Today, Laura, Paddy and Henry look back at the last parliamentary year with the summer recess on the horizon. How have the main political parties fared a year on since the general election? And which of them would be top of the class in their school report cards? You can watch every episode of Newscast on the YouTube here: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLS3XGZxi7cBU_AtRadnVPJPRC6LHrexaF You can join our Newscast online community here: https://tinyurl.com/newscastcommunityhere Get in touc...
Jul 20, 2025•29 min
Today, Laura and Paddy ask who in charge of the country as the Prime Minister’s authority is again in question. From backbenchers, to ministers to the markets - who is actually driving this government? Laura and Paddy look to find the answers. 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 watch every episode of Newscast on the YouTube here: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLS3XG...
Jul 19, 2025•29 min
Today, the Environment Agency reported a 60% rise in serious pollution incidents by water companies within a year. There were 2,801 pollution incidents in England in 2024, the highest on record, up from 2,174 in 2023. The cross-party Public Accounts Committee called the situation “woeful” and said regulators were “missing in action.” The data comes ahead of a landmark review of the water industry, to be published on Monday. Adam is joined by Esme Stallard, Climate and Science Journalist, and Joe...
Jul 18, 2025•32 min
Today, the voting age at the next general election will be lowered across the UK to 16 for the first time. Labour's election manifesto last year pledged to lower the voting age to 16 - in line with Scottish and Welsh elections. The Prime Minister has said 16 and 17-year-olds are "old enough to go out to work, they are old enough to pay taxes". The policy has been criticised by the Conservatives and Reform. Adam and Chris are joined by Professor Jane Green - Director of Nuffield Politics Research...
Jul 17, 2025•34 min
Today, Keir Starmer told the House of Commons the previous government had ‘serious questions’ to answer about a major data breach from the Ministry of Defence. On Tuesday, a major data breach which led to thousands of Afghans being secretly relocated to the UK became public knowledge for the first time. Chris joins Adam to discuss the former government’s account of events, as well as what could happen next. And, Adam speaks to Larisa Brown, Defence Editor at The Times, about how she broke the st...
Jul 16, 2025•36 min
Today, President Trump gives an exclusive interview to the BBC Adam speaks to BBC chief North America correspondent Gary O’Donoghue about his call with President Trump, a year on from the Trump shooting that Gary witnessed. Gary was woken up by a call from President Trump on Monday, where he spoke candidly about whether he trusts Russia’s President Putin. President Trump also spoke about Brexit, his upcoming UK visit and whether he still thinks about the attempt on his life. You can now listen t...
Jul 15, 2025•31 min
Today, we discuss the findings of a BBC report which found that the documentary Gaza: How To Survive a Warzone had breached editorial guidelines. The BBC previously pulled the documentary from iPlayer after it was uncovered that the 13-year-old narrator was the son of a Hamas official. The report says the production company Hoyo Films bears most of the responsibility for the failures. Hoyo Films said it took the reviews findings "extremely seriously" and said it "apologises for the mistake that ...
Jul 14, 2025•40 min
Today, the chief executive of Ofcom, Dame Melanie Henrietta Dawes sat down with Laura to discuss the Online Safety Act. In just under two weeks time, specific child safety measures, including changes to algorithms to filter out harmful content, will be enforced for a number of different tech platforms and companies. And we find out about the latest development in the upcoming strikes from resident doctors in the NHS. You can now listen to Newscast on a smart speaker. If you want to listen, just ...
Jul 13, 2025•28 min
Today, the leader of the Unite union says Labour is not defending working people and they are turning away from the party "in droves". Deputy Prime Minister Angela Rayner was yesterday suspended by the union - and Unite’s General Secretary Sharon Graham says Labour should be ‘seriously concerned’ after the union voted to potentially rethink its relationship with the party, which could result in it formally cutting ties and funding. And Paddy and Laura give an update on what we know what happened...
Jul 12, 2025•28 min
Today, as the UK faces the third heatwave already of the summer - is this the kind of summer we should expect in future? Adam is joined by Jordan Dunbar, one of the hosts of the Climate Question podcast and Sarah Keith-Lucas lead weather presenter for the BBC. They discuss when hot weather becomes a heatwave, how prepared the UK is and whether travel habits will change as a result. You can now listen to Newscast on a smart speaker. If you want to listen, just say "Ask BBC Sounds to play Newscast...
Jul 11, 2025•32 min
Today, the UK and France have unveiled a new “one in, one out” plan to reduce small boat Channel crossings. Announcing the deal at the end of Emmanuel Macron’s state visit to the UK, Keir Starmer said migrants arriving on small boats will be returned to France, in exchange for asylum seekers who have not tried to enter the UK illegally. Adam and Chris unpack what’s in the deal, and ask whether this latest plan will work. Plus, host of Newsnight, Victoria Derbyshire joins Adam to talk about her e...
Jul 10, 2025•34 min
Can the government afford everything it wants to do? Adam is joined by BBC economics editor Faisal Islam and BBC health editor Hugh Pym to discuss the news that resident doctors, who used to be called junior doctors, have announced strike dates for later this summer. The government says it won’t reopen negotiations with the British Medical Association, which represents resident doctors. Plus, the chair of the inquiry into the infected blood scandal says that victims have been harmed by delays to...
Jul 09, 2025•41 min
As the government announces a new test of the emergency alert system, Newscast is invited to COBR. Adam and Chris become the first people ever to broadcast from COBR as they interview Pat McFadden the Chancellor for the Duchy of Lancaster. They discuss a new test of the emergency alert system, what it’s really like during meetings of national security and how the government is preparing for future crises. You can now listen to Newscast on a smart speaker. If you want to listen, just say "Ask BBC...
Jul 08, 2025•43 min
Today we look at the continued fall out of flash floods in Texas where at least 91 people have died. Search efforts continue for a fourth day for dozens of people still missing, authorities say. Camp Mystic, a girls' summer camp in the county, confirmed that at least 27 girls and staff were among the dead Adam speaks to chief North America correspondent, Gary O’Donoghue who’s been reporting from Texas. Plus, BBC News chief news presenter Caitríona Perry joins from Washington to discuss Israeli P...
Jul 07, 2025•26 min
On recent episodes we’ve looked back at Labour’s first 12 year in government, and we’ve looked ahead at what Labour could do next. Today, Newscast finds out how voters feel things are going. Laura and Paddy chat with Luke Tryl, director of More in Common, political research group, to find out what new polling suggests about what the public really think of Keir Starmer. 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 o...
Jul 06, 2025•28 min
Today, Laura and Paddy look ahead and discuss what's next for the government after a tumultuous first year in power. Can we expect Keir Starmer to make changes to policy, politics and personnel? or will the Prime Minister dig in and defy the critics, some of whom are already predicting his resignation before the next election. You can join our Newscast online community here: https://tinyurl.com/newscastcommunityhere Get in touch with Newscast by emailing newscast@bbc.co.uk or send us a WhatsApp ...
Jul 05, 2025•31 min
One year after Keir Starmer became the first Labour Prime Minister for 14 years, have his first 12 months been a success? Adam, Chris and Henry are at Crossed Wires festival to discuss in front of an audience of Newscasters! 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 Get in touch with Newscast by ema...
Jul 04, 2025•1 hr 2 min
Can the government’s new ten year plan save the NHS? Today the government published it’s plan to reform the NHS. The government says it will focus on three main changes, shifting from treatment to preventative care, switching to digital health services, and moving to more community care. Adam speaks to minister of state for care Stephen Kinnock about the plans, and Chris joins to unpack the government’s announcement. Plus, as part of the Newscast Summer Tour, Adam and Chris will be in Sheffield ...
Jul 03, 2025•44 min
Today, Rachel Reeves was visibly upset at Prime Minister’s Questions. Her team say it was a personal matter, and there are also reports of an argument with the speaker. Adam and Chris look at what’s been going on amidst mounting criticism of the chancellor’s handling of the welfare cuts. Plus, Sean ‘Diddy’ Combs has been found not guilty of racketeering and sex trafficking his ex partner Cassie Ventura and another woman. The US rapper was found guilty of two charges of transportation to engage i...
Jul 02, 2025•31 min
Today, MPs have narrowly voted in favour of the government’s welfare bill. The controversial legislation passed after a series of last minute concessions by the government, but 49 Labour MPs still rebelled. Adam and Chris discuss what changes were made, how the government failed to manage the rebellion, and the political blow the prime minister has taken. Plus, three former senior staff at the hospital where Lucy Letby worked have been arrested on suspicion of gross negligence manslaughter. A se...
Jul 01, 2025•32 min
Today, Avon and Somerset police launched a criminal investigation into sets by bands Bob Vylan and Kneecap at Glastonbury festival on Saturday. Adam is joined by BBC media and culture editor Katie Razzall, who reported from the festival over the weekend, to discuss the investigation and the BBC’s apology for not cutting the livestream of Bob Vylan’s performance. And, Faisal and Chris are back for another day of dissecting the government’s change to their welfare proposals. Work and Pensions Secr...
Jun 30, 2025•42 min
Today, we look at the reaction from politicians, Glastonbury, and the BBC to comments from Bob Vylan, a duo that performed at the music festival on Saturday. Rapper Bobby Vylan led chants of "death, death to the IDF [Israel Defense Forces]". A BBC spokesperson said: “Some of the comments made during Bob Vylan’s set were deeply offensive. During this live stream on iPlayer, which reflected what was happening on stage, a warning was issued on screen about the very strong and discriminatory languag...
Jun 29, 2025•32 min
Today, we look at where the welfare U-turn leaves Keir Starmer’s government, and the PM himself. Paddy and Henry Zeffman go through the PM’s first year in office and put it into context by look at where he’s got things right and wrong. Henry’s been talking to Labour insiders and officials for a documentary: Starmer’s Stormy Year You can find it here: https://www.bbc.co.uk/sounds/play/m002f8t1 You can now listen to Newscast on a smart speaker. If you want to listen, just say "Ask BBC Sounds to pl...
Jun 28, 2025•29 min
Today, the government has confirmed it will make major concessions to Labour rebels over its planned benefits reforms. Adam and Chris were back in the Newscast studio on Friday morning to run through how news of the U-turn broke late on Thursday night. And, they're joined by Alex and Faisal to unpack the week's political news - including key takeaways from the Nato summit in the Netherlands, including how Donald Trump came to be referred to as ‘daddy’. You can now listen to Newscast on a smart s...
Jun 27, 2025•36 min
Today, can Keir Starmer stop a rebellion from his own party over proposed welfare cuts? Adam is joined by Luke Sullivan, Keir Starmer’s former political director, to discuss the leadership strategy and the current political challenge. Also, columnist and author Sarah Vine speaks to Adam ahead of the release of her new book How Not to Be a Political Wife, sharing how Brexit led to the end of her marriage to Michael Gove and giving a behind the scenes look at life around politics. You can now list...
Jun 26, 2025•40 min
Today, world leaders have agreed to increase defence spending to 5% at a Nato summit at The Hague. Member states will commit 3.5% of GDP on core defence expenditure by 2035, plus up to 1.5% on a security investments. President Trump hailed the outcome as a “big win” and said he no longer thought Nato was a "rip-off". Adam is joined by BBC diplomatic correspondent James Landale and former British Ambassador to the United States, Lord Kim Darroch. Also at the summit is Chris, who’s been traveling ...
Jun 25, 2025•38 min
Today, President Trump arrives in Europe for what is being called “the most significant Nato summit since the cold war”? Adam, Chris and Katya are re-united as President Trump lands in Europe for his first Nato summit since winning the White House for the second time. Meanwhile, back at home the Prime Minister faces growing rebellion from Labour backbench MPs over welfare changes. Sir Keir Starmer has vowed to "press ahead” with the changes, ahead of a vote in parliament next week. Also, the BBC...
Jun 24, 2025•42 min
Today, Iran launches missiles at a US base in Qatar in response to strikes on their nuclear sites. Qatar has confirmed the attack on the US-run Al Udeid base, adding all the missiles were intercepted. The Pentagon has said there is no reports of any US casualties. Adam is joined by John Simpson, BBC world affairs editor And, health secretary Wes Streeting has said "we must act now" as he announced a national investigation into maternity care in England. Adam speaks to Suzanne White - head of the...
Jun 23, 2025•37 min
Today we look at the US bombing of Iranian nuclear sites. Donald Trump told Tehran to "make peace" or face "far greater" attacks in future. Iran has warned of “everlasting consequences”. Security analyst Gordon Corera goes through what we know about the strikes and what could happen next. Gary O’Donoghue, chief North America correspondent, explains Trump’s thinking and the reaction in the US You can now listen to Newscast on a smart speaker. If you want to listen, just say "Ask BBC Sounds to pla...
Jun 22, 2025•29 min
Today we’re looking at the reaction to a security breach at RAF Brize Norton in Oxfordshire. Pro-Palestinian activists broke into the base and sprayed two military planes with red paint. The home secretary will move to proscribe the Palestine Action group in the coming weeks, effectively branding them as a terrorist organisation, the BBC understands. Paddy and Laura look at the political row surrounding the incident. And the BBC’s chief international correspondent Lyse Doucet joins us to answer ...
Jun 21, 2025•29 min
