Today, we look at Keir Starmer kicking off his party’s Scottish campaign, and Jeremy Corbyn confirming he will stand as an independent candidate in Islington North. Plus, a surprise announcement from Michael Gove! Adam is joined by Chris from Westminster and James from Scotland. 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 ma...
May 24, 2024•32 min
Today, we look at Rishi Sunak confirming that no deportation flights to Rwanda will set off before the general election. Plus Nigel Farage says he will not run to be a MP. It had been thought that the government would try to get the first flight off the ground to Rwanda before the election on 4th of July. Sunak has now said they will go ahead “If i’m re-elected”. Labour has pledged to scrap the plan if it wins power. And, Nigel Farage has announced he will not stand in the general election. In a...
May 23, 2024•37 min
Today marks day one of the general election campaign, and the Prime Minister has done his first round of interviews. Adam and Chris discuss what was said, what the party slogans say about their campaigns and where the leaders start on the campaign trail. 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 Chris Gray with Mir...
May 23, 2024•27 min
Rishi Sunak has called the UK General Election for the 4th July. Adam is joined by Laura Kuenssberg, Faisal Islam and Alex Forsyth to discuss the surprise announcement by the Prime Minister this afternoon. 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 Miranda Slade with Jack Maclaren, Gemma Roper, Sam McLaren and Natas...
May 22, 2024•40 min
Today, we look at, how much the victims of the infected blood scandal could receive in compensation And a major row between a Hollywood A Lister and OpenAi. The government has announced some infected blood victims will receive £210,000 compensation within 90 days. This is an initial payment whilst work continues on a final scheme. It is estimated final payments could rise to £2.6m for certain infected people. Adam is joined by the BBC’s health reporter Jim Reed. And, Hollywood star Scarlett Joha...
May 21, 2024•33 min
Today we look at the final report into the infected blood scandal, which accuses doctors, the government and the NHS of letting patients catch HIV and hepatitis. In total, it's thought about 2,900 people have died since being infected by contaminated blood, and the number continues to rise. The report into the scandal suggests evidence of failure and cover-up. PM Rishi Sunak apologised to the victims and described it as a “day of shame for the British state”. Adam is joined by Chris Mason and Ji...
May 20, 2024•36 min
Today we look at the death of Iran’s President Ebrahim Raisi in a helicopter crash. The hard-line cleric was killed alongside Iran’s foreign minister when a helicopter they were travelling in, crashed in heavy fog in northern Iran. The president was elected in 2021 and was seen as a potential successor to Iran’s Supreme Leader. Adam is joined by the BBC’s Chief International Correspondent Lyse Doucet to discuss what this means for Iran and the region. You can join our Newscast online community h...
May 20, 2024•20 min
Today, we heard from the government and the Labour party about the infected blood scandal - ahead of the inquiry’s final report being published tomorrow. Laura and Henry discuss what defence secretary Grant Shapps had to say about the government’s plan to compensate victims and how much they would be prepared to spend - as well as more on defence spending. And, after forgetting one of Labour’s six pledges, shadow health secretary Wes Streeting tells Laura more about how he’ll deliver on the pled...
May 19, 2024•29 min
Today, Adam and Laura discuss ‘Project Sunak’, and Laura shares some of the insights she’s heard from people who know and have worked with the Prime Minister about what he’s like behind the scenes - as well as the operation to improve his popularity. And Laura has interviewed Leonid Volkov, a close ally of Alexei Navalny, who was attacked with hammers outside his home in Lithuania last year. You can read Laura's piece here https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/cy6332vx5n8o You can join our Newscas...
May 18, 2024•32 min
Today, we look at Russian President Vladimir Putin’s state visit to China, where he met with Chinese President Xi Jinping. Putin, on his first foreign visit since being sworn in for a fifth term as president last week, was greeted with a rare hug from Xi Jinping before the leaders met to discuss trade between their two countries. Adam discusses the significance of this visit - and its potential ramifications for China’s relations with the West - with Gordon Corera, security correspondent, John S...
May 17, 2024•30 min
Today, we look at Keir Starmer revealing the “first steps” Labour would take if they won the general election. Speaking at an event in Essex, the Labour leader unveiled a pledge card with six key policies, including delivering "economic stability" and providing 40,000 more hospital appointments each week. Starmer rejected claims the party had scaled back its ambitions, and that it was a “copycat” of Tony Blair who launched his pledge card and went on to win the general election for Labour in 199...
May 16, 2024•32 min
Today, we look at what we know about the assassination attempt on Slovak PM Robert Fico. The alleged assailant has been detained by the police and ministers have told reporters it was a politically-motivated attack. Europe editor Katya Adler is on to explain what we know about what happened, and who Robert Fico is. And Chris joins James to discuss why some prisoners are being released early in England. You can join our Newscast online community here: https://tinyurl.com/newscastcommunityhere New...
May 15, 2024•28 min
Today, we look a new study which suggests obesity jabs, such as Wegovy and Ozempic, could also cut the risk of heart attacks and strokes. The drug semaglutide, which suppresses the appetite, is prescribed by the NHS and now has growing use as a “skinny jab”. Researchers have said that weekly shots could benefit the cardiovascular health of millions of adults, but the results have not yet been fully reviewed. Adam is joined by David Aaronovitch, Presenter of Radio 4’s Briefing Room, and Dr Ellie ...
May 14, 2024•37 min
Today, we look at Rishi Sunak’s claim that the election would be a choice “between past and future”, as Labour accused him of rebranding again. In a wide-ranging speech, the PM said that Keir Starmer would make the UK less safe and that the Tories are “the only party really talking about the future.” But Labour responded by claiming this was Rishi Sunak’s “7th reset” during his time in office. Are the battlegrounds for the election being drawn? Adam is joined by Chris who questioned Sunak after ...
May 13, 2024•39 min
Today we take a look at accusations that former Conservative MP Natalie Elphicke lobbied former Lord Chancellor, Sir Robert Buckland, over her then-husband Charlie’s sexual assault case. A spokesman for Ms Elphicke, said the claims were "nonsense". Laura, Paddy and Henry discuss how big a problem it is for the party, and how the story came to light. And Laura’s been speaking to the foreign secretary, Lord David Cameron, as Israel expands its military operation in Rafah. Paddy also reveals what i...
May 12, 2024•32 min
Today we take a look at Keir Starmer’s election plan with a man who was once one of his closest colleagues. Former chief of staff to the Labour leader, Sam White, joins Laura and Paddy to talk about what he thinks his old boss needs to do to avoid throwing away his lead. He also reveals details about their conversations about defections, and his own sacking. And there’s controversy at Eurovision where Dutch contestant, Joost Klein, has been banned, and the and Irish contestant, Bambie Thug withd...
May 11, 2024•32 min
Today, Keir Starmer set out his plan to stop small boats crossing the channel. Joined in Dover by the newest Labour MP, Natalie Elphicke, Keir Starmer took questions on his plan for a new Border Security Command. Chris Mason tells Adam all about the plan and his interview with the Labour leader. And we look ahead to the Eurovision Song Contest final. Adam is joined by Paddy O’Connell and Eurovisioncast host Daniel Rosney to discuss protests and controversy at this year’s competition, as well as ...
May 10, 2024•35 min
Today, we look at whether the UK economy has “turned a corner”, and if so why interest rates were kept the same? The Bank of England has announced it is keeping interest rates the same, for the sixth month in a row. The Governor Andrew Bailey has said it needs to "see more evidence" that price rises have slowed further. So when will mortgage rate start to drop? Adam is joined by Andy Haldane, former chief economist at the Bank of England and Darshini David, the BBC’s chief economics corresponden...
May 09, 2024•33 min
Today we look at the shock defection of another MP from the Tories to Labour. Keir Starmer welcomed the MP for Dover and Deal Natalie Elphicke to his side of the house at Wednesday’s Prime Minister’s Questions. It’s the second defection from the Conservatives to Labour in the past fortnight after the MP for Central Suffolk and North Ipswich Dan Poulter also crossed the floor. Adam and Chris are reunited for an emergency episode to explain what’s happened and what this means for both Rishi Sunak ...
May 08, 2024•25 min
Today we look at new online safety rules for under-18s published by the media regulator. Tech firms have been told to hide harmful content from children, or risk being banned for under-18s. BBC Breakfast did a special programme on the story. It’s presenters Jon Kay and Sally Nugent tell Adam and Chris what it was like to speak to parents of children subjected to online harms. Adam and Chris also question Secretary of State for Science, Innovation and Technology, Michelle Donelan. In statements, ...
May 08, 2024•45 min
Today we look at the potential ceasefire deal between Israel and Hamas. On Monday, Hamas agreed to terms put forward by Egyptian and Qatari mediators, but Israel has rejected them, with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu saying they are far from meeting Israel’s “core demands”. Meanwhile, the Israel Defence Force has taken control of the Gaza side of the Rafah crossing, a vital entry point for aid. Adam is joined by the BBC’s International Editor Jeremy Bowen and Chief International Correspondent...
May 07, 2024•38 min
Today we look at the political reaction to the weekend’s local election results. Henry joins Laura and Paddy to analyse as Transport Secretary Mark Harper tells Laura the government's plan "is working". Suella Braverman disagrees. We also hear from the newly re-elected Labour mayor for West Yorkshire, Tracey Brabin, who admits her party lost votes because of its stance on Gaza. And, why does Keir Starmer keep popping up at non-league football grounds? You can join our Newscast online community h...
May 05, 2024•29 min
Today, we look at a big result in the West Midlands as Labour's Richard Parker beat Conservative Andy Street in a mayoral vote that was too close to call until nearly 9pm. Laura and Paddy give their instant reaction. They also reflect on votes elsewhere, including London, where Labour’s Sadiq Khan was voted in for a third time. Newscast brings you daily analysis of the latest political news stories from the BBC. It was presented by Laura Kuenssberg and Paddy O’Connell. It was made by Chris Flynn...
May 04, 2024•26 min
Today, we look at the results that have come in throughout Friday in the local elections. Ben Houchen has won in the Tees Valley mayoral race, in some positive news for Rishi Sunak. Will this be enough to stop any challenges to his leadership from within his party? Overall, it continues to look a bad day for the Conservatives though. Labour have won 3 other regional mayor contests, as well as key councils like Redditch and Thurrock. Adam is joined by Laura Kuenssberg, Chris Mason and Faisal Isla...
May 03, 2024•37 min
Today we look at the results that have come in overnight in the local elections and the Blackpool South by-election. Labour has made gains in councils in Redditch, Thurrock, Hartlepool, and Rushmoor in Hampshire as well as winning the Blackpool South seat with a 26% swing. With around a third of local council results in, Adam is joined by Laura Kuenssberg, Chris Mason, Alex Forsyth, Henry Zeffman and Professor John Curtice to get the latest results and analysis. You can join our Newscast online ...
May 03, 2024•46 min
Today, we look at who could be the next first minister of Scotland. And an exclusive report from the West Bank. Right now, John Swinney looks set to become Scotland’s next first minister, as Kate Forbes confirms she will not challenge him. Swinney says he wants to "unite the SNP and Scotland for independence", but will he be able to? Adam speaks Scotland Editor James Cook. And, as violence in the West Bank escalates, the BBC have found evidence of potential breaches of international law by the I...
May 02, 2024•29 min
Today we look at local elections! On Thursday, voters head to the polls to elect councillors, mayors, and police and crime commissioners. These are the last local elections before the next general election, but what will we learn from the results? And who has Luke Skywalker endorsed? Adam and Chris are joined by election guru Professor Sir John Curtice and political correspondent Alex Forsyth. And, Scotland editor James Cook has been speaking to former SNP leader Humza Yousaf after he resigned o...
May 01, 2024•42 min
Today, we look at whether the government has lost track of some of the migrants it aims to send to Rwanda. And, whether this is linked to a rise in migration to Ireland? The Irish government has blamed the Rwanda policy for the rise in migrants arriving from Northern Ireland. Meanwhile Rishi Sunak, has claimed this as evidence his plan is working. Does the Irish government have a right to send migrants back to the UK? Has the UK government ‘lost’ asylum seekers? Adam is joined by Irish journalis...
Apr 30, 2024•37 min
Today, we look Humza Yousaf stepping down as Scotland’s first minister. In an emotional resignation speech, Yousaf said he had “clearly underestimated" the hurt he'd caused the Scottish Greens by ending the SNP's power-sharing deal with them in the way he did. As a result, the SNP leader was facing two votes of no confidence later this week. Yousaf says he will stay on as first minister until the Scottish National Party chooses his replacement. Who will become the new first minister? What does t...
Apr 29, 2024•33 min
Dr Dan Poulter has quit the Conservatives and joins Labour, saying that he “found it increasingly difficult to look my NHS colleagues in the eye”. Laura, Paddy and Henry discussion all the ramifications; what it means for Rishi Sunak and Sir Keir Starmer. And the inevitable question - could it affect when the Prime Minister calls an election? In Scotland, it’s set to be a bumpy week for Humza Yousaf. Laura’s been speaking with his former boss and head of the Alba party, Alex Salmond, who’s sugge...
Apr 28, 2024•30 min
