

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

17 snips
Sep 1, 2025 • 42min
The Downing Street Shake-Up
In this discussion, Matt Chorley, a 5 Live presenter known for his sharp political commentary, joins Keir Starmer, the Leader of the Labour Party, to delve into the latest reshuffle at Downing Street. They explore what these changes mean for key figures like Chancellor Rachel Reeves and the government's new childcare initiatives. They also tackle the heated topic of patriotism through flag displays and examine recent asylum policy updates, revealing public sentiments amidst the shifting political landscape.

Aug 30, 2025 • 24min
Old Newscast: Margaret Thatcher Announces Her Resignation, 1990 (Part 2)
Join BBC special correspondent Jim Naughtie and Caroline Slocock, former private secretary to Margaret Thatcher, as they discuss the dramatic shifts in British politics following Thatcher's resignation. They dive into her complex legacy, from impacting comedic narratives at the Edinburgh Fringe to her influence on Tony Blair. Hear insights on John Major's challenges in leadership and the turmoil that characterized the Conservative Party's journey into the Tory sleaze era, revealing how Thatcher's policies continue to resonate today.

16 snips
Aug 30, 2025 • 41min
Old Newscast: Margaret Thatcher Announces Her Resignation, 1990 (Part 1)
Join Jim Naughtie, a BBC special correspondent, and Caroline Slocock, former private secretary to Margaret Thatcher, as they delve into the dramatic events surrounding her resignation on November 22, 1990. They share fascinating behind-the-scenes insights, revealing the tense atmosphere in Downing Street and the emotional turmoil leading to this historic moment. Discussions include the complex political dynamics that fueled her fall, key resignations, and the transition of power to John Major, marking a significant turning point in British politics.

15 snips
Aug 29, 2025 • 34min
The Newscast Guide to the New Parliamentary Term
Joe Pike, a seasoned political correspondent, and Hannah White, director of the Institute for Government, dive into the challenges UK politicians face as they return to Westminster. They discuss Reform UK's summer antics and the implications of the Prime Minister's reshuffle. The conversation also tackles fiscal issues that Rachel Reeves confronts post-welfare rebellion. The duo sheds light on the complexities of upcoming legislative agendas and public sentiment surrounding Donald Trump's forthcoming UK visit, making for a riveting political analysis.

19 snips
Aug 28, 2025 • 33min
Trump v The Central Bank
Caitriona Perry, a BBC chief presenter in Washington, joins Ed Davey, leader of the Liberal Democrats, to discuss the legal battles involving President Trump. The focus is on Trump’s attempt to oust Federal Reserve governor Lisa Cook, raising questions about political interference. They also tackle the ethical implications of Davey boycotting Trump’s UK state banquet amid the Gaza crisis. The conversation highlights the fragility of democratic institutions and the responsibilities leaders hold during international humanitarian emergencies.

Aug 27, 2025 • 37min
What is on the Table at Trump’s Gaza Meeting?
James Landale, Diplomatic Correspondent for BBC News, Caitriona Perry, Chief Presenter for BBC News in Washington, and Nick Thomas-Symonds, Cabinet Office Minister for UK-EU relations, dive into pressing political topics. They dissect the upcoming Trump-led meeting on Gaza, the implications of new import tariffs on India, and secret operations in Greenland. The discussion also sheds light on the UK’s evolving trade agreements with the EU, balancing domestic interests with international standards amidst the ever-changing global landscape.

Aug 26, 2025 • 40min
Nigel Farage’s Deportation Plan
Tom Symonds, a BBC News correspondent with extensive experience in immigration, joins Richard Tice, Deputy Leader of Reform UK, and Alice Donald, a Human Rights Law expert. They delve into Reform UK's controversial five-year deportation plan, raising the possibility of sending back 600,000 migrants. The group discusses the legal hurdles such proposals might face, the political backlash they could provoke, and the broader implications on human rights and asylum policies. The conversation reveals the intricate dynamics at play in the current immigration landscape.

Aug 24, 2025 • 27min
Old Newscast: The Gulf War, The Legacy (Part 3)
Join former BBC chief news correspondent Kate Adie and Middle East editor Jeremy Bowen for a compelling discussion on the Gulf War's legacy. They dissect the myths of post-Cold War stability and question whether the Gulf War marked a true advancement in liberal democracy or the beginning of ongoing conflict in the region. Personal anecdotes reveal the human cost of war, while insights into the evolution of media coverage highlight both enhanced access to information and misunderstanding of key lessons. It’s a thought-provoking exploration of complex consequences and enduring impacts.

8 snips
Aug 24, 2025 • 29min
Old Newscast: The Gulf War, Operation Desert Storm, 1991 (Part 2)
Kate Adie, a BBC reporter embedded with British forces, Justin Webb, who reported alongside Egyptian troops, and Jeremy Bowen, who was on the ground in Baghdad, share their gripping experiences during the Gulf War. They recount the chaotic build-up to Operation Desert Storm and the intense early moments of ground combat. Vivid imagery captures the havoc faced by both soldiers and civilians, alongside the haunting aftermath of burning oil wells. Their unique insights offer a poignant look at the complexities of reporting in a war zone and the environmental consequences of conflict.

8 snips
Aug 23, 2025 • 28min
Old Newscast: The Gulf War, Operation Desert Storm, 1991 (Part 1)
Kate Adie, Justin Webb, and Jeremy Bowen, seasoned BBC reporters, share gripping insights from their time covering the Gulf War. They recount the tense atmosphere leading up to Operation Desert Storm and the challenges of reporting in a war zone. Each journalist reflects on the personal stakes and profound historical significance of their work during this pivotal conflict. The discussion also delves into the geopolitical dynamics of the era, particularly the formation of the international coalition against Saddam Hussein's Iraq.