Everything We Know (And Don't Know) About The Mandelson Files
The government releases documents about appointing Peter Mandelson as US Ambassador.
Mar 11, 2026•35 min
Newscast
The BBC's daily news podcast, Newscast dives into the day's biggest news stories so you're never out of your depth.
Newscast picks the brains of BBC News experts so you're ready if someone picks yours, covering the latest news, developments in politics in Westminster and beyond.
Newscast is hosted by trusted politics and news journalists including Adam Fleming, BBC Political Editor Chris Mason, Laura Kuenssberg and Paddy O'Connell.
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Episodes
Will War In Iran Really End "Very Soon"?
Today, President Trump has told reporters Iran war will be over “very soon”, but not this week. Meanwhile, US Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth says this will be the “most intense” day of US strikes on Iran so far. So how close is the war to ending? Alex and James are joined by Caitríona Perry, Chief Anchor of BBC News in Washington, to try to decode what Trump might mean. Meanwhile, Trump has also threatened Iran with "death, fire, and fury" if it continues to disrupt shipping in the Strait of Hor...
Mar 10, 2026•34 min
What’s The Economic Cost Of The War In Iran?
Today, the Iran war has pushed oil prices above $100 a barrel for the first time since Russia’s invasion of Ukraine in 2022. James and Alex are joined by Dharshini David, deputy economics editor, and Katya Adler, Europe editor and Brexitcast veteran, to discuss what the war means for the global economy and how the surging oil price might lead to higher inflation. Katya’s new series ‘Europe on the Edge’ is available to watch on BBC iPlayer now. Meanwhile, in Iran Mojtaba Khamenei, son of the prev...
Mar 09, 2026•41 min
How The Iraq War's Legacy Shaped The UK's Iran Response
Today, we look at the extent to which the lessons learned from the Iraq war has shaped the UK's response to the war in Iran. Keir Starmer has taken a position somewhere between full support of Donald Trump’s actions, and direct criticism of them. In a post on Truth Social, the US president criticised the UK for being less than 100% supportive, saying ‘we will remember’ and "We don't need people that join Wars after we've already won!" On Friday, former Labour Prime Minister Sir Tony Blair told a...
Mar 08, 2026•34 min
The Iranian President Says Sorry, But Does He Mean It?
Iran’s president has apologised to Gulf states for attacking them. He has also warned that Iran will not attack its neighbours "unless attacked first". Laura asks Iran’s ambassador to the UK, Seyed Ali Mousavi, about the events of the past week, and what the apology really means. Paddy’s been talking to an Iranian woman who has fled the country about her views on the regime and their actions over the past few months. They get together to discuss what they’ve heard, and have a look at how serious...
Mar 07, 2026•32 min
Iran War Q+A
Newscast experts analyze the US-Israel conflict with Iran, addressing listener questions on key issues. The discussion covers President Trump's inconsistent approach to Iran, the surprising scale and reach of Iran's retaliatory attacks, and the UK's diplomatic tightrope walk, particularly regarding Keir Starmer's handling of the "special relationship" with the US. The episode also explores the internal dynamics of Iran's military, its diminishing regional alliances, the growing risk of internal chaos leading to a refugee crisis, and the broader economic consequences of a prolonged conflict, including its impact on UK energy prices.
Mar 06, 2026•33 min
Has Keir Starmer's Iran Response Been Too Slow?
Today, Keir Starmer has defended his response to the Iran war and announced he will send four additional fighter jets to Qatar. Adam is joined by Jane Corbin, Panorama film maker; Lucy Fisher, Whitehall editor for the Financial Times, and Mikey Kay, military analyst for the Security Brief, to discuss Starmer’s press conference, and to take a deeper look at the weaponry being used by both sides in this conflict. You can now listen to Newscast on a smart speaker. If you want to listen, just say "A...
Mar 05, 2026•33 min
What’s Happening Inside Iran?
Today, US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth said the US will strike deeper into Iran, but how has Iran responded to US-Israeli strikes so far? Adam is joined by Jane Corbin, Panorama Film Maker, and Siavash Ardalan, Senior Reporter for BBC World and BBC Persian, to discuss the Pentagon releasing a video of the sinking of an Iranian warship plus the challenges in reporting what’s going on inside Iran. You can now listen to Newscast on a smart speaker. If you want to listen, just say "Ask BBC Sounds ...
Mar 04, 2026•35 min
Donald Trump Is "Not Happy" With Keir Starmer Over Iran
Today, President Trump has publicly criticised Keir Starmer saying “This is not Winston Churchill we’re dealing with”. The comments came during a press conference at the White House alongside the German Chancellor Friedrich Merz. President Trump said he was “not happy with the UK” because of the initial refusal from London to let Washington use the British base at Diego Garcia in the Indian Ocean during its first strikes on Iran. It comes as the UK government has announced it is sending “helicop...
Mar 03, 2026•37 min
What Is Trump’s Endgame For War In Iran?
Today, President Trump outlined the objectives of Operation Epic Fury saying he took the “last best chance” to hit Iran. The president said the objectives of the operation in Iran are "clear", including "destroying Iran's missile capabilities", "annihilating their Navy" and preventing them from ever having a nuclear weapon. Adam is joined by Jane Corbin, Panorama Film Maker, Lyse Doucet, Chief International Correspondent and Caitriona Perry Chief Anchor BBC News Washington You can now listen to ...
Mar 02, 2026•34 min
Ali Khamenei Killed
Today, we look at the death of Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, who was killed by US-Israeli attacks on Saturday. US President Donald Trump released a statement late in the evening saying he was targeted via intelligence and tracking systems. International editor Jeremy Bowen joins Laura and Paddy to discuss how it happened, what it means for the future of Iran and the region, and how the rest of the world is reacting. You can now listen to Newscast on a smart speaker. If you want t...
Mar 01, 2026•33 min
The US and Israel attack Iran
Today, we look at US and Israeli attacks on Iran. US president Donald Trump has described ongoing "major combat operations" and called for Iranian government forces to lay down their arms. Iranian forces say they have struck a US naval base in Bahrain and across the region in response. Earlier, Israel's defence minister said Israel had launched a "pre-emptive attack" against Iran, with explosions heard across the country. Chief international correspondent Lyse Doucet, just back from Iran, joins ...
Feb 28, 2026•44 min
By-Electioncast: Greens Win Gorton and Denton
Today, the Green party have won the Gorton and Denton by-election with nearly 41% of the votes, beating Reform into second place and Labour third. In Newscast by-election tradition, this episode was livestreamed on Friday morning. Adam and Chris are joined by BBC political correspondent Joe Pike and pollster Luke Tryl to discuss the results and what it means for the UK as a whole. You can now listen to Newscast on a smart speaker. If you want to listen, just say "Ask BBC Sounds to play Newscast”...
Feb 27, 2026•39 min
Will The US Attack Iran?
Today, we discuss the indirect US-Iran talks happening in Geneva. The talks are happening against a backdrop of increased tensions between the two countries, with the US sending what Trump calls an ‘armada’ to the region. President Trump has threatened to strike Iran if a nuclear deal isn’t agreed during the talks. We also discuss President Trump’s State of the Union speech, happening a time where many Americans are feeling frustrated about the cost of living, and off the back of the supreme cou...
Feb 26, 2026•34 min
How Did A Tip-Off From Sir Lindsay Hoyle Lead To Peter Mandelson’s Arrest?
Today, the Metropolitan Police apologised to the Commons Speaker for "inadvertently revealing information" relating to Lord Mandelson's arrest on Monday. Sir Lindsay Hoyle addressed the House of Commons before Prime Minister’s Questions to confirm he had passed information to the Metropolitan Police suggesting the peer could be a flight risk. Lord Mandelson’s lawyers say he had agreed to an interview next month, and the decision to take him into custody was prompted by a "baseless" suggestion he...
Feb 25, 2026•30 min
The David Lammy Interview
Today, Adam and Chris speak to the deputy prime minister David Lammy about his justice reforms. He acknowledged the court backlog will continue to rise and may be at the same level as it is today at the next general election despite the government’s planned reforms. He also said that Labour would be “out on their bums” if they haven’t delivered the change the public want by the time of the next election. You can now listen to Newscast on a smart speaker. If you want to listen, just say "Ask BBC ...
Feb 24, 2026•30 min
Peter Mandelson Arrested
Today, Peter Mandelson has been arrested on suspicion of misconduct in public office. The former British ambassador to the US has been under investigation over allegations he shared market-sensitive government information with Jeffrey Epstein while serving as a minister. He has not commented publicly since the Metropolitan Police launched their investigation earlier this month, but the BBC understands his position has consistently been that he has not acted in any way criminally and that he was ...
Feb 23, 2026•40 min
Gordon Brown turns detective over Andrew
Today, we discuss a report in the Sunday Telegraph that Gordon Brown has demanded a police investigation into whether Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor used taxpayer-funded jets and RAF bases to meet the paedophile Jeffrey Epstein. The former PM says he’s sent a five-page memorandum to the Metropolitan, Surrey, Sussex Thames Valley and other UK police constabularies. Laura and Paddy are joined by Henry Zeffman to discuss why he’s turned investigator, what it means for the Royal Family, and whether rule...
Feb 22, 2026•34 min
The Boris Johnson and Sir Tony Radakin Interview
This is Laura’s full exclusive interview with former prime minister Boris Johnson and his chief of the defence staff Tony Radakin. They reflect on four years of war in Ukraine; their attempts to prevent it, their efforts to support Ukraine and their hopes for the future. We’ll also have a normal Sunday edition of Newscast in you feeds very shortly.
Feb 22, 2026•28 min
Trump’s Tariffs: The Beginning of the End?
Today, Laura and Paddy are joined by Gary O'Donoghue, Chief North America correspondent to discuss the US Supreme Court’s ruling to block President Donald Trump’s global tariffs. Is this the beginning of the end of his tariffs, what’s Trump doing now, and what does it mean for where power lies in the US? Laura has interviewed former UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson and former Chief of the Defence Staff Sir Tony Radakin ahead of the four-year anniversary of the beginning of the full scale invasion...
Feb 21, 2026•35 min
The Week: Andrew Arrested, New Cabinet Secretary & Jenrick Economics
Today Adam, Alex Forsyth, Joe Pike and pollster Luke Tryl look back at the week in Westminster; starting with Thursday morning's news that the King’s brother, Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor, had been arrested on suspicion of misconduct in a public office. Plus, they discuss the appointment of Antonia Romeo to the role of cabinet secretary and our first look at Reform UK’s new economic policy. You can now listen to Newscast on a smart speaker. If you want to listen, just say "Ask BBC Sounds to play N...
Feb 20, 2026•41 min
Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor Arrested
Today, Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor has been arrested and is in custody on suspicion of misconduct in public office. King Charles says he "learned with the deepest concern" of Andrew's arrest, adding "the law must take its course" - Prince William and Catherine are understood to support the statement. Andrew, who turns 66 today, has previously denied any wrongdoing in relation to Epstein; he has not responded to the BBC's requests for comment on the specific allegations in relation to the release ...
Feb 19, 2026•37 min
The Robert Jenrick Interview: What's Reform's Economic Plan?
Today, Robert Jenrick used his first speech as Reform’s pick for chancellor to try to convince businesses and economists that he would be sensible with their money. He said it would reintroduce the two-child benefit cap in full, in a shift away from scrapping the limit. He also said the party plans to keep UK's budget watchdog The Office for Budget Responsibility (OBR). So we thought it would be a good time to explore exactly what Reform’s plan for the economy was, and ask is it really that radi...
Feb 18, 2026•39 min
Is There A Gen Z Jobs Crisis?
Today, we look at why young people are bearing the brunt as unemployment hits its highest rate for nearly five years. Adam and Alex are joined by BBC business editor Simon Jack to unpack some of the factors driving the trend. Plus Alex updates us on Nigel Farage appointing Reform UK’s new top team, which he is calling his ‘shadow cabinet’. Alex explains what the appointments might tell us about how Reform is operating. You can now listen to Newscast on a smart speaker. If you want to listen, jus...
Feb 17, 2026•34 min
Is It The End Of The Global Order As We Know It?
Today, the government is considering accelerating planned increases to defence spending. The news comes after the PM dropped some heavy hints that he was ready to spend more on defence during his speech at the Munich Security Conference on Saturday. Katya Adler and James Landale drop by to explain how America is trying to rewrite the global order… and get Europe to sign on and Joe Pike explains why spending more on defence is never politically straightforward. Plus, Joe and Adam discuss the gove...
Feb 16, 2026•31 min
Are Britain's 'Brexit Years’ Over?
Today, Laura and Paddy are joined by correspondent Joe Pike to go through the biggest stories of the day. Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer has called for a stronger, bolder Europe, and deeper links between the UK and the EU. He told world leadersat the Munich Security Conference “we are not the Britain of the Brexit years any more,” and Europe “must be ready to fight”. We also look at a story about a think tank, Labour Together, which helped labour win in the General Election. They are accused of...
Feb 15, 2026•30 min
Victoria Derbyshire on the Gisèle Pelicot Interview
Today, Laura and Paddy speak to Victoria Derbyshire about her exclusive UK interview with Gisèle Pelicot, the woman at the centre of France's largest rape trial. She told Victoria she was "crushed by horror" on discovering that, for years, her husband had repeatedly drugged her unconscious and invited dozens of men to rape her. Victoria spoke to her about how she waived her legal right to anonymity, opening up the trial to the public and the media in order for “the shame to shift to the other si...
Feb 14, 2026•34 min
The Week: How Keir Starmer Survived
Today, we’re looking back on a tumultuous week for the Prime Minister. James and Chris are joined by Tim Shipman, political editor of The Spectator, and Professor Jane Green, Director of Nuffield Politics Research Centre and President of the British Polling Council. They discuss the Prime Minister’s moment of ‘peril’, what we’ve learned about Keir Starmer’s leadership and… which surprising celebrity ended up on the shortlist to become US ambassador. You can now listen to Newscast on a smart spea...
Feb 13, 2026•31 min
Sir Jim Ratcliffe Says Sorry (To Some) For 'Colonised' Comments
Billionaire and Manchester United co-owner, Sir Jim Ratcliffe, has apologised to those who were offended by his comment that “the UK has been colonised by immigrants”. He said this to a journalist at a business summit in Belgium earlier this week. Sir Keir Starmer, who condemned Sir Jim’s comments has said that he was right to apologise for causing offence. While the businessman was also criticised by Greater Manchester mayor, Andy Burnham, and other opposition parties and footballing groups, Re...
Feb 12, 2026•40 min
Two More Problems For Keir Starmer?
Today, Keir Starmer was given a grilling at Prime Minister’s Questions about his decision to award a peerage to Lord Doyle. Chris unpacks PMQs and the latest revelations with Alex and James, as well as an intervention from former Prime Minister Gordon Brown calling for police to interview Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor. Plus the BBC's chief international correspondent Lyse Doucet joins the podcast from Iran as the country marks the 47th anniversary of the Islamic revolution. You can now listen to Ne...
Feb 11, 2026•34 min
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