More than two billion people go to the polls next year in elections across the world. So, with that in mind, Adam catches up with political scientist Ben Ansell. Professor Ben Ansell delivered this year’s BBC Radio 4 Reith Lectures, following in the footsteps of Robert Oppenheimer, Hilary Mantel and Stephen Hawking. They’re called: Our Democratic Future and in this episode, Adam and Ben discuss how we can make politics work for all of us in the 21st century. Listen to all the Reith Lectures here...
Dec 28, 2023•26 min
It’s nearly the end of 2023, so time to take a stroll down memory lane and look at what happened in politics over the past year. Adam Fleming is joined by all the Newscast hosts: Chris Mason, Laura Kuenssberg and Paddy O’Connell. You can join our Newscast online community here: https://tinyurl.com/newscastcommunityhere Newscast brings you daily analysis of the latest news stories from the BBC. It was presented by Adam Fleming. It was made by Chris Gray with Gemma Roper and Chris Flynn. The techn...
Dec 27, 2023•35 min
Christmas has come early for Adam as he unwraps three Christmas presents. Each present contains a story and a special guest! You can join our Newscast online community here: https://tinyurl.com/newscastcommunityhere Newscast brings you daily analysis of the latest news stories from the BBC. It was presented by Adam Fleming. It was made by Chris Gray with Gemma Roper. The technical producer was Mike Regaard. The senior news editors are Jonathan Aspinwall and Sam Bonham
Dec 23, 2023•30 min
Today, we look back at the past 10 weeks of the Israel-Gaza conflict. Newscast’s Adam Fleming and The Conflict’s Lyse Doucet discuss the challenges and considerations facing BBC journalists while they report on the war. Revisiting powerful moments from interviews with the BBC’s Gaza Correspondent, Rushdi Abualouf, Anna Foster, Middle East Correspondent and International Editor, Jeremy Bowen - they describe events as they unfolded. Newscast brings you daily analysis of the latest political news s...
Dec 22, 2023•29 min
Today, we look at Donald Trump’s disqualification from the Colorado ballot. The state’s Supreme Court has ruled him ineligible because of his actions in the run up to the US Capital riot in 2021. Americast’s Sarah Smith and Justin Webb join to discuss whether this could be the beginning of the end for his 2024 bid. And the departing First Minister of Wales, Mark Drakeford, is in the studio to talk about his political legacy, as well as really liking cheese. You can join our Newscast online commu...
Dec 21, 2023•36 min
Today we look at the verdict in the trial of the murder of Brianna Ghey. The 16 year old, who was transgender, was stabbed 28 times in a “ferocious” attack in a park in Cheshire. Girl X and boy Y, who can’t be named for legal reasons, were found guilty of murder after the jury deliberated for 4 hours and 40 minutes. Adam is joined by the BBC’s North of England correspondent Judith Moritz and BBC North West reporter Katie Barnfield to discuss the case. You can join our Newscast online community h...
Dec 20, 2023•25 min
Today we look at the transgender guidance for schools released by the Department of Education. The guidance focuses on a number of areas including the role of parents in social transitioning, single sex spaces and fairness in sport. The BBC’s education Branwen Jeffreys and the general secretary of the Association of School and College Leaders, Geoff Barton join Adam to breakdown what this guidance means for pupils, parents and teachers. And a volcano on the Reykjanes peninsula in Iceland has eru...
Dec 19, 2023•33 min
Newscast brings you daily analysis of the latest political news stories from the BBC. Today, we look at BP’s decision to pause all Red Sea shipments after rebel attacks. The firm blamed the "deteriorating security situation" in the region as Iran-backed Houthis target ships they believe are bound for Israel. Adam speaks to Diplomatic correspondent James Landale and John Stawpert from the International Chamber of Shipping to find out what it means and how it could affect prices here. And, the gov...
Dec 18, 2023•31 min
Newscast brings you daily analysis of the latest news stories from the BBC. In this episode, Laura and Paddy bring you the reaction to the interview with Baroness Mone and her husband, Doug Barrowman. They’re also joined by chief political correspondent, Henry Zeffman, as the government and Labour respond. Hear the extended interview with Michelle Mone and Doug Barrowman here: https://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/p0h02s78 This episode of Newscast was presented by Laura Kuenssberg and Paddy O’Connell...
Dec 17, 2023•24 min
Newscast brings you daily analysis of the latest news stories from the BBC. In this special episode, we bring you an extended interview with Baroness Mone and her husband, Doug Barrowman. She admits that she stands to benefit from tens of millions of pounds of profit from PPE that was sold to the UK government during the pandemic by a company led by her husband. The couple also accept that they lied to the press about their involvement with the firm. This episode of Newscast was presented by Lau...
Dec 17, 2023•50 min
Newscast brings you daily analysis of the latest news stories from the BBC. Today, Laura and Paddy preview an interview with Baroness Mone, the Tory peer and entrepreneur at the center of a PPE scandal during the pandemic. Extended interview out tomorrow. They also talk about the possible return of a devolved government return in Northern Ireland, and give their political predictions for 2024. Today's Newscast was presented by Laura Kuenssberg and Paddy O’Connell. It was made by Chris Flynn with...
Dec 16, 2023•24 min
Newscast brings you daily analysis of the latest news stories from the BBC. Today, we look at the High Court ruling that Prince Harry was the victim of phone hacking by Mirror Group Newspapers. MGN issue a statement saying the group “apologises unreservedly”. What does this mean for the future of the Royal Family, and for the press in this country? Adam is joined by media editor Katie Razzall, home affairs correspondent Tom Symonds, and royal commentator Peter Hunt. You can join our Newscast onl...
Dec 15, 2023•32 min
Newscast brings you daily analysis of the latest political news stories from the BBC. Today, we look at the big questions hanging over Westminster as MPs prepare to break for Christmas recess. What next for the Rwanda Bill? When might we see a General Election? and who’s favourite flavour of ice cream is vanilla? Adam is joined by Conservative MP Dr Luke Evans, Labour MP + Shadow Culture Secretary Thangam Debbonaire and SNP Cabinet Office Spokesperson Kirsty Blackman You can join our Newscast on...
Dec 14, 2023•34 min
Newscast brings you daily analysis of the latest political news stories from the BBC. Today, we look at the deal that’s been agreed at COP28. Climate editor Justin Rowlatt goes through the detail, and Nigel Topping from the Climate Change Committee tells us what it means. And Wales’ First Minister Mark Drakeford has announced he will be stepping down in March. Former Wales political editor and host of Walescast, Felicity Evans, explains why. You can join our Newscast online community here: https...
Dec 13, 2023•32 min
Newscast brings you daily analysis of the latest political news stories from the BBC. Today, we look at vote on the Rwanda Bill. After a charm offensive to his back bench MPs, the Prime Minister managed to shore up enough support for his Rwanda bill. Adam and Chris look at what happened today in the Commons and whether the real test is yet to come? Meanwhile, climate talks run into the night at COP28 as countries try to salvage a deal to prevent it from being seen as a failure. Adam is joined by...
Dec 12, 2023•26 min
Newscast brings you daily analysis of the latest political news stories from the BBC. Today, we look at what’s happening with the plan to send asylum seekers to Rwanda. Conservative MPs met throughout the day to discuss the plan ahead of crunch vote for Rishi Sunak. Adam is joined by Chris Mason and former No10 communications director Craig Oliver. Meanwhile, the Prime Minister spent the day giving evidence to the Covid inquiry and defended the Eat Out to Help Out scheme. Adam speaks with BBC He...
Dec 11, 2023•35 min
Newscast brings you daily analysis of the latest news stories from the BBC. Today, we look at the divisions within the Conservative Party. Laura’s been talking Robert Jenrick who resigned as immigration minister this week, as well as the levelling up secretary, Michael Gove. Former No. 10 advisor and founder of the blog site Conservative Home Tim Montgomerie is in the Newscast studio reacting to what they had to say. And we look ahead at Rishi Sunak’s evidence at the Covid inquiry on Monday. You...
Dec 10, 2023•30 min
Newscast brings you daily analysis of the latest news stories from the BBC. Today, we look at the war in Ukraine. In an exclusive interview Ukraine’s First Lady Olena Zelenska warns of “mortal danger” if financial support to her country isn’t continued. You can join our Newscast online community here: https://tinyurl.com/newscastcommunityhere Today's Newscast was presented by Laura Kuenssberg and Paddy O’Connell. It was made by Chris Flynn with Bella Saltiel. The technical producer was Jonny Hal...
Dec 09, 2023•20 min
Newscast brings you daily analysis of the latest news stories from the BBC. Today, we look at what’s next for Ofsted. This follows an inquest into the death of head teacher Ruth Perry which ruled that Ofsted contributed to her death. The BBC’s education editor Branwen Jeffreys, professor of Sociology of Education at UCL Institute of Education, Alice Bradbury, and executive principal of Passmores cooperative, Vic Goddard, join Adam to discuss the future of the schools regulator. And the sports mi...
Dec 08, 2023•34 min
The prime minister has defended his Rwanda bill at a press conference in which he described the plan as the “toughest immigration law ever”. But his own party is split over it. It came the morning after the resignation of immigration minister Robert Jenrick, who said the new law wasn’t tough enough. And former Prime Minister Boris Johnson finishes his evidence at the Covid inquiry after being asked about partygate, Eat Out to Help Out and his time in hospital. Adam and Chris are is joined by Bor...
Dec 07, 2023•33 min
Today on Newscast, the former Prime Minister Boris Johnson gives evidence to the Covid inquiry in the first of a two-day questioning of his government’s handling of the pandemic. Adam is joined by the BBC’s health reporter Jim Reed as well as Alex Thomas from the Institute for Government and The FT’s Lucy Fisher to unpack the key issues and what we’ve learnt from his evidence. And, the government has published emergency Rwanda legislation which makes clear that in UK law, Rwanda is a safe countr...
Dec 06, 2023•33 min
The home secretary, James Cleverly has signed a new asylum treaty with the Rwandan government in an attempt to address the concerns of the Supreme Court. Adam is joined by former home office advisor Claire Pearsall and the BBC’s West Africa correspondent Mayeni Jones to unpack what’s in the treaty and why it matters. And what’s happening at COP28? The BBC’s climate editor Justin Rowlatt and former political strategist to the UNFCC Tom Rivett-Carnac explain what has been going on at the climate c...
Dec 05, 2023•35 min
The home secretary, James Cleverly, has announced a five-point plan aimed at delivering the “biggest ever cut” in net migration to the UK. James looks at how different sectors might be impacted. We hear from Lord Bilimoria, Founder and Chairman of Cobra Beer, Crossbench Peer and Vice President of the CBI who thinks this is an “economically illiterate” plan. And Nadra Ahmed, Chair of the National Care Association, who insists this will only heighten staff shortages. You can join our Newscast onli...
Dec 04, 2023•32 min
The Labour leader has said the former Tory leader effected "meaningful change” in the Sunday Telegraph. Paddy’s been speaking to him about why. Also, as we head into the winter, Laura has been talking to the Health Secretary Victoria Atkins about whether the NHS is ready. Today's Newscast was presented by Laura Kuenssberg, Paddy O’Connell and Henry Zeffman. It was made by Chris Flynn with Beth Ashmead Latham. The technical producer was Ricardo McCarthy. The senior news editors are Jonathan Aspin...
Dec 03, 2023•29 min
Former PM Boris Johnson will appear at the Covid inquiry next week, and journalists are being told what to expect. Laura and Paddy talk about his media management. They also look back at a week in which Rishi Sunak cancelled a meeting with the Greek PM. We hear from Greece’s former finance minister Yanis Varoufakis on the issue at the heart of it - the Pantheon Sculptures. And former Australian PM Julia Gillard is on from COP28 in Dubai to talk about what’s happening there, and her climate legac...
Dec 02, 2023•34 min
Buckingham Palace says it's considering all options, after the King and Princess of Wales were identified as two members of the Royal Family who allegedly discussed the skin colour of Prince Harry and Meghan's son. The names appeared in a Dutch translation of a book which the author insists was an error. Adam speaks to BBC Royal Correspondent Jonny Diamond. And King Charles is currently is at a major climate gathering in Dubai, where he’s warned COP28 delegates that the world is far off track fr...
Dec 01, 2023•30 min
Adam chats to Labour Mayor of London Sadiq Khan about Alistair Darling, COP28, Ulez and the Trafalgar Square Christmas tree. And as Matt Hancock faces the Covid inquiry, Chris and former civil servant Jill Rutter give their analysis. You can join our Newscast online community here: https://tinyurl.com/newscastcommunityhere Today's Newscast was presented by Adam Fleming. It was made by Jack Maclaren with Gemma Roper. The senior news editors are Jonathan Aspinwall and Sam Bonham....
Nov 30, 2023•34 min
The 28th Climate Change Conference starts on Thursday in Dubai, and we’re giving you all the information you need to make sense of it. To guide us through: - Nigel Topping, business champion at the Climate Change Committee - Vanessa Nakate, climate activist and UNICEF Goodwill Ambassador - Jordan Dunbar, host of BBC’s The Climate Question podcast You can join our Newscast online community here: https://tinyurl.com/newscastcommunityhere Today's Newscast was presented by Adam Fleming. It was made ...
Nov 29, 2023•33 min
Rishi Sunak cancelled a meeting with the Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis at short notice after an argument over the Parthenon Sculptures aka the Elgin Marbles. To unpack this disagreement Adam and Chris are joined by historian and comedian Natalie Haynes. And an inquest into the death of Ruth Perry, a primary school headteacher who took her own life following an Ofsted inspection started today. Adam speaks to the BBC’s education editor Branwen Jeffreys. You can join our Newscast online ...
Nov 28, 2023•30 min
Documents obtained by the BBC show the UAE wanted to discuss new fossil fuel projects with a number of countries at COP28. The BBC’s climate editor and the journalist who got the scoop, Justin Rowlatt and Professor of Political Economy at University of Sheffield, Michael Jacobs joined Adam to discuss what this means for this week’s climate conference. And a new pay offer has been made to consultants in England. The deputy chair of the BMA consultants committee, Dr Shanu Datta says this doesn’t m...
Nov 27, 2023•29 min