

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

21 snips
Jan 13, 2025 • 36min
AI, The NHS and You
Marc Cieslak, BBC’s AI Correspondent, offers insights into the UK government’s ambitious AI Action Plan intended to position the country as a leader in AI. Dr. Maxine Mackintosh, an AI and health expert, discusses how these advancements could revolutionize the NHS, focusing on stroke diagnosis and the critical role of public data. The conversation also touches on the importance of data privacy, the risks and benefits of sharing health information, and the challenges of implementing AI technologies across the NHS.

12 snips
Jan 12, 2025 • 29min
AI, Musk + Will the PM Sack Tulip Siddiq?
Discover the ongoing debate about AI and its impact on the UK economy and society. Dive into Elon Musk's surprising influence on British politics, including his provocative relationship with the Prime Minister. Explore concerns over Treasury Minister Tulip Siddiq's potential resignation amid political turmoil. The discussion also unveils the ethical dilemmas surrounding social media and political discourse while reflecting on wealth, vulnerability, and listener engagement.

21 snips
Jan 11, 2025 • 26min
Rachel Reeves in China BUT Should She Have Gone?
Paddy and Laura dive into Rachel Reeves' controversial trip to Beijing and the political fallout it may bring amid financial challenges in the UK. They discuss the complexities of international trade and the balance between economic strategy and human rights concerns. The episode also features a poignant conversation about online safety, focusing on a father's heartbreaking story highlighting the dangers of social media for children. Finally, they touch on alarming trends in online scams and the pressing need for protective measures.

Jan 10, 2025 • 36min
Trump in Court (Again)
Caitriona Perry, BBC's chief presenter in Washington, and Gary O’Donoghue, senior North America correspondent, dive into Donald Trump's latest court battles over hush money payments, discussing implications for his 2024 campaign and the irony of his legal strategy. Emma Pinchbeck, CEO of the Climate Change Committee, weighs in on alarming climate data, including the 2024 global warming threshold. The conversation emphasizes urgent climate action amidst rising natural disasters and government accountability in energy policy.

Jan 9, 2025 • 36min
Trump Dishes Out Blame for LA Fires
Emma Vardy, BBC's Los Angeles correspondent, provides on-the-ground insights into the widespread devastation caused by raging wildfires in California, emphasizing the emotional toll on the community. She discusses the political implications as President Trump points fingers at Democrats for the crisis. Simultaneously, Faisal Islam, BBC Economics Editor, analyzes the UK's softening currency and rising borrowing costs, linking it to ongoing economic pressures and the need for a solid growth strategy amid changing political tides.

8 snips
Jan 8, 2025 • 34min
Starmer + Badenoch Clash Over Grooming Inquiry
Tom Symonds, a seasoned BBC political correspondent specializing in home affairs, delves into the heated debate surrounding a national inquiry into grooming gangs. He discusses the political dynamics of the House of Commons vote and the urgent calls from victims for accountability. The podcast also explores proposed child protection policies, including a new register for out-of-school youth and the impact of educational reforms on children's welfare. Lastly, the implications of unique identifiers for vulnerable children are examined, highlighting the challenges of implementation.

10 snips
Jan 7, 2025 • 33min
Do Facts Meta on Facebook?
Vivian Schiller, a former head of news at Twitter, joins Alison Holt, the BBC’s social affairs editor, and Tom Symonds, a BBC political correspondent, to discuss Meta's controversial decision to end independent fact-checking on its platforms. They debate the implications of replacing fact-checkers with community notes and the challenge of balancing free speech with misinformation. The conversation also delves into lessons learned from past inquiries into child sexual abuse, emphasizing the importance of urgent action and awareness to protect vulnerable individuals.

Jan 6, 2025 • 38min
Starmer Hits Back at Musk
Joining the discussion is Stephen Kinnock, the Care Minister, who outlines the government's strategic plan to tackle NHS backlogs. He highlights ambitious goals for reducing patient wait times and improving healthcare access. The conversation also touches on the political backlash Keir Starmer is facing from Elon Musk, focusing on accountability in child protection. Kinnock emphasizes the need for realistic timelines and cross-party efforts to achieve meaningful healthcare reforms amid the ongoing social care challenges.

Jan 5, 2025 • 30min
Is Elon a Musk-Have for Nigel Farage?
Gawain Towler, former director of communications for Reform UK, sheds light on Nigel Farage’s intriguing connection with Elon Musk. They dissect Musk's controversial comments about UK politics, particularly his provocative statements on grooming gangs and the government's response, exploring the thin line between free speech and responsible discourse. The discussion also navigates the potential impact of this relationship on US-UK dynamics and the pressing need for social care reform, emphasizing the importance of political alliances in addressing societal issues.

15 snips
Jan 4, 2025 • 24min
Elon Musk vs Labour
Elon Musk's controversial critiques of UK's political landscape take center stage, raising eyebrows with his support for a jailed figure. Tensions simmer over sensitive topics like immigration and racial dynamics within British politics. The Reform UK party finds itself navigating internal discord as voter disillusionment grows. The hosts lighten the mood with playful banter, teasing upcoming interviews with political heavyweights. Finally, they hint at an intriguing new series exploring the controversial secrets of the wellness industry.