he can turn the party's fortunes around. And, will the Bank Holiday weekend bring more illegal raves to towns and cities? We hear from the West Midlands’ Deputy Police and Crime Commissioner on whether the new £10,000 fines for organisers in England go far enough. Plus, Maitlis on Melania - our Americast colleague drops in to discuss the Republican ...

Aug 27, 202032 min

Victoria Derbyshire

In this Newscast, Adam hears how Victoria Derbyshire lifted the lid on lockdown violence, hearing from the women who have escaped domestic abuse during the Coronavirus pandemic. And with unprecedented protests on the streets of Minsk, Steve Rosenberg drops in to explain why the future of President Lukashenko is important beyond the borders of Belarus. Studio Manager: Emma Crowe Producers: Ben Weisz and Frankie Tobi Assistant Editor: Emma Close Editor: Dino Sofos

Aug 20, 202035 min

Grades Against the Machine

A-Level and GCSE students in England will now be able to use their teacher-assessed grades, after an algorithm led to tens of thousands of students being marked down. But while the U-turn is being welcomed by many, what does this mean for the availability of University places? Adam catches up with Sue Hannan, Assistant Principal- Curriculum. at a College in Barrow-in-Furness, and speaks to Professor Malcolm Press, Vice Chancellor of Manchester Metropolitan University. Studio Director: Emma Crowe...

Aug 18, 202036 min

Making the grades

With exams cancelled and schools and colleges closed since March, how have A-level and BTec students’ grades been affected? Adam speaks to some of those left unhappy with their results today and we hear what options there are for students around the country. Also James Gallagher updates us on the latest coronavirus news. Studio Director: Emma Crowe Producers: Ben Weisz, Frankie Tobi Assistant Editor: Sam Bonham Editor: Dino Sofos

Aug 13, 202040 min

Risk Assessment

On this week's bumper Newscast, Adam asks Jeremy Bowen why the tragic explosion in Beirut could have bigger consequences closer to home. With climate change, coronavirus, and China "feeling its oats", we draw up the Newscast Risk Register of national security concerns - with help from former MI6 chief Sir John Sawers, former Home Secretary Jacqui Smith and BBC Security Correspondent Gordon Corera. Plus - BBC reporters round up the best of the rest of the week's news, and Jamie Bartlett teases us...

Aug 06, 202049 min

Hands, Face, Space

As Boris Johnson announces a pause to lockdown easing in England, we try and understand what it means and what could be next. We hear some analysis on the rise in cases that triggered new lockdown rules in parts of the north from the director of public health for Trafford, Eleanor Roaf. And your recommendations for the best summer staycation. Studio Director: Emma Crowe Producers: Harriet Noble, Natalie Ktena, Ben Weisz Assistant Editor: Emma Close Editor: Dino Sofos

Jul 31, 202032 min

Inside AstraZeneca

Adam meets the pharma giants making 2 billion doses of Coronavirus vaccine. The race is still on to find a Coronavirus vaccine - but what will it look like, and how will we get hold of it? Adam finds out from Sir Mene Pangalos and Pam Cheng from pharmaceutical giant AstraZeneca. Studio Director: Emma Crowe Producers: Ben Weiz, Frankie Tobi and Natalie Ktena Assistant Editor: Emma Close Editor: Dino Sofos

Jul 30, 202032 min

Bossing the Tech Bosses

On the day that the world's biggest tech companies defend their firms against claims they abuse their power, Adam is joined by the BBC’s Aleem Maqbool and Jessica Lessin from technology business publication, The Information. Studio Directors: Emma Crowe, Mike Addley Producers: Frankie Tobi, Natalie Ktena Assistant Editor: Sam Bonham Editor: Dino Sofos

Jul 29, 202040 min

On Your Bike

The government has unveiled a plan to boost cycling with new bike lanes, vouchers for repairs and lessons on offer. But how easy is it to create a cycle-friendly city or town? Adam is joined by Jennifer Keesmaat, former chief city planner of Toronto, and the BBC’s unofficial cycling correspondent Jeremy Vine. Studio Director: Emma Crowe Producers: Frankie Tobi, Ben Weisz Assistant Editor: Sam Bonham Editor: Dino Sofos

Jul 28, 202034 min

Jamie Oliver

Jamie Oliver joins Adam to talk through the government’s obesity strategy. And now that people returning from holidays in Spain have to quarantine for two weeks, can (and should) we still go abroad this summer? Also, how did a cat get coronavirus? Studio director: Michael Regaard Producers: Harriet Noble, Frankie Tobi, Natalie Ktena Assistant editor: Sam Bonham Editor: Dino Sofos

Jul 27, 202035 min

Jane Garvey and Greg James

Fortunately for Newscast, Jane Garvey’s in the hotseat. James and Laura discuss the prime minister’s first year in office, England’s first day of compulsory mask wearing in shops, and whether anti-vaxers pose a threat to Covid recovery. Plus Greg James is on hand to bid Coronavirus a firm “up yours!” Studio Director: Michael Regaard Producers: Ben Weiz, Frankie Tobi and Nathalie Ktena Assistant Editor: Emma Close Editor: Dino Sofos

Jul 24, 202035 min

Boris Johnson: Year One

Boris Johnson has been the Prime Minster for one year. And what a year it’s been. Laura and Chris are joined by his former Director of Communications, Will Walden, and former editor, Max Hastings, to look back at how the PM has coped with Brexit, a pandemic, a near death experience and a new baby. Studio Director: Emma Crowe Producers: Harriet Noble, Frankie Tobi, Seren Jones Editor: Dino Sofos

Jul 23, 202040 min

Under New Management

Labour has agreed to pay damages to seven former employees who sued the party in an anti-Semitism row. BBC journalist John Ware, who himself won a payout from the party, joins today's host Naga Munchetty with Laura to talk about what it could mean for the future of the Labour party. Studio Director: Emma Crowe Producers: Frankie Tobi, Nick Rotherham Assistant Editor: Sam Bonham Editor: Dino Sofos

Jul 22, 202030 min

The Russia Report

What’s in the long-awaited report on Russian interference in the UK? A delayed report released today by the Intelligence and Security Committee, accused the Government of ‘badly underestimating’ the level of threat. Our guest presenter Clive Myrie weighs up the fallout with Laura Kuenssberg, the BBC’s Russia Correspondent Steve Rosenberg, and financier Bill Browder. CBS reporter Carter Evans explains what's happening with the protests in Portland, Oregon and singer Lola Rae celebrates the new Af...

Jul 21, 202032 min

Vaccine breakthrough

The Oxford vaccine appears safe and triggers an immune response. But what are the next steps? Our first guest presenter of the week, 5 Live’s Rachel Burden, is joined by Fergus Walsh and Professor Andrew Pollard from the Oxford research group. Studio Director: Tom Burchell Producers: Harriet Noble and Jo Deahl Assistant Editor: Sam Bonham Editor: Dino Sofos

Jul 20, 202033 min

Santa Clause

Prime Minister Boris Johnson laid out the next steps in easing lockdown restrictions today. Adam is joined by the BBC’s Vicki Young and James Gallagher to discuss how the UK could start to get life back to ‘significant normality’ in time for Christmas. Producers: Frankie Tobi, Natalie Ktena Assistant Editor: Sam Bonham Editor: Dino Sofos

Jul 17, 202036 min

Russian spooks target vaccine

Why are Russian spies targeting covid-19 research? Author of McMafia and organised crime expert, Misha Glenny and former chair of the British Joint Intelligence Committee, Baroness Neville-Jones explain why Russian spies are targeting covid-19 vaccine research. Leicester MP Liz Kendall tells us how the second lockdown is affecting the city. And Shed Seven’s Rick Witter, gives us a guide to his city, York, in case Parliament moves up there while the Palace is renovated. Studio Manager: William Al...

Jul 16, 202031 min

Ghislaine Maxwell denied bail

The British socialite has been denied bail and awaits trial in a New York prison on charges of trafficking minors for Jeffrey Epstein. So who is Ghislaine Maxwell? Adam speaks to Andrew Neil, who knew Maxwell and appears in Jeffrey Epstein’s infamous ‘black book’. He’s also joined by the BBC’s Laura Trevelyan in New York and investigative journalist Tara Palmeri, who are both following the case closely. Studio Engineer: Weidong Lin Producers: Natalie Ktena, Ben Weisz, Jo Deahl, Frankie Tobi and ...

Jul 15, 202032 min
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