Liz Truss replaces her Chancellor and U-turns again. Is that enough for her to stay on as prime minister? Chris Mason and Alex Forsyth have been chatting to politicians and the public, while BBC Newsnight’s economics editor Ben Chu explains what it means for the markets and our money. Plus, two people who know the PM and her new next-door neighbour Jeremy Hunt very well, former special adviser Kirsty Buchanan and ex-Conservative minister Ed Vaizey, give us the inside scoop on what Downing Street...
Oct 14, 2022•36 min
Two former communications directors, for both Labour and Conservative governments, say they would struggle to spin their way out of the situation Liz Truss is in. Alastair Campbell, who worked for Tony Blair, says Tory MPs are telling him they want her to go. And Craig Oliver, who worked for David Cameron, says it’s possible she won’t be prime minister at Christmas. Also, Marianna Spring, Americast host and disinformation and social media correspondent, gives us an update on her investigation in...
Oct 13, 2022•32 min
PM pledges no public spending reductions. Chris Mason joins Rachel Burden and Rick Edwards, who are standing in for Adam today, to pour over the PM’s pledge to cut taxes without reining in public spending. And we discuss why life can be so tough for referees in English grassroots football, with BBC sports presenter and amateur official, Ben Croucher, and Janie Frampton, from the charity, Ref Support. Today’s episode was made by Tim Walklate with Miranda Slade and Chris Flynn. The technical produ...
Oct 12, 2022•34 min
Can the Bank of England calm the markets? Victoria Derbyshire is in the presenter’s chair and is joined by Ben Chu, Newsnight’s economics editor, who explains what's going on, and how it could affect your finances. Chris Mason is also on, after the Chancellor, Kwasi Kwarteng, gets questioned by MPs in the Commons over his economic plans. And, Dictionary Corner’s Susie Dent helps translate some journalese. Today’s episode was made by Tim Walklate with Clare Williamson and Chris Flynn. The technic...
Oct 11, 2022•33 min
Russian missiles hit Ukrainian cities as Putin threatens "harsh" action. We get the latest on Monday’s deadly blasts with the BBC’s International Editor, Jeremy Bowen, and Ukrainecast host, Vitaliy Shevchenko. They discuss President Putin’s motivation, the risk of further "escalation" and the chances for diplomacy. And on the final day of the SNP conference, Scotland editor, James Cook, explores Nicola Sturgeon’s plans for Scottish independence. This episode of Newscast is presented by the BBC’s...
Oct 10, 2022•32 min
Covid levels are rising again in the UK. The BBC’s medical editor Fergus Walsh talks us through what could happen if the increase coincides with flu season. This episode of Newscast is presented by BBC Newsnight’s UK editor Sima Kotecha, who also talks us through a story she’s been investigating about racist and homophobic abuse in a WhatsApp group of former Metropolitan Police officers. She discusses what the force can do to tackle racism in its ranks with former Met Police Chief Superintendent...
Oct 07, 2022•31 min
We’ve assembled the political editors from ITV, Sky and the BBC to reveal what’s been going on behind the scenes at the Labour and the Conservatives party conferences. Robert Peston, Beth Rigby and Chris Mason have the inside track on what ministers and backbenchers are saying about their leaders, the changes they’ve seen in Liz Truss since she became prime minister and why they think MPs find it more fun to be a rebel than toe the party line. This episode of Newscast is presented by the BBC’s p...
Oct 06, 2022•35 min
Liz Truss delivers her first leader’s speech at Tory conference. Adam and Chris are joined by Charlotte Ivers, political correspondent at Times Radio, to unpack the PM’s economic plan, what she means by the ‘anti-growth coalition’, and what happened when protesters interrupted the speech. Liz Truss arrived to the sound of M People's 90s hit Moving on Up - Adam speaks to the group’s founder Mike Pickering, who isn’t happy about it. Today’s Newscast is hosted by Adam Fleming and political editor C...
Oct 05, 2022•30 min
Cabinet divisions dominate the Tory party conference. Adam and Chris chew over another challenging day for Prime Minister Liz Truss, who faces mounting pressure over her refusal to commit to increasing benefits in line with inflation. We discuss a huge protest movement sweeping across Iran with the BBC’s international correspondent Lyse Doucet. And the James Bond film franchise is 60! Adam speaks to producers Barbara Broccoli and Michael G Wilson about when we can expect the next film. Newscast ...
Oct 04, 2022•37 min
The government has U-turned on plans to scrap the 45p rate of income tax for higher earners, a day after the prime minister committed to them. Chris and Adam are in Birmingham for the Conservative party conference, where Kwasi Kwarteng defended economic plans but admitted there had been “a little turbulence”. Conservative MP and former cabinet minister Grant Shapps joins them, as does Bloomberg’s Stephanie Flanders. Newscast was hosted by Adam Fleming and political editor Chris Mason. This episo...
Oct 03, 2022•36 min
We bring you Laura Kuenssberg’s interview with Liz Truss, in which the prime minister said she was committed to scrapping the 45p top rate of tax, but called it ‘a decision the chancellor made’. Straight after coming off air, we also get Laura’s thoughts on what the prime minister had to say and what Michael Gove said in response. Newscast is hosted by Adam Fleming. This episode was made by Chris Flynn. The technical producer was Emma Crowe. The editor was Jonathan Aspinwall.
Oct 02, 2022•44 min
As energy prices go up for millions of households this weekend, Money Saving Expert Martin Lewis and The Economist’s Soumaya Keynes explain what could happen to our bills. Alex is in Westminster to talk through the PM’s emergency meeting with the Office for Budget Responsibility. And comedian and documentary maker Michael Palin tells Adam about his recent travels through Iraq, his previous experience in Ukraine, and why Monty Python director Terry Gilliam’s humour is unique. Today’s Newscast was...
Sep 30, 2022•37 min
On the day when the country’s attention turned to BBC local radio as Liz Truss did the morning interview round, we hear what Steve Coogan, and Alan Partridge, make of the PM. Also on with Adam, Chris and Jo is BBC broadcasting legend David Dimbleby, who has some choice words about the economic challenges people in the country are facing. And, Tory MP Bim Afolami explains why he’s still got full confidence in the prime minister and chancellor. Newscast was hosted by Adam Fleming, Political Editor...
Sep 29, 2022•34 min
Liz Truss speaks to eight BBC Local Radio stations, defending her mini-budget, saying she was prepared to make "controversial and difficult decisions" to get the economy moving. Newscast has assembled the full set of interviews. The BBC local radio round has been a pre-conference tradition for political party leaders for many years, a chance to speak directly to voters. Thanks to our colleagues at BBC Local Radio in Leeds, Norfolk, Kent, Lancashire, Nottingham, Tees, Bristol and Stoke who produc...
Sep 29, 2022•1 hr
The government has rejected calls to abandon its mini-budget despite the Bank of England having to step in, in an unprecedented move, amid market turmoil. Adam is joined by Chris, Simon Jack, the FT’s Gillian Tett and author Duncan Weldon to help us understand the economics, politics and history behind what’s going on. This episode of Newscast was made by Tim Walklate with Miranda Slade and Chris Flynn. The technical producer was Emma Crowe. The editor was Jonathan Aspinwall.
Sep 28, 2022•36 min
How did the Labour leader’s conference speech go down in Liverpool? Adam heads to Merseyside and is joined by Chris and shadow climate change secretary Ed Miliband to discuss Sir Keir Starmer’s speech at his party’s conference. The BBC’s Science Editor Rebecca Morelle is also on to explain why flying a spacecraft directly into an asteroid is actually a really clever idea. This episode of Newscast was made by Tim Walklate with Miranda Slade and Chris Flynn. The technical producer was Emma Crowe. ...
Sep 27, 2022•34 min
Newscast's guide to Sterling's historic slide. As the Bank of England and the chancellor try to steady the ship, we explain the forces behind the fall in value of the pound, as well as the economic jargon being used to describe what’s going on. Head of Bloomberg Economics Stephanie Flanders joins Adam and Chris to help. And the former shadow chancellor John McDonnell gives his view from Liverpool, where the Labour conference is taking place. This episode of Newscast was made by Tim Walklate with...
Sep 26, 2022•32 min
Chancellor Kwasi Kwarteng unveils the biggest package of tax cuts in 50 years, before being questioned by Chris on his thinking. We hear what the chancellor has to say, as well as Chris’s thoughts, and those of the Financial Times’ Clear Barrett and former Bank of England Chief Economist, Andy Haldane. Also pop star sensation Dua Lipa stops by to talk about making social media algorithms kinder, if there’s still a place for livestreaming in the music industry post-lockdown, and her new podcast. ...
Sep 23, 2022•36 min
Chris is back from his trip to New York with the prime minister and joins Adam and Alex to talk about the government’s latest economic plans, and investments in health and social care. With them are Lord Karan Bilimoria, who founded and chairs Cobra Beer, as well as Natasha Loder, health policy editor at The Economist. They also look ahead to more economic announcements tomorrow. This episode of Newscast was made by Chris Flynn and Danny Wittenberg. The assistant editor was Alison Gee. The edito...
Sep 22, 2022•33 min
President Putin has sent the West a veiled nuclear warning and says he’s not bluffing. Chris is in New York, where world leaders have gathered for the UN General Assembly. He joins Adam to discuss their reaction, and Sarah Rainsford explains what is behind the words coming from the Kremlin. Also, 33 million people have been affected by floods in Pakistan – Rajini Vaidyanathan has been talking to people who have lost their homes. And the UK government has announced plans to help businesses cope w...
Sep 21, 2022•36 min
Liz Truss has signalled she will go ahead with her plan to lift the cap on bankers’ bonuses, in her first interview with Chris Mason as prime minister. Chris joins Adam from New York, where Truss is attending the UN General Assembly. 47 people have been arrested in Leicester over the last few weeks after clashes involving mainly young men from sections of Muslim and Hindu communities. BBC Correspondent Navtej Johal discusses the situation in the city, and the BBC's Zubair Ahmed describes the rea...
Sep 20, 2022•36 min
The state funeral has been held for Queen Elizabeth II, as hundreds of thousands of people lined the streets of Westminster and Windsor, along with billions around the world, to watch and say goodbye. Fergal Keane, who was commentating for BBC TV inside Westminster Abbey, and Katty Kay, who was presenting outside Buckingham Palace, reflect on the funeral of the longest-reigning monarch in British history. And we catch up with Chris Mason to look at how the past 12 days have affected the country ...
Sep 19, 2022•35 min
What to expect at Monday’s state funeral of Queen Elizabeth II. Adam chats to James Naughtie and Rachel Burden, who are both part of the BBC radio coverage of the day’s events, as the nation will say a final farewell to Britain's longest-reigning monarch. They’re joined by charity worker Ella Marks MBE who remembers the funeral of George VI and will be attending Monday’s ceremony at Westminster Abbey. Today’s episode was produced by Tim Walklate with Miranda Slade and Clare Williamson. Emma Crow...
Sep 16, 2022•26 min
Security and diplomacy challenges for the Queen’s funeral as mourners queue for hours. Bob Broadhurst, who was the Met Police commander in charge of both Prince William and Catherine’s wedding and the London 2012 Olympics, talks us through the security risks and how protesters will be policed. Simon McDonald, the UK’s former top diplomat, says the funeral will likely be the biggest diplomatic event the UK has ever seen and explains why he thinks the government was right to invite China’s Preside...
Sep 15, 2022•35 min
Adam joins the thousands lining up to pay their respects to Queen Elizabeth II, as she lies in state in Westminster Hall. The BBC’s Lyse Doucet, Rajini Vaidyanathan and Anne Soy discuss the international reaction to the Queen’s death and the future of the Commonwealth. And Katya explains the EU’s plans for a huge energy windfall tax. Today’s Newscast was made by Tim Walklate with Miranda Slade, Cordelia Hemming and Khadra Salad. The technical producer was Emma Crowe. The assistant editor was Lou...
Sep 14, 2022•31 min
Energy, policing and Ukraine – news you may have missed, while the country continues to mourn the Queen, whose coffin has been moved to Buckingham Palace. The BBC’s Caroline Davies joins Adam to explain what’s happening with the government’s plan to limit energy bills. Greg McKenzie has been speaking to the family of Chris Kaba, the 24-year-old who was shot dead by a police officer in south London, about the investigation that’s been launched. Jeremy Bowen talks through what’s happening in Ukrai...
Sep 13, 2022•37 min
Mourners in Edinburgh pay their respects to the Queen as her coffin lies at rest. Adam is joined by Sarah Smith in the Scottish capital and Chris in Westminster to look at the week ahead. The BBC’s Director of Journalism, Jonathan Munro, talks about his experience producing the Queen’s Christmas messages, and the BBC’s coverage of the Queen’s death. And Ukrainecast presenter, Vitaly Shevchenko, explains how Ukrainian forces are recapturing territory from Russian troops. Today’s Newscast was made...
Sep 12, 2022•33 min
The Queen's state funeral will be on Monday 19 September. On this special Newscast Adam chats to the BBC's Special Correspondent, Jim Naughtie, and Royal Historian, Dr Tessa Dunlop, about the Queen's funeral and the King's proclamation ceremony. We also hear how William, Kate, Meghan and Harry have been paying their respects in Windsor. Today’s episode was made by Sam Bonham. The technical producer was Gareth Jones. The senior news editor was Jonathan Aspinwall.
Sep 10, 2022•24 min
King Charles III addresses the nation for the first time, following the death of his ‘darling mama’, Queen Elizabeth II. As the new King holds his first audience with the new prime minister, the BBC's Laura Kuenssberg explains the political significance of the change in monarch. And Sir Nicholas Soames, a lifelong friend of the King and grandson of Sir Winston Churchill, shares his memories of the late Queen and tells us what we can expect from the reign of King Charles. Today’s Newscast was mad...
Sep 09, 2022•43 min
Remembering the UK’s longest-serving monarch. Leaders around the world have paid tribute to Queen Elizabeth II. BBC special correspondent, Jim Naughtie, who has chronicled her 70-year reign, joins Adam to discuss her legacy. This edition of Newscast was made by Danny Wittenberg and Chris Flynn. The technical producer was Emma Crowe. The assistant editors were Sam Bonham and Alison Gee. The editor is Jonathan Aspinwall.
Sep 08, 2022•29 min
