Newscast
BBC News
The BBC's daily news podcast, Newscast dives into the day's big 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 developments in politics in Westminster and beyond.Newscast is hosted by trusted journalists including Adam Fleming, BBC Political Editor Chris Mason, Laura Kuenssberg and Paddy O'Connell. 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.Catch Newscast seven-days a week and watch on BBC One at 23:40 on Thursday night or later on BBC iPlayer. GET IN TOUCH:
You can join our Newscast online community here: https://bbc.in/newscastdiscord
Send us a message or voicenote via WhatsApp to 03301239480
Email Newscast@bbc.co.uk
Or use the hashtag #BBCNewscastNewscast is part of the BBC News Podcasts family of podcasts. The team that makes Newscast also makes lots of other podcasts, including The Global Story, The Today Podcast, and of course Americast and Ukrainecast. If you enjoy Newscast (and if you're reading this then you hopefully do), then we think that you will enjoy some of our other pods too. See links below.Americast: https://www.bbc.co.uk/sounds/brand/p07h19zz
Ukrainecast: https://www.bbc.co.uk/sounds/brand/p0bqztzm
Radical: https://www.bbc.co.uk/sounds/brand/p0gg4k6r
You can join our Newscast online community here: https://bbc.in/newscastdiscord
Send us a message or voicenote via WhatsApp to 03301239480
Email Newscast@bbc.co.uk
Or use the hashtag #BBCNewscastNewscast is part of the BBC News Podcasts family of podcasts. The team that makes Newscast also makes lots of other podcasts, including The Global Story, The Today Podcast, and of course Americast and Ukrainecast. If you enjoy Newscast (and if you're reading this then you hopefully do), then we think that you will enjoy some of our other pods too. See links below.Americast: https://www.bbc.co.uk/sounds/brand/p07h19zz
Ukrainecast: https://www.bbc.co.uk/sounds/brand/p0bqztzm
Radical: https://www.bbc.co.uk/sounds/brand/p0gg4k6r
Episodes
Mentioned books
30 snips
Nov 23, 2025 • 32min
The Budget: Rumours And Reality (The Big Weekend Debate)
Jeremy Hunt, a former Chancellor, shares insights on fiscal constraints and the high burden of debt. Sharon Graham, leader of Unite the Union, criticizes Labour for lacking a robust tax strategy, stressing the need for investment in workers and industry. Andy Haldane, ex-Chief Economist at the Bank of England, explores the impact of fiscal uncertainty on growth and highlights the importance of market confidence. The trio sparks debate on borrowing for investment versus immediate spending needs, emphasizing the critical need for a credible budget plan that benefits the economy and the public.
20 snips
Nov 22, 2025 • 44min
The Covid Inquiry Report: What Really Happened Inside Downing Street?
Helen Macnamara, former Deputy Cabinet Secretary, shares her insights on the UK Covid Inquiry, emphasizing that the government acted 'too little, too late.' She highlights the 'toxic' culture at Number 10 that hindered decision-making and reflects on systemic failures rather than individual blame. Helen discusses the successes of the vaccine program amidst chaos and critiques the rapid law-making processes. She also stresses the importance of the inquiry as a learning tool for future crises and argues for needed reforms in leadership and structure within the government.
8 snips
Nov 21, 2025 • 29min
The Week: Immigration Reform, Burnham And The Budget
The discussion kicks off with a big update on migration policy, extending the qualifying period for indefinite leave to remain from five to ten years. The panel explores how this could impact millions and the challenges facing the Home Office. Labour’s strategy to adopt tougher migration policies comes under scrutiny, linking it to political centrist positioning. Plus, there's buzz about Andy Burnham and leadership dynamics within Labour, alongside a preview of the upcoming budget's potential pitfalls.
24 snips
Nov 20, 2025 • 50min
The Covid Inquiry Report: 'Too Little, Too Late'
Jim Reed, a BBC health reporter, shares insights from the Covid inquiry that criticizes the government for acting 'too little, too late,' potentially costing 23,000 lives. Dr. Catherine Haddon emphasizes failures in decision-making and communication that undermined public trust. They also explore the chaotic culture of Downing Street, highlighting the destabilizing influence of Dominic Cummings. In a shift, Rachel Kyte discusses international climate negotiations, the crucial balance in financing energy transitions, and the UK's role in global climate leadership.
22 snips
Nov 19, 2025 • 28min
Are Russian Ships Threatening The UK?
John Healey, the UK Defence Secretary, discusses escalating threats from the Russian ship Yantar, which has been targeting RAF pilots while mapping undersea cables. He details the UK's military response, including a new focus on undersea drones, with a £350 million investment announced for surveillance and strike capabilities. Healey raises concerns about military preparedness and emphasizes the need for enhanced cooperation with NATO. The conversation also touches on the future of UK defence spending and local industry revitalization in response to these emerging threats.
16 snips
Nov 18, 2025 • 34min
The Google Boss And The Massive AI Gamble
Sundar Pichai, the CEO of Alphabet, discusses the future of AI and its economic implications in a rare interview. He warns about the potential burst of the AI bubble, highlighting that no company is safe from its fallout. Pichai explores the environmental costs of AI, particularly the energy demands of data centers, and Google's commitment to clean energy. He also delves into the need for skilled immigration to sustain innovation in the U.S. and shares insights on the exciting developments at Waymo in autonomous vehicles.
23 snips
Nov 17, 2025 • 37min
Will The (Latest) Asylum System Reforms Work?
Madeleine Sumption, Director at the Migration Observatory, offers keen insights on recent sweeping changes to the UK’s asylum policy. She discusses how the reforms aim to deter asylum seekers by speeding up deportation and making refugee status time-limited. The podcast delves into controversial proposals like factoring in migrants' assets and prioritizing family returns. Sumption assesses the political landscape, including Labour dissent, and highlights the complex legal challenges that lie ahead for the new regulations.
20 snips
Nov 16, 2025 • 32min
The UK’s New Asylum System
Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood details controversial new asylum policies, including a 20-year wait for permanent settlement and shortened refugee status review periods. The hosts dissect the implications for refugees, the recent shift in Labour's tone on immigration, and potential operational challenges the Home Office might face. Political reactions vary widely, with divisions within Labour adding to the tension. A light-hearted cooking tip offers a delightful contrast to the serious discussions. The episode mixes urgent political matters with a touch of personal flair.
39 snips
Nov 15, 2025 • 33min
Trump Says He'll Sue the BBC for up to $5 Billion
Gary O'Donoghue, the BBC's Chief North America correspondent, joins the discussion on Trump’s legal threats against the BBC, after a controversial edit in a Panorama documentary. He provides insights into public sentiment in the U.S. regarding the issue and explores the political ramifications, including a potential Florida jury's perspective. The conversation also touches on ongoing tensions within the MAGA movement and how recent Epstein document releases are complicating matters for Trump and Republicans. It's a lively mix of media scrutiny and political strategy!
10 snips
Nov 14, 2025 • 30min
The Week: Is Starmer's Leadership In Question?
Ailbhe Rae, Political Editor at The New Statesman, shares insights on Labour politics and the dynamics surrounding Keir Starmer's leadership. The discussion reveals how coordinated briefings aimed to shape a narrative of potential challenges against him. Ailbhe explains the backlash from stories around Wes Streeting and critiques Number 10's strategy. They explore how media coverage could either decrease or intensify threats to Starmer's leadership, shedding light on the intricacies of political maneuvering within the party.
