

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

6 snips
Jul 1, 2025 • 32min
Welfare Bill Passes, But At What Cost?
Join BBC Social Affairs Correspondent Michael Buchanan as he dissects the recent parliamentary vote on the controversial welfare bill, including the surprising rebellion from Labour MPs. He sheds light on the government's struggles amidst significant political tension and discusses the implications of changes to Personal Independence Payment reforms. The conversation also delves into the tragic case of Lucy Letby, exploring the arrests of senior hospital executives for gross negligence. This episode invites critical thoughts on accountability in both government and healthcare.

27 snips
Jun 30, 2025 • 42min
Police Investigate Bob Vylan and Kneecap Glastonbury Sets
Katie Razzall, BBC media and culture editor, dives into the controversy surrounding the performances of Bob Vylan and Kneecap at Glastonbury, which have sparked a police investigation. She shares insights on the backlash and the BBC's response to not cutting the livestream of Vylan's set. The conversation also touches on the frustrations of festival-goers and highlights the tensions in Parliament regarding critical government welfare reforms, revealing the political and social implications of these events.

20 snips
Jun 29, 2025 • 32min
Music and Politics At Glastonbury
The podcast dives into the intersection of music and politics at Glastonbury, sparked by Bob Vylan's controversial performance. His chants against the IDF ignited strong reactions from politicians and the Israeli Embassy, raising questions about free speech at music festivals. The conversation also touches on the broader implications of artists using their platforms for political messages. Additionally, there's a discussion on the government's fiscal challenges and welfare policies, illuminating the complexities politicians face amid public scrutiny.

16 snips
Jun 28, 2025 • 29min
Was The Welfare Rebellion Starmer's Most Damaging Moment?
Henry Zeffman, a BBC journalist known for his documentary 'Starmer's Stormy Year', joins the discussion on Keir Starmer's leadership amid recent welfare reforms and controversies. They dive into the political U-turns and the repercussions of the welfare rebellion, revealing tensions within the Labour Party and historical comparisons to Tony Blair's strategies. The conversation also touches on public sentiment and accountability in political discourse, reflecting on how Starmer's miscalculations could shape his government's future.

16 snips
Jun 27, 2025 • 36min
The Week: A Welfare U-Turn, Nato Summit, and Daddy Issues
This week, the government made surprising concessions on welfare reforms, signaling a shift in the political landscape. Discussion turned to the latest Nato summit, with amusing revelations about Donald Trump's 'daddy' status. The internal conflict within the Labour Party regarding disability benefits was dissected, revealing tensions among MPs. The complexities of governance were highlighted, especially the balancing act between national defense and social services. Listeners can expect new segments diving into global conflicts and political dynamics.

12 snips
Jun 26, 2025 • 40min
Can Keir Starmer Stop A Labour Rebellion?
Join Luke Sullivan, former political director for Keir Starmer, and Sarah Vine, columnist and author, as they delve into the internal tensions within the Labour Party. Luke shares insights on Starmer's leadership strategy amidst upheaval, while Sarah reveals how Brexit impacted her marriage to Michael Gove, offering a candid look at politics' personal toll. They also explore the emotional strains of public scrutiny and the intricate ties between politics and personal relationships, shedding light on the complex dynamics that shape political life.

41 snips
Jun 25, 2025 • 38min
Diplomacy, Defence and.... Daddy?
Join BBC diplomatic correspondent James Landale, former UK Ambassador to the US Lord Kim Darroch, and BBC Political Editor Chris Mason as they navigate the absurdities of diplomacy, particularly at NATO's recent summit. They humorously critique the superficiality of political interactions with Donald Trump and delve into the complexities of global defense strategies amid ongoing conflicts. The conversation even touches on parenting challenges, balancing serious talk with light-hearted anecdotes, making for a compelling blend of geopolitics and personal insights.

8 snips
Jun 24, 2025 • 42min
Trump: They Don't Know What The F*** They're Doing!
Katya Adler, BBC News Europe Editor, offers insights on the dramatic NATO summit where Trump challenges international alliances, focusing on the Israel-Iran conflict. Marianna Spring, BBC’s social media and disinformation correspondent, unveils the tragic tale of Paloma Shemirani, showcasing how conspiracy theories can lead to devastating health decisions. They discuss the rebelling UK political landscape and the general tensions of global diplomacy, emphasizing the urgent need for responsible communication in healthcare.

40 snips
Jun 23, 2025 • 37min
Israel-Iran: Iran Fires Back
John Simpson, BBC World Affairs editor, offers insights on the complex missile strike by Iran on a U.S. base amid rising tensions. Michael Buchanan discusses the political response to maternity care issues in the NHS, calling for urgent reforms. Suzanne White sheds light on systemic failures in maternity services, highlighting distressing personal stories of negligence and the need for accountability. The conversation reveals the interplay between international conflicts and domestic healthcare challenges, making for a thought-provoking discussion.

11 snips
Jun 22, 2025 • 29min
Israel-Iran: US Bombs Iranian Nuclear Sites
Gordon Corera, a security analyst and host of the Rest is Classified podcast, discusses the implications of the recent U.S. bombing of Iranian nuclear sites, elaborating on potential Iranian responses. Gary O’Donoghue, BBC's North America correspondent, offers insight into Donald Trump's rationale behind the strikes and the reactions unfolding in the U.S. They explore the disparities in military capabilities, geopolitical dynamics, and the lasting effects these actions might have on international stability.