Today, we look at a BBC investigation which has revealed that MI5 lied three times in court to protect one of its own violent, neo-Nazi agents. As it was defending its handling of their agent who had attacked his girlfriend with a machete, MI5 lied to three courts when they said they had stuck to its policy of not confirming or denying their agents’ identities. They had actually given information about this agent to BBC investigations correspondent Daniel De Simone as they tried to persuade him ...
Feb 12, 2025•29 min•Transcript available on Metacast Today, we look at the commissioner of the Met police Sir Mark Rowley saying they have been left in a “hopeless position” after a High Court ruling. The High Court today ruled the force could not dismiss officers by removing their vetting clearance. The ruling has huge implications for the ability of police chiefs to sack officers and is a major blow to Sir Mark's pledge to root out people who he says should not be in the force. Adam is joined by Sima Kotecha, Senior UK correspondent and former c...
Feb 11, 2025•32 min•Transcript available on Metacast Today, we look at President Trump’s announcement that he will impose 25% tariffs on all steel and aluminium imports into the U.S. He made the announcement to reporters aboard Air Force One after becoming the first sitting president to attend the Super Bowl, where he and Taylor Swift got mixed reactions from the crowd. Adam and Chris talk about the implications of the tariffs for the UK and the rest of the world with Sumi Somaskanda, BBC News chief presenter in Washington. And we look at the late...
Feb 10, 2025•30 min•Transcript available on Metacast Today, we look at the latest Government minister to be forced to leave their role. Health minister Andrew Gwynne has been sacked after a newspaper revealed he sent a string of offensive and abusive WhatsApp messages. Gwynne said on X that he was sorry for any offence caused by the "badly misjudged" comments. Laura, Paddy and Henry discuss. Meanwhile, the deputy Prime Minister Angela Rayner spoke to Laura about accusations she was “aggressive” during a Grenfell Tower demolition meeting. You can n...
Feb 09, 2025•29 min•Transcript available on Metacast Today, listen in full to an exclusive group interview for BBC One's Sunday with Laura Kuenssberg with the four British families suing TikTok for the alleged wrongful deaths of their children. The parents believe their children died after taking part in a viral trend that circulated on the video-sharing platform in 2022. TikTok says it prohibits dangerous content and challenges. It has blocked searches for videos and hashtags related to the particular challenge the children's parents say is linke...
Feb 09, 2025•33 min•Transcript available on Metacast Today, we look at what a potential peace deal in Ukraine could look like. President Trump says he’ll “probably” meet President Zelensky next week, amid reports that America’s blueprint for peace in Ukraine is set to be unveiled in the coming days. What could a plan look like? And, will President Zelensky back it? Paddy and Laura are joined by the BBC’s Ukraine correspondent James Waterhouse. And, TikTok is being sued by the parents of four British teenagers who believe their children died after ...
Feb 08, 2025•28 min•Transcript available on Metacast Today, we go back to where it all began - Brexitcast. Adam, Laura, Chris and Faisal reunite in the BBC Radio Theatre in front of a live audience to discuss the past and future of Brexit. Could another outcome have been possible? Could Theresa May have survived Brexit as PM? And, is the Brexit debate starting to heat up again? 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 News...
Feb 07, 2025•29 min•Transcript available on Metacast Today we look at what Keir Starmer and Kemi Badenoch had to say to Chris in the past 24 hours. Keir Starmer has announced plans to make it easier to build nuclear power stations in England and Wales, whilst Kemi Badenoch was interviewed about her new policy pledge to block benefits for migrants settling in the UK. And Adam and Chris are joined by health and science correspondent James Gallagher as recorded in front of a live studio audience for Newscast’s 5th birthday. Newscast brings you daily ...
Feb 06, 2025•36 min•Transcript available on Metacast Today we look at what Donald Trump means when he says he wants to own Gaza. Adam, Chris, Paddy and Laura speak to international editor Jeremy Bowen, who goes through the reaction from across the world and what the consequences of the comments are. Everyone’s together in the BBC Radio Theatre at Broadcasting House on Newscast’s 5th birthday. They also talk about the amount of money the UK may have pay as it hands over the sovereignty of the Chagos Islands to Mauritius. You can now listen to Newsc...
Feb 05, 2025•28 min•Transcript available on Metacast Today, we look at what could be the start of a trade war between the US and China. After postponing tariffs on Canada and Mexico, President Trump has introduced a 10% tax on all goods imports from China. Early this morning Beijing announced it would impose a retaliatory 10% levy, albeit on fewer products. Adam is joined by Laura Bicker, the BBC’s China Correspondent and Cindy Yu from the Spectator’s Chinese Whispers podcast. Plus, Adam speaks to journalist Ben Westhoff about the fentanyl crisis ...
Feb 04, 2025•33 min•Transcript available on Metacast Today, we look at Sir Keir Starmer being the first UK Prime Minister to join a gathering of EU leaders since Brexit. Meanwhile, President Trump has unveiled his much promised tariffs. Starmer says the trip is part of what he calls a “reset” between the UK and European Union. It comes as President Trump says the US will “definitely” impose trade tariffs on the EU. This follows Trump imposing tariffs on Mexico, Canada and China this weekend - only for the tariffs on Mexico to be reversed. Adam and...
Feb 03, 2025•38 min•Transcript available on Metacast Today, we look at a new book about what went on behind the scenes during Labour’s rise to power. Journalists and authors of Get In, Gabriel Pogrund and Patrick Maguire, join Laura and Paddy to explain how the party went from a crushing defeat in 2019 to a decisive victory in 2024 - and all the pitfalls and schemes that played out along the way. Plus, Laura and Paddy discuss the global reaction to Donald Trump following through on his campaign pledge to hit Canada, Mexico and China with tariff ri...
Feb 02, 2025•33 min•Transcript available on Metacast Today, we look at the challenges facing Labour’s plans for welfare reform. After the chancellor Rachel Reeves set her sights on a “fundamental” reform of the system, Laura, Paddy and Henry discuss what that could mean for health and disability benefits and why cost cutting reforms could cause trouble within the Labour party. Plus, five years on from the UK’s departure from the European Union we look at what’s actually changed and why for some people the Brexit deal still isn’t done. You can now ...
Feb 01, 2025•30 min•Transcript available on Metacast Today, Adam, Chris, Alex and Faisal discuss whether Lord Mandelson will be approved as Ambassador to the US, a disagreement in the shadow cabinet and whether Rachel Reeves’ plans for growth will work. 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 Newscast brings you daily analysis of the latest politica...
Jan 31, 2025•29 min•Transcript available on Metacast Today, we discuss Home Office plans to tackle migrant smuggling gangs. The Home Secretary Yvette Cooper told Chris the changes would mean the government endangering lives at sea is to be a new criminal offence. He and Adam are joined by home and legal correspondent Dominic Casciani. And, RFK Jr, President Trump’s pick for health secretary has been questioned by senators about his views on vaccines before a vote on his selection. Social media investigations correspondent Marianna Spring goes thro...
Jan 30, 2025•35 min•Transcript available on Metacast Today we look at the Chancellor Rachel Reeves’ a speech in which she backed a third runway at London's Heathrow Airport. She said it’s "badly needed" and will help grow the economy by creating 100,000 new jobs and improving connectivity to global markets. But is it guaranteed, and what are the implications for emissions? To answer those questions, Adam and Chris are joined by chief economics correspondent Dharshini David, and policy and analysis correspondent at BBC Verify Ben Chu. And, we’ve be...
Jan 29, 2025•40 min•Transcript available on Metacast Today, the BBC’s special correspondent Fergal Keane travelled with the first Jordanian helicopter delivering aid inside Gaza since the ceasefire between Hamas and Israel was declared. Adam speaks to Fergal about what it was like to be the first international correspondent to fly with the Jordanians into Israeli-held territory in southern Gaza. And, the Office for National Statistics has projected a population growth of 7.3% between 2022 and 2032; the number is almost entirely based on the net mi...
Jan 28, 2025•41 min•Transcript available on Metacast Today, we look at the relationship between President Donald Trump and Prime Minister Keir Starmer. The two men spoke for the first time on Sunday since the return of President Trump to the White House. Whilst both sides were keen to stress the positives, the 45-minute call appears to have focussed on points of agreement not distance. Chris and Adam speak to North America Editor Sarah Smith. And, is the battle for supremacy in AI starting to really kick off? Shares in major US technology firms ha...
Jan 27, 2025•38 min•Transcript available on Metacast Today, we look at what could be a very big week for the chancellor. Laura and Paddy are joined by BBC Newsnight’s political editor Nick Watt to discuss Rachel Reeves’ attempts to get growth. Including, measures for easing restrictions for wealthy non-doms and a possible approval of a third runway at Heathrow airport. Plus, following the sentencing of the Southport killer, Laura reflects on her interview with the Conservative leader Kemi Badendoch on whether a lack of social integration played a ...
Jan 26, 2025•32 min•Transcript available on Metacast Today, we look at the latest phase of the Israel-Hamas ceasefire deal in Gaza, which has seen four female Israeli soldiers released in exchange for 200 Palestinian prisoners. Laura and Paddy are joined by the BBC’s Chief International Correspondent Lyse Doucet to assess the state of the ceasefire after Israel accused Hamas of breaching the deal by not releasing civilian hostage Arbel Yehud. Hamas has since confirmed she is alive and will be released next week. And, as the government is proposing...
Jan 25, 2025•33 min•Transcript available on Metacast Today, Adam, Chris, Vicki and James discuss President Trump’s first week back in office, including his first major speech at the World Economic Forum, Britain’s trade relationship with the EU, and the government’s plans to say no to NIMBYism through planning reforms. 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/newscastcomm...
Jan 24, 2025•30 min•Transcript available on Metacast Today, we discuss the outcome of the case against Axel Rudakubana, who was sentenced to a minimum of 52 years in jail for the murder of three young girls in Southport last year. The court heard harrowing details of the attack and Rudakubana’s obsession with violence. Adam is joined by special correspondent Judith Moritz and UK correspondent Daniel Sandford. And Adam is joined by economics editor Faisal Islam just after President Trump spoke to World Economic Forum in Davos. You can now listen to...
Jan 23, 2025•38 min•Transcript available on Metacast Today, we look at Prince Harry’s settlement with the publisher of The Sun newspaper for intrusion into his private life over a 15 year period. Adam is joined by media editor Katie Razzall and home and legal correspondent Dominic Casciani to discuss the significance behind the News Group Newspapers’ “full and unequivocal apology” to the Duke of Sussex. And a Russian spy ship has been tracked by the Royal Navy operating near British waters. Adam speaks to diplomatic correspondent James Landale abo...
Jan 22, 2025•40 min•Transcript available on Metacast Today, we look at the prime minister’s pledge to fight “the changing face of terrorism” in light of Britain facing a “new and dangerous threat” from extreme violence. In an address from Downing Street, Sir Keir Starmer announced a public inquiry into the state failure that allowed Axel Rudakubana to fatally stab three young girls in Southport last summer. Plus we discuss President Trump’s first actions back in the White House, including the pardoning of nearly 1,600 people in connection with the...
Jan 21, 2025•34 min•Transcript available on Metacast Today, Donald Trump has been sworn in as the 47th US president. He promised to unleash a blitz of executive orders, after calling for a "revolution of common sense" in Monday's inaugural address. James Cook and Chris Mason were joined by Anthony Zurcher and Marianna Spring from Americast, Victoria Derbyshire from Ukrainecast and Jonny Dymond from The Global Story to assess Trump’s first act as he became President again. You can now listen to Newscast on a smart speaker. If you want to listen, ju...
Jan 20, 2025•44 min•Transcript available on Metacast Today, we look at Axel Rudakubana pleading guilty to the murder of three young girls at a dance class in Southport last year. Rudakubana also pleaded guilty to the attempted murder of 10 people, possession of a knife, production of a biological toxin and a terror offence. The attack sparked riots and protests across England and Northern Ireland. James speaks to special correspondent Judith Moritz and police and crime commentator Danny Shaw. You can now listen to Newscast on a smart speaker. If y...
Jan 20, 2025•22 min•Transcript available on Metacast Today, we look at how BBC News will cover Donald Trump - ahead of his inauguration as President for a second time. Adam is joined by BBC News Anchor in Washington Caitrionia Perry, Senior North America Correspondent Gary O’Donoghue and Head of Foreign at BBC News Paul Danahar. 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/ne...
Jan 20, 2025•37 min•Transcript available on Metacast Today, Laura, Paddy, and Henry discuss a ceasefire between Israel and Hamas. There was a delay, but hostages are expected to be released and some Gazans could start to return home. And Donald Trump’s first day as president of the US will begin tomorrow. Laura, Paddy and Henry speak about speculation that he won’t accept Lord Peter Mandelson as the new ambassador to the US, and the Labour government’s relationship with the president to be. You can now listen to Newscast on a smart speaker. If you...
Jan 19, 2025•32 min•Transcript available on Metacast Today, Paddy and Laura discuss Donald Trump’s inauguration on Monday and what we can learn from those who have been, and those who haven’t been, invited. And Paddy’s been speaking to former Prime Minister Gordon Brown who gives his verdict on the state of the UK economy and tells him about the value of 'multibanks'. And Newscast turns 5! You can apply for tickets below for Newscast’s 5th birthday party live show. https://www.bbc.co.uk/showsandtours/shows/newscast-birthday-5feb25 You can now list...
Jan 18, 2025•29 min•Transcript available on Metacast Today, Adam, Chris, Alex and Faisal discuss the government's plan for new inquiries into grooming gangs, how much we should read into some positive economic news this week and why politicians are talking about Brexit again. 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. And Newscast turns 5! You can apply for tickets below for Newscast’s 5th birthday party live show. https://www.bbc.co.uk/show...
Jan 17, 2025•29 min•Transcript available on Metacast 
