Today, the new Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood said that the UK could suspend visas for countries with who don’t “play ball” with the government’s migrant return plans. This comes after the Prime Minister Keir Starmer’s surprise cabinet reshuffle at the end of last week, triggered by the resignation of his Deputy Angela Rayner, who paid an incorrect amount of stamp duty on a property. The Labour NEC has announced the timeline for a deputy leader election campaign. Adam and Chris unpack the Home S...
Sep 08, 2025•40 min
Today, we look at whether the government’s leadership changes point to a turn to the right after a series of personnel changes after Angela Rayner’s resignation. The new home secretary Shabana Mahmood is said to be taking up a harder stance on immigration and is looking at moving asylum seekers onto military sites as an alternative to hotels, as confirmed by defence secretary John Healey in an interview with Laura today. Political correspondent joins Laura and Paddy to look at the latest ins and...
Sep 07, 2025•30 min
Today, we look at the damage done to Keir Starmer and his government after he lost his deputy prime minister. Angela Rayner resigned after the prime minister's ethics adviser found that she had breached the ministerial code over failing to pay enough tax on her flat in East Sussex. But does that mean Keir Starmer’s lost one of his most valuable cabinet members? Paddy and Laura reunite after the summer to discuss. And they look at the latest ins and outs as part of the reshuffle that has followed...
Sep 06, 2025•34 min
Today, Angela Rayner resigned after an investigation concluded she breached the ministerial code by underpaying stamp duty on a flat in Hove. The report into Rayner’s conduct concluded she had ‘acted with integrity’ but had failed to meet the standards of the ministerial code by not looking for expert tax advice. Her resignation triggered a major cabinet reshuffle. James Cook is joined by Chris Mason and Laura Kuenssberg, to chat who’s in, who’s out, and how ‘Phase Two’ is shaping up for the Gov...
Sep 05, 2025•31 min
Today, we look at the continuing row over Angela Rayner not paying enough tax on her second home. James is joined in Glasgow by Chris who’s been travelling with Sir Keir Starmer. Earlier today, the Prime Minister refused to tell Chris if he’d sack Angela Rayner if she is found to have broken the ministerial code. With a judgment from the independent adviser expected before the end of the week; Chris and James discuss what could happen next. Plus James and Alex speak to new leader of the Green Pa...
Sep 04, 2025•45 min
Today, Angela Rayner admitted to underpaying stamp duty on her £800,000 flat in Hove and referred herself for investigation by the PM's standards adviser. James is joined by Faisal Islam, Economics Editor, and Chris Mason, Political Editor, to discuss the deputy prime minister’s explanation of her family and tax arrangements, the reaction in parliament, and the inquiry she now faces. Plus, Rachel Reeves has revealed the date of the Autumn Budget. But the ‘kite-flying’ about what levers the Chanc...
Sep 03, 2025•32 min
Today, we look ahead to the unprecedented meeting between Xi Jinping, Vladimir Putin and Kim Jong Un happening on Wednesday, the first time the three of them have ever met in public. It’s happening off the back of a summit in China, where Beijing hosted leaders from over 20 non-Western countries. Why are they meeting and what does it mean for the West? James speaks to BBC diplomatic correspondent James Landale, and geopolitical analyst Sophie Gaston from King’s College. James also speaks to BBC ...
Sep 02, 2025•39 min
Today, as parliament returns Keir Starmer has reshuffled his Downing Street team once again. What has prompted another change at Number 10? What does this mean for Rachel Reeves as Chancellor? And, why are so many people talking about flags? James and Chris are joined by 5 Live presenter Matt Chorley after he interviewed the Prime Minister, to discuss all this, plus, new changes to the asylum system. You can now listen to Newscast on a smart speaker. If you want to listen, just say "Ask BBC Soun...
Sep 01, 2025•42 min
On this episode of Old Newscast, we look at how the downfall of Margaret Thatcher as prime minister changed British politics. Jim Naughtie, BBC special correspondent, joins Adam with Caroline Slocock, who was Thatcher’s private secretary. They talk about how it affected the Conservative government that followed, how she might have influenced Tony Blair, and the toll the episode took on her. You can now listen to Newscast on a smart speaker. If you want to listen, just say "Ask BBC Sounds to play...
Aug 30, 2025•24 min
On this episode of Old Newscast, we look at the day that Margaret Thatcher announced she would stand down as prime minister, 22 November 1990. Jim Naughtie, BBC special correspondent joins Adam with Caroline Slocock, who was Thatcher’s private secretary. They go through how the day unfolded publicly and behind the scenes, and what led to the decision. 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 speak...
Aug 30, 2025•41 min
With politicians returning to Westminster on Monday we look back at the summer and ahead to the challenges awaiting them. Adam is joined by political correspondent Joe Pike, and director of the Institute for Government Hannah White, to discuss Reform UK’s attempt to fill the summer recess void, the prime minister’s latest reshuffle of his top advisers and the fiscal challenges facing Rachel Reeves after the welfare rebellion left her with less cash to spare. You can now listen to Newscast on a s...
Aug 29, 2025•34 min
Today, we discuss the US Federal Reserve governor Lisa Cook suing President Donald Trump after he attempted to fire her. President Trump claims she made false statements on her mortgage, and says he has the authority to remove her. Cook has said there is "no cause exists under the law" to sack her. At the same time Trump is in another public dispute with the director of the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. How will both battles end? Adam speaks to BBC chief presenter Caitriona Perr...
Aug 28, 2025•33 min
Today, President Trump prepares to host a meeting about what happens next for Gaza city but - aside from Special Envoy Steve Witkoff promising a ‘comprehensive’ plan for what happens to Gaza - isn’t sharing many details. Adam is joined by James Landale, Diplomatic Correspondent for BBC News and Caitriona Perry, Chief Presenter BBC News in Washington, to unpack three stories from the Trump administration: the meeting about Gaza, increasing import tariffs on India and secret operations in Greenlan...
Aug 27, 2025•37 min
Today, Reform UK has set out a five-year plan to detain and deport all migrants who arrive in the UK without permission and suggested 600,000 people could be sent back over five years. Under the plan, named Operation Restoring Justice, Reform UK would bar anyone who comes to the UK on small boats from claiming asylum, and strike deals with countries to return those people. The proposals could face legal challenges and political opposition, with Labour branding it unworkable and the Conservatives...
Aug 26, 2025•40 min
34 years after the conclusion of Operation Desert Storm, Adam is joined by Kate Adie, Justin Webb, and Jeremy Bowen, to discuss the legacy of the first Gulf War. Was it a high point for conventional war tactics and Western , liberal, democratic power in the world? Or did it herald the start of a bloody intervention in the Middle East, from which the world has still not recovered? You can now listen to Newscast on a smart speaker. If you want to listen, just say "Ask BBC Sounds to play Newscast”....
Aug 24, 2025•27 min
On the 24 February 1991 The ground operation in Kuwait begun. After 6 weeks of decisive air offenses, allied forces moved in with the mission to expel what was left of Saddam Hussein’s military presence in Kuwait. Adam is joined again by three BBC reporters who were in the region at the time - Kate Adie, Justin Webb, and Jeremy Bowen. 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...
Aug 24, 2025•29 min
On the 17th January 1991, a US led coalition began its air offensive into neighbouring Kuwait, which had been invaded the year before by the Iraqi leader, Saddam Hussein. Codenamed operation ‘Desert Storm’, it marked the defining chapter of the first Gulf War - a conflict which has since been held up as an exemplar of Western military and diplomatic dominance. Adam is joined by three BBC reporters who were in the region at the time - Kate Adie, Justin Webb, and Jeremy Bowen. You can now listen t...
Aug 23, 2025•28 min
Today, we discuss the government seeking the right to appeal against a High Court ruling blocking a hotel in Essex from housing asylum seekers. Epping Forest District Council was granted a temporary injunction to stop people being placed at the Bell Hotel earlier this week. The Home Secretary Yvette Cooper unsuccessfully tried to get the case dismissed by intervening at the last minute. Adam speaks to BBC political correspondent Alex Forsyth, Dominic Casciani, BBC home and legal affairs correspo...
Aug 22, 2025•29 min
Today, we discuss Israel beginning the first stages of a ground offensive into Gaza City. Hundreds of thousands of Palestinians are expected to be ordered to evacuate and head to southern Gaza. This escalation comes as Israel continues to restrict aid into the strip, with Palestinians facing widespread malnutrition. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has said he is "shortening the timelines" for seizing what he described as "the last terror strongholds" in Gaza. Israel has also given final approv...
Aug 21, 2025•28 min
Today, more councils across England say they could take legal action, after the High Court issued a temporary injunction to stop the government from housing asylum seekers at The Bell Hotel in Epping. Anti-migrant protests and counter protests have been taking place in Epping throughout the summer after an asylum seeker living at the hotel was charged with sexual assault. Adam is joined by Dominic Casciani, the BBC’s home affairs correspondent, and Joe Pike, political correspondent, to discuss t...
Aug 20, 2025•40 min
Today, President Trump has ruled out sending US troops to Ukraine as part of any possible security guarantee. Speaking to US TV, the president said any boots on the ground would be British, French or German but did suggest they would have US air support. Adam is joined by BBC diplomatic correspondent James Landale from London plus Vitaliy Shevchenko, host of Ukrainecast and Asma Khalid host of the Global Story in Washington to discuss the latest we’ve learned about how security guarantees for Uk...
Aug 19, 2025•30 min
Straight off the back of the Alaska summit with Vladimir Putin, Donald Trump hosted Volodymyr Zelensky at the White House as he pushes for an end to the war in Ukraine. The last time they met in the Oval Office, it ended in an argument in front of the world's media. It was a friendlier encounter this time, with Zelensky handing a letter to Donald Trump from his wife to the First Lady, Melania Trump. It was soon followed by a meeting of major European leaders, all of whom travelled to Washington ...
Aug 18, 2025•29 min
On this episode of Old Newscast, we look at how the Oslo peace process failed. Changes in Israeli leadership and disagreement on issues like Jerusalem, Palestinian statehood and Israeli settlements undermined the process and continue to echo today. Adam speaks to Jane Corbin from BBC Panorama and BBC Chief International Correspondent who were reporting during the peace process. You can now listen to Newscast on a smart speaker. If you want to listen, just say "Ask BBC Sounds to play Newscast”. I...
Aug 16, 2025•39 min
On this episode of Old Newscast, we go back to September 13 1993, when long term enemies Yitzhak Rabin, the Israeli Prime Minister and Yasser Arafat, Chairman of the PLO shake hands on the White House lawn. They shook hands after decades of violence and publicly acknowledged a peace process that produced a set of agreements known as the Oslo Accords. The handshake came about after a series of secret negotiations held in Norway, where negotiators from both sides lived together until they came to ...
Aug 16, 2025•34 min
The first face to face meeting between Donald Trump and Vladimir Putin since the war in Ukraine started is over, with Donald Trump saying “we didn’t get there” on a Ukraine deal, or a ceasefire. The meeting lasted three hours, with the US president insisting progress was made, and Putin saying he is “sincerely interested” in ending the war, but without giving details. The two leaders both addressed the media at the end of the summit, but didn’t take questions. In a special collaboration, Adam wa...
Aug 16, 2025•32 min
Today, all eyes are on Alaska where American President Donald Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin will meet. Face-to-face for the first time in six years and joined only by their translators, President Trump says he'll know within minutes if there is a deal to be done to end the war in Ukraine. Adam is joined by Lord Kim Darroch, the former UK Ambassador to the United States and former National Security Advisor, and Catherine Belton, Russia reporter for the Washington Post and author of P...
Aug 15, 2025•33 min
Today, we ask what happens next following the mass arrests of those demonstrating in support of the proscribed terrorist group, Palestine Action. Over 500 people were arrested on suspicion of breaking terrorism laws in London on Saturday. The Home Secretary Yvette Cooper said that those in support of the proscribed terrorist organisation “Don’t know the full nature” of the group. Joining Adam to discuss is the BBC’s home and legal correspondent, Dominic Casciani. Meanwhile, new GDP figures show ...
Aug 14, 2025•36 min
Today, we’re looking at a virtual meeting between European leaders and Donald Trump, two days before he meets his Russian counterpart Vladimir Putin in Alaska to discuss ending the war in Ukraine. Trump said afterwards that Russia would face "very severe" consequences unless it halted its war in Ukraine. Alex joins to talk about the UK’s involvement, Ukrainecast’s Vitaly Shevchenko is with Adam in the studio, and Europe correspondent James Waterhouse is in Berlin, where Volodymyr Zelensky was wi...
Aug 13, 2025•27 min
Today, Adam speaks to the former first minister of Scotland Nicola Sturgeon. Ahead of the release of her new book, 'Frankly', Nicola Sturgeon reveals details her time in office, her row with JK Rowling over gender in Scotland, her relationship with Alex Salmond, and her sexuality. 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.co...
Aug 12, 2025•56 min
Today, we’re looking ahead to Friday’s meeting in Alaska between Donald Trump and Vladimir Putin, as Trump hints at a potential land swap to end the war in Ukraine. Trump announced the meeting last Friday, the same day of his self-imposed deadline for Russia to agree to a ceasefire or else face more US sanctions. Meanwhile, European allies have rallied behind Ukraine in a renewed show of support, insisting that any peace talks with Russia must include Kyiv. Joining Adam to look ahead to the talk...
Aug 11, 2025•26 min
