

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

7 snips
Feb 3, 2025 • 38min
Trump’s Tariff Turmoil
Faisal Islam, BBC economics editor, reveals the potential economic repercussions of Trump's newly announced tariffs, highlighting concerns for various industries. Katya Adler, BBC Europe's editor, discusses the EU's serious response and the implications for UK-EU relations post-Brexit. They analyze the complex interplay of trade tensions and geopolitical shifts, especially regarding the Balkans. Together, they underscore the urgent need for strategic decisions amid ongoing instability in international trade.

27 snips
Feb 2, 2025 • 33min
Behind the Scenes of Labour's Path To Power
Join journalists Gabriel Pogrund and Patrick Maguire, co-authors of 'Get In,' as they unveil Labour's remarkable journey from a dismal 2019 defeat to a 2024 victory. They dive into the party's internal tensions, the surprising coalitions formed during Brexit, and the leadership challenges under Keir Starmer. The discussion also touches on the ramifications of global trade tensions sparked by Trump’s tariff decisions, highlighting Labour's precarious position amid these shifting political dynamics.

14 snips
Feb 1, 2025 • 30min
A Battle Within Labour Over Welfare Reform?
The discussion dives into Labour's plans for welfare reform amidst internal tensions over potential cuts. Concerns from party members reflect the complicated landscape of health and disability benefits. The hosts also tackle the evolving welfare state post-COVID, highlighting shifts in benefits eligibility. Additionally, the podcast unpacks the UK's evolving relationship with the EU since Brexit, revealing ongoing challenges and changing public sentiment around the issue. The mix of politics and personal banter keeps the conversation engaging!

Jan 31, 2025 • 29min
The Week: Mandelson Backtracks, Badenoch v Patel and Heathrow Expansion
Explore the tricky political dance around Lord Mandelson's potential ambassadorship to the US and the growing rift in the shadow cabinet. Dive into the implications of proposed infrastructure projects, like Heathrow's expansion, and their impact on local communities. The hosts also celebrate five years of engaging political commentary, while uncovering dark truths about the wellness industry, revealing shocking stories of exploitation and manipulation. A lively discussion highlights the intersection of politics and popular culture, making for an entertaining listen.

14 snips
Jan 30, 2025 • 35min
Will Labour's Plan To Stop Small Boat Crossings Work?
In this insightful discussion, Dominic Casciani, BBC Home and Legal Correspondent, analyzes the UK's new plans to combat small boat crossings, framing them as urgent counterterrorism measures. He highlights the complexities of enforcing these regulations and the challenges of international cooperation in tackling human trafficking. Meanwhile, Marianna Spring, BBC Social Media Investigations Correspondent, delves into the controversial confirmation hearings of RFK Jr., scrutinizing his vaccine stance amidst intense political scrutiny.

Jan 29, 2025 • 40min
The Rachel Reeves Runway for Growth
Dharshini David, Chief Economics Correspondent at BBC News, shares her insights on Rachel Reeves’ advocacy for a third runway at Heathrow, emphasizing its potential to create 100,000 jobs. The conversation dives into the challenges of balancing economic growth with climate concerns. Meanwhile, Diederik Santar, Executive Producer of EastEnders, reflects on Boris Johnson's cheeky cameo on the show, blending real politics with entertainment and exploring the ethical dilemmas of featuring political figures in scripted narratives.

17 snips
Jan 28, 2025 • 41min
Fergal Keane Travels Inside Gaza
Fergal Keane, a BBC special correspondent, shares his harrowing experience as the first international journalist to fly a Jordanian helicopter into Gaza. He discusses the complexities of delivering humanitarian aid amid conflict. Stephanie Hegarty and Professor Sarah Harper dive into UK population projections, highlighting challenges of aging demographics and migration trends. They explore how countries are grappling with low birth rates and the impact of evolving family planning dynamics, making this episode both enlightening and timely.

Jan 27, 2025 • 38min
Can Trump and Starmer Have a Special Relationship?
Chris Mason, the BBC political editor, teams up with Sarah Smith, the North America editor, to analyze the newly cordial relationship between Donald Trump and Keir Starmer following their first conversation. Meanwhile, Faisal Islam and Marc Cieslak dive into the competitive tension between US and Chinese AI developments, questioning the impact of China's rising tech firm on global markets and the implications for major US tech companies. They discuss underlying economic shifts and the evolving landscape of AI, comparing it to a new space race.

10 snips
Jan 26, 2025 • 32min
Is This a Rachel Reeves Reset?
Nick Watt, BBC Newsnight’s political editor, dives into Rachel Reeves’ ambitious growth strategies, including easing restrictions for wealthy non-doms and the controversial Heathrow runway expansion. He also sheds light on the political aftermath of the Southport killer’s sentencing, prompting reflections on social integration challenges. The conversation touches on the need for accountability in governmental strategies and the intricate dynamics within the Conservative Party, providing a comprehensive analysis of the current political landscape.

7 snips
Jan 25, 2025 • 33min
Israeli Hostages and Palestinian Prisoners Released
In this insightful discussion, Lyse Doucet, BBC's Chief International Correspondent, sheds light on the recent developments in the Israel-Hamas ceasefire. She analyzes the emotional impact of releasing four Israeli soldiers in exchange for 200 Palestinian prisoners, spotlighting the tense dynamics surrounding the hostage Arbel Yehud. Doucet also addresses the upcoming changes in copyright law concerning AI, emphasizing the need to protect artists' rights in the digital age. Her expertise adds depth to the complex narratives shaping this ongoing conflict.