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
Dec 14, 2025 • 32min
'National Emergency' for Violence Against Women
Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood reveals plans for specialist teams to investigate rape and sexual offenses by 2029. The team discusses the justice system's failures in handling violence against women. Speculations about leadership ambitions surface as they evaluate Mahmood's potential rise within the Labour Party. Looking ahead to 2026, they predict major political events, including the upcoming elections and economic factors that could influence Labour's stability. Insights into US-UK diplomacy add an intriguing international perspective.
9 snips
Dec 13, 2025 • 27min
Starmer Says a Doctor Strike Would be 'Reckless'
Keir Starmer warns that planned doctor strikes could be 'reckless' amid rising flu cases, stressing concerns for the NHS. The hosts break down the political clash with the British Medical Association and dissect differing views on whether the healthcare system can handle potential walkouts. Additionally, they discuss the implications of recent Supreme Court rulings on women's rights with Dr. Mary-Ann Stephenson, highlighting her plans for new guidance on single-sex spaces and the delicate balance of impartiality in her role.
14 snips
Dec 12, 2025 • 30min
The Week: How Much Pressure Is Keir Starmer Under?
The discussion centers on Wes Streeting's revealing interview critiquing Keir Starmer's leadership. The panel debates whether Streeting's comments signal a leadership challenge and their implications for Labour's future. They also explore internal party dynamics and the challenges Starmer faces in uniting a diverse coalition. Economic indicators, including inflation and the implications of bond markets, get analyzed. Finally, the hosts preview 2026 election prospects and the significance of London council results for Labour.
24 snips
Dec 11, 2025 • 40min
Is Flu Different This Winter?
Hugh Pym, BBC Health Editor, discusses the unusual early flu surge this season, highlighting hospital pressures and data insights. Dr. Jamie Lopez Bernal, an epidemiologist, explains rapid viral evolution, vaccine effectiveness, and who needs vaccination most. Meanwhile, Lucy Hockings reports from Oslo on María Corina Machado's emotional journey to receive her Nobel Peace Prize, amidst political tensions in Venezuela. Vanessa Buschschlüter adds context about US actions against Maduro and Machado's crucial role in Venezuelan politics.
19 snips
Dec 10, 2025 • 32min
Starmer's Plan To Fight The Right On Migration
Joining the conversation is Tom Bateman, BBC State Department correspondent with deep insights into US foreign policy. He shares fascinating analysis on the implications of Trump's national security strategy for Europe, including concerns over 'civilisational erasure' and US meddling in foreign politics. Bateman delves into the alarming reaction from US officials and how this impacts Keir Starmer's ties with Trump. They also discuss the potential domestic political fallout, as Starmer navigates tough immigration politics amidst pressures from both the left and right.
14 snips
Dec 9, 2025 • 32min
Where Did The Covid Fraud Cash Go?
In a thought-provoking discussion, Simon Jack, the BBC Business Editor, unravels the alarming loss of £10.9 billion to Covid fraud, shedding light on faulty data and rushed contract decisions. Michael Buchanan, a social affairs correspondent, shares Baroness Amos’s harrowing interim findings on maternity care, exposing inadequate conditions and communication failures. Lawyer Suzanne White emphasizes the need for accountability and transparency in the healthcare system, driving home the importance of addressing systemic issues for families affected by trauma.
13 snips
Dec 8, 2025 • 39min
Trump v Europe?
In this discussion, Frank Gardner, BBC Security Correspondent, shares insights on the controversial US National Security Strategy and its implications for Europe, particularly the absence of Russia as a threat. Lord Kim Darroch, former UK ambassador, provides a strategic analysis of transatlantic relations, highlighting how the strategy departs from decades of US foreign policy. Meanwhile, Mina Al-Lami, Syria expert, offers updates on the aftermath of Assad's fall, focusing on Ahmed al-Shara's rise and the ongoing challenges in the region.
27 snips
Dec 7, 2025 • 41min
The Plan To Get Work Working Again For Young People
Joe Pike, a political journalist and commentator, joins the discussion on innovative government plans to tackle youth unemployment. With over 900,000 young people on Universal Credit, Joe explains Labour's £800m initiative for creating taxpayer-funded jobs in fields like construction and hospitality. They delve into the political risks of youth disaffection and the challenges of aligning welfare reforms with voter concerns. The conversation further explores the chaotic launch of new political parties and the changing landscape of job prospects for young people.
36 snips
Dec 6, 2025 • 30min
Will The Netflix-Warner Bros. Deal Change Hollywood Forever?
Scott Bryan, a TV critic and broadcaster, joins to dissect Netflix's jaw-dropping $72 billion acquisition of Warner Bros' film and streaming operations. They explore how this could reshape film distribution, affecting cinemas and award eligibility. The conversation also dives into the challenges of viewer habits amidst Netflix's dominance in streaming. Shifting gears, they tackle the recent Eurovision controversy with multiple countries pulling out over Israel's participation, raising questions about broadcasting ethics and audience reactions.
17 snips
Dec 5, 2025 • 29min
The Week: Starmer’s Budget Defence, Donations, and is Brexit Back?
Kay Burley, former Sky News presenter, reflects on her esteemed broadcasting career while dissecting political currents in the UK. She discusses Keir Starmer's strategic budget defense, noting positive reactions from Labour MPs and the public’s focus on benefits. The conversation turns to Starmer's shifting tone on Brexit, hinting at warmer EU relations, though real progress remains elusive. Burley also critiques the parliamentary exchanges and the implications of a £9 million donation to Reform UK, spotlighting the chaotic dynamics shaping current politics.
