Newscast

Larisa Brown, Defence Editor at The Times, discusses her groundbreaking reporting on the recent Afghan data breach that jeopardized the safety of thousands seeking refuge in the UK. She breaks down the implications of a media super injunction and the chaos surrounding the Kabul evacuation. Caitriona Perry, BBC News Chief Reporter, analyzes the backlash against Donald Trump from his supporters regarding his failure to release Epstein-related records, highlighting the shifting dynamics in his political base and his changing rhetoric.

In a revealing conversation, Gary O’Donoghue, the BBC's chief North America correspondent, shares insights from his unexpected call with Trump. They discuss Trump's views on Putin, the nuances of international diplomacy, and the implications of Brexit. Trump reflects on the anniversary of an assassination attempt and contrasts his informal interview style with that of past presidents like Obama. This candid exchange offers a unique glimpse into the complexities of political relationships and the lighter moments of interviewing the controversial former president.

Katie Razzall, BBC News Culture and Media editor, and Noor Nanji, Culture reporter, dissect a BBC documentary that faced backlash for its narrator's ties to Hamas, revealing failures in editorial oversight. They discuss the BBC's accountability and proposed changes to enhance transparency. Caitriona Perry, Chief Presenter for BBC News, sheds light on President Trump's warning of tariffs on Russia related to the Ukraine conflict. The conversation underscores the challenges of responsible journalism amid political tensions and public scrutiny.

Dame Melanie Henrietta Dawes discusses the UK's Online Safety Act, detailing how it aims to protect children from harmful content online. The implementation of age verification and regulatory changes for tech companies is explored, against a backdrop of ongoing debates about 'legal but harmful' material. Meanwhile, tensions in the healthcare system escalate as strikes loom for NHS doctors, highlighting the political intricacies entwined with union negotiations. The cultural shift in Silicon Valley regarding accountability also sparks intriguing conversations.

George Eaton, Senior Editor of the New Statesman, dives into the escalating tension between Labour and unions, sparked by recent suspensions within the party. He discusses the implications of Unite potentially cutting ties with Labour, highlighting concerns over loyalty during ongoing strikes. The conversation also touches on the economic challenges facing Europe, particularly for Labour under Keir Starmer, and the tragic Air India crash, emphasizing the importance of thorough investigation. It's a revealing look at the intersection of politics, unions, and economic realities.

In this engaging conversation, Shashank Joshi, Defense Editor at The Economist, and Sarah Keith-Lucas, Lead Weather Presenter at the BBC, tackle the pressing issue of the recent heatwave gripping the UK. They explore the link between rising temperatures and climate change, questioning our preparedness for such extremes. The duo discusses the evolving nature of weather reporting, innovative cooling strategies, and even touches on how these heat events impact travel and architecture. Their insights shed light on a changing climate and its implications for daily life.

Victoria Derbyshire, a prominent host of Newsnight and Ukrainecast, shares her first-hand insights from migrant camps in France. She discusses the recent UK-France deal aimed at managing small boat crossings, raising questions about its effectiveness. Listeners are taken through the harsh realities faced by migrants, including desperate journeys and the grim conditions in the 'jungle' camps. Derbyshire highlights the resilience of individuals seeking asylum amid these challenges, painting a poignant picture of their aspirations and struggles.

Faisal Islam, BBC economics editor, and Hugh Pym, BBC health editor, dive into pressing UK topics. They discuss the impending strikes by resident doctors over pay disputes and the government's refusal to negotiate. The duo also tackles the challenges of compensating victims of the infected blood scandal, highlighting systemic failures and injustices. Plus, they explore how fiscal drag affects taxpayers and share humorous anecdotes, all while emphasizing the tough balance the government must strike between healthcare funding and other expenses.

In this discussion, Pat McFadden, Chancellor for the Duchy of Lancaster, delves into the inner workings of COBR, the nerve center for national crisis management. He reveals the government's new emergency alert test and the vital lessons learned from the COVID pandemic. The conversation highlights the unique atmosphere during critical meetings, the role of data in emergency preparedness, and the need for inclusive resilience strategies. McFadden also shares insights on planning for future pandemics and the importance of balancing routine needs with crisis readiness.

In this gripping discussion, Gary O’Donoghue, BBC's Chief North America correspondent, reports live from Texas where flash floods have claimed at least 91 lives. The search for the missing continues, revealing stories of heroism and community resilience. Caitríona Perry, BBC News Chief Presenter, offers insight on Netanyahu's forthcoming White House visit amidst a shifting political landscape. They analyze the impact of climate change on disaster preparedness and explore the ramifications of recent political events in the U.S.