

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

8 snips
May 27, 2025 • 24min
Everything We Know About The Liverpool Crash, So Far
Sally Nugent, a BBC Breakfast presenter who reported on the Liverpool incident, joins BBC News correspondent Tom Symonds to discuss a shocking car crash that injured numerous fans during a title celebration. They delve into the details of the police investigation and the arrest of a suspect linked to attempted murder. The conversation also highlights community reactions, the proactive police communication strategy, and the emotional aftermath as Liverpool comes together to support those affected.

May 26, 2025 • 55min
The Newscast Summer Tour
In this lively discussion at the Hay Festival, David Spiegelhalter, a renowned statistician, joins Anne Applebaum, a distinguished journalist and historian, and comedian Marcus Brigstocke. They dive into the murky waters of political rhetoric surrounding Putin and the unsettling influence of misinformation. The trio humorously examines the complexities of labor statistics and government policies, while Spiegelhalter shares insights on combating false claims through 'pre-bunking'. Bridging humor and serious analysis, they tackle the challenges of modern governance and public perception.

8 snips
May 25, 2025 • 28min
Will Starmer Scrap the Two-Child Benefit Cap?
The discussion kicks off with a humorous look at rail services and a leaked memo stirring tensions in the Labour Party. Internal conflicts between Angela Rayner and Keir Starmer emerge as critical issues amid budget shortfalls. A hot topic surfaces: the two-child benefit cap, igniting debates over child poverty and welfare policies. The conversation also predicts potential shifts in leadership and examines the political climate in the UK, revealing a landscape marked by internal party divisions and evolving strategies.

22 snips
May 24, 2025 • 24min
Could More Government U-Turns Be On The Way?
The podcast dives into a recent government U-turn on winter fuel payments and what it means for future spending cuts. It examines public sentiment toward local MP Keir Starmer while highlighting views from young listeners about the UK/EU relationship. The discussion tackles the complexities of managing disability welfare spending and engages with regional politicians on the importance of youth involvement in politics. Additionally, it touches on the nationalization of railways, blending political intrigue with humor.

May 23, 2025 • 30min
The Week: Migration Falls, Winter Fuel Changed And Chagos Deal Done
Faisal Islam, the Economics Editor known for his sharp insights, joins to dissect the government's claims on falling migration numbers. He highlights the complex relationship between migration policies and economic growth post-Brexit. The conversation also tackles the controversial Chagos deal and its historical context. Meanwhile, the debate over winter fuel payments sparks discussions about accountability and international relations, all wrapped in a mix of humor and serious analysis. Expect engaging anecdotes and lively commentary!

May 22, 2025 • 33min
What's In The Government's Plan To Fix Prisons?
David Gauke, former Conservative Justice Secretary and author of the Sentencing Review, discusses innovative reforms to tackle prison overcrowding, including limiting sentences and promoting rehabilitation. Hugh Pym, BBC Health editor, analyzes the recent 4% pay rise for public sector workers, emphasizing challenges in healthcare and education. The conversation also dives into the political dynamics within the Conservative Party and the need for substantial reforms in sentencing and public sector compensation to align with societal needs.

May 21, 2025 • 45min
Starmer’s Winter Fuel U-Turn
Joining the discussion are Luke Sullivan, former political director for Keir Starmer, shedding light on the strategic shifts in government policy, and James Gallagher, the BBC's health and science correspondent, who breaks down England's groundbreaking gonorrhea vaccination initiative. They dive into the implications of the recent U-turn on winter fuel payments affecting over 10 million pensioners. Gallagher also discusses antibiotic resistance and the importance of sexual health awareness as vital public health topics, all while keeping the conversation engaging and informative.

May 20, 2025 • 35min
Are Israel’s Allies Turning Against Them?
Jeremy Bowen, the BBC's international editor known for his insightful global analysis, discusses the UK's suspension of trade talks with Israel amid the humanitarian crisis in Gaza. He highlights the growing international condemnation faced by Israel, particularly from allies like the UK, France, and Canada. Jo Coburn, a former presenter of Politics Live, shares nostalgic moments from her 28-year journalism career, reflecting on the evolution of political discourse and the significant impact of technology on communication.

May 19, 2025 • 41min
Brexitcast: The EU-UK Deal (and our Rachel Reeves interview)
Rachel Reeves, Shadow Chancellor of the Exchequer and MP for Leeds West, dives into the newly reached UK-EU deal covering essential topics like trade and fishing rights. She discusses the benefits of this agreement and its impact on economic stability. The conversation also touches on potential changes to ISAs, the significance of rebuilding trust post-Brexit, and the challenges faced by artists in the age of AI. Plus, find out whether Elton John makes the cut on her music playlist!

23 snips
May 18, 2025 • 29min
Is The UK About To Rejoin The EU Passport Queue?
The discussion delves into the potential for UK passport holders to use EU e-gates, with optimism from negotiators about lowering food prices. Controversy brews as Elton John criticizes the government's handling of AI regulations, calling it theft against artists. Political reshuffles are speculated, alongside insights into UK-EU relations and new youth mobility schemes. The podcast also explores the UK's recent trade deals and the generational divide in public perception regarding Brexit's ongoing impact.