

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.Follow the new Labour government led by Sir Keir Starmer. How will Kemi Badenoch do as leader of the Conservative party? Newscast will give you all the best insights from BBC News so you're across all the day's top stories. 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://tinyurl.com/newscastcommunityhere
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.The Global Story: https://www.bbc.co.uk/sounds/brand/w13xtvsd
The Today Podcast: https://www.bbc.co.uk/sounds/brand/p0gg4k6r
Americast: https://www.bbc.co.uk/sounds/brand/p07h19zz
Ukrainecast: https://www.bbc.co.uk/sounds/brand/p0bqztzm
You can join our Newscast online community here: https://tinyurl.com/newscastcommunityhere
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.The Global Story: https://www.bbc.co.uk/sounds/brand/w13xtvsd
The Today Podcast: https://www.bbc.co.uk/sounds/brand/p0gg4k6r
Americast: https://www.bbc.co.uk/sounds/brand/p07h19zz
Ukrainecast: https://www.bbc.co.uk/sounds/brand/p0bqztzm
Episodes
Mentioned books

Jan 21, 2025 • 34min
Why Wasn't the Southport Killer Stopped?
Today, we look at the prime minister’s pledge to fight “the changing face of terrorism” in light of Britain facing a “new and dangerous threat” from extreme violence. In an address from Downing Street, Sir Keir Starmer announced a public inquiry into the state failure that allowed Axel Rudakubana to fatally stab three young girls in Southport last summer. Plus we discuss President Trump’s first actions back in the White House, including the pardoning of nearly 1,600 people in connection with the Capitol riots on 6th of January 2021, with Caitriona Perry, Chief Presenter for BBC News. 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.
You can join our Newscast online community here: https://tinyurl.com/newscastcommunityhere
Newscast brings you daily analysis of the latest political news stories from the BBC. It was presented by James Cook. It was made by Jack Maclaren with Teodora Agarici and Anna Harris. The technical producer was Hannah Montgomery. The assistant editor is Chris Gray. The editor is Sam Bonham.

Jan 20, 2025 • 44min
President Trump Is Back
Marianna Spring, a BBC journalist from Americast, shares her insights on the significance of Donald Trump's inauguration as the 47th president. Anthony Zurcher, also from Americast, offers a deep analysis of Trump's rhetoric and immediate policy implications. They dive into Trump's proposed policies on immigration and foreign affairs, the role of young supporters, and the unpredictable nature of his foreign policy. The conversation highlights concerns about technology's influence on democracy and explores the cultural divides in political alliances.

7 snips
Jan 20, 2025 • 22min
Southport Killer Pleads Guilty
Judith Moritz, a BBC special correspondent, and Danny Shaw, a policing commentator, dive deep into the harrowing case of Axel Rudakubana, who confessed to murdering three young girls during a dance class in Southport. They discuss the courtroom atmosphere, the absence of victims' families, and the need for a public inquiry into the crime's motives. The conversation also touches on the rippling effects on grieving families, the community’s unrest linked to wider social issues, and the critical need for mental health awareness amid rising violence among youth.

14 snips
Jan 20, 2025 • 37min
How Does BBC News Cover President Trump?
In this discussion, Paul Danahar, the Head of Foreign News at BBC, shares insights from his time in Washington, while Gary O'Donoghue, a Senior North America Correspondent, reflects on the challenges of covering Trump's unpredictable communication style. Katrina Perry, a BBC News Anchor, recounts her surreal Oval Office encounter with Trump. They delve into the complexities of headline writing and the evolving media dynamics facing journalists today, all while emphasizing the vital role of context in reporting Trump's second presidential term.

10 snips
Jan 19, 2025 • 32min
An Israel-Gaza Ceasefire Begins
A new ceasefire between Israel and Hamas stirs hope as hostages are set for release and some Gazans may return home. The emotional toll on families is palpable, with poignant stories emerging amidst the humanitarian crisis. Meanwhile, the UK grapples with its diplomatic roles, including a controversial potential ambassador appointment. As the political landscape shifts, humor breaks through with anecdotes about mispronounced names, adding a light touch to serious discussions.

11 snips
Jan 18, 2025 • 29min
The Art of Dealing With Donald Trump
Dive into the intriguing aftermath of Donald Trump's inauguration, as experts analyze political shifts and dynamics. Discover Gordon Brown's multibank initiative aimed at assisting struggling families and the pressing issues surrounding economic growth in the UK. The conversation spans serious geopolitical implications while also touching on humorous anecdotes about pronunciation mishaps between Scotland and England. Plus, don't miss the celebration of five impactful years of delivering daily political insights!

18 snips
Jan 17, 2025 • 29min
The Week: Grooming Inquiries, Economic Hope and Brexit
This week, the hosts delve into sensitive government inquiries regarding grooming gangs, emphasizing the need for accountability. They highlight cautious optimism amidst the complexities surrounding the ceasefire in Gaza. The conversation shifts to the intertwined nature of economic growth and public service demands, addressing recent positive updates. Brexit re-emerges as a topic with reflections on past debates and future negotiations. Plus, listeners are invited to a live show, urging community engagement in pressing political issues.

Jan 16, 2025 • 33min
Has the Government Changed its Mind on Grooming Gang Inquiries?
Henry Zeffman, the BBC's chief political correspondent, discusses the UK government's notable shift towards local inquiries into grooming gangs, influenced by public sentiment and high-profile figures. Lyse Doucet, the BBC's chief international correspondent, provides updates on the fragile ceasefire between Israel and Hamas, highlighting the emotional toll on families and the complex negotiations behind the scenes. The conversation reveals the intertwining of domestic and international political dynamics in current events.

Jan 15, 2025 • 26min
Israel-Hamas Ceasefire Agreed
Joining the discussion is James Landale, BBC diplomatic correspondent renowned for his insights on international affairs. He elaborates on the newly agreed ceasefire between Israel and Hamas, highlighting the roles of Qatar, Egypt, and the U.S. He examines the fragile nature of this peace, potential challenges, and the significance of humanitarian aid in Gaza. Landale also delves into the political implications for the UK and broader global conflicts, emphasizing the urgent need for a sustainable resolution in the region.

21 snips
Jan 14, 2025 • 32min
Resignationcast: Tulip Siddiq
James Landale, a seasoned BBC diplomatic correspondent, dives into the fraught negotiations between Israel and Hamas over a potential ceasefire. He explores the complex dynamics of the talks, focusing on the implications of Israel's political landscape and humanitarian concerns. The conversation also touches on Tulip Siddiq's recent resignation amidst corruption allegations, shedding light on the pressures government officials face. Together, they navigate the intricate interplay of politics, international relations, and urgent humanitarian needs in a crisis-ridden context.