

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

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.

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.