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
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.
18 snips
Nov 13, 2025 • 35min
The Keir Starmer Briefing Wars
Tom Baldwin, a former senior Labour adviser and author of 'Keir Starmer: The Biography', shares insider insights on Keir Starmer’s leadership amidst a flurry of briefings from Number 10. The discussion highlights the blame directed at Morgan McSweeney for leaks, the political fallout of public doubts about Starmer, and whether these incidents signal an impending leadership challenge. Baldwin also critiques the damaging impact of anonymous briefings on government messaging and emphasizes the need for a policy-focused approach over internal conflicts.
18 snips
Nov 12, 2025 • 34min
Has Keir Starmer Lost Control Of No.10?
Political journalist Alex Forsyth joins to dissect the fallout from leaked Number 10 briefings that question Keir Starmer's leadership. They explore the damaging implications for the Labour government and whether Starmer authorized these attacks, which he vehemently denies. The conversation touches on Wes Streeting's unexpected role as a potential challenger and how these briefings might accelerate leadership speculation. They also delve into the ongoing fallout surrounding Donald Trump’s legal threats against the BBC and the broader significance of these political maneuverings.
Nov 11, 2025 • 37min
Will We See Trump V BBC In Court?
Dominic Casciani, BBC Home and Legal Affairs correspondent, unpacks the legal minefield of Donald Trump's potential defamation case against the BBC, discussing the implications of a $1 billion claim. Darshini David, Deputy Economics Editor, highlights the UK's rising unemployment and its effects on the labor market and economic policy. Political journalist Henry Zeffman sheds light on the political ramifications, including possible changes to child benefit policies as government decisions are scrutinized ahead of the budget.
10 snips
Nov 10, 2025 • 32min
Trump Threatens To Sue BBC For One Billion Dollars
Katie Razzall, the BBC Media and Culture Editor, delves into the fallout from a controversial Panorama edit that misrepresented Trump, and the resulting chaos that led to top resignations at the BBC. Caitriona Perry, Chief Washington Presenter, discusses Trump’s $1 billion lawsuit threat, adding context from the U.S. media landscape. The podcast explores how editorial decisions affected trust, the implications of political pressures on the BBC, and the potential future of the organization amidst these crises.
27 snips
Nov 9, 2025 • 33min
The Government Reacts To BBC Bias Allegations
The Culture Secretary shares her confidence in the BBC amid allegations of bias, focusing on the controversial editing of a Donald Trump speech. Discussions dive into political ramifications and an impending parliamentary response to the charges. Meanwhile, the UK is sending military support to Belgium following drone sightings, highlighting new security challenges in Europe. Lastly, a debate on balancing AI safety and innovation raises concerns about regulation and public protection.
24 snips
Nov 8, 2025 • 33min
Why Is The Government Looking To Denmark For Immigration Inspiration?
Iain Watson, a BBC political correspondent, shares insights from his time in Denmark, where he reported on its strict immigration reforms. He explains why the UK is looking to emulate these policies, detailing tough family reunification rules and a contentious temporary asylum model. The discussion touches on Denmark's political culture and public sentiment after years of reform. Additionally, a poignant interview highlights the dangers of AI, with a mother discussing a legal case against a chatbot that allegedly harmed her son.
18 snips
Nov 7, 2025 • 30min
The Week: Mistaken Prisoner Releases and Tax Rises Are Coming?
Helen Miller, Director of the Institute for Fiscal Studies, delves into the financial implications of potential tax rises and looming budget cuts. Luke Tryl from More in Common provides insights into public opinion, revealing how prisoner release errors impact voter trust in the government. The duo discusses systemic failures in the justice system and the consequences of budget shortfalls. They also analyze the political ramifications of breaking tax pledges and explore how to communicate tough economic decisions to the public effectively.
20 snips
Nov 6, 2025 • 33min
What's The Point Of COP?
Justin Rowlatt, BBC climate editor, shares insights from COP30, noting the chaotic conditions and contrasting speeches from Prince William and Keir Starmer. Daniela Relph discusses the royal family's evolving role in climate discourse, emphasizing William’s non-political stance. Political reporter Alex Forsyth dives into the implications of Reform UK's performances in local councils, revealing how they might shape future governance. The conversation weaves through pressing climate initiatives and the challenges of leadership absence in negotiations.
Nov 5, 2025 • 42min
Why Have Two Wandsworth Prisoners Been Mistakenly Released?
Danny Shaw, a home affairs commentator and former BBC correspondent, dives into the alarming release of two prisoners due to clerical errors, discussing the systemic flaws in inter-agency communication and safeguards. Sir Charlie Mayfield, the former chairman of John Lewis, shares insights from his report on the workforce crisis caused by ill health. He highlights the impact of youth mental health on employment and proposes innovative solutions like stay-in-work plans and the use of AI to support workers. Together, they explore the accountability and systemic changes needed in both justice and employment sectors.
