Newscast

Aleem Maqbool, BBC's Religion Editor, reflects on the profound impact of Pope Francis's passing at age 88. They discuss his 12-year leadership, underscoring his dedication to compassion and outreach despite his health struggles. The conversation delves into his management of scandals within the Church, detailing his commitment to transparency and accountability. Listeners gain insights into his final wishes and the preparations for selecting a successor, framed within a deeply emotional context for the global Catholic community.

Today, we’re going back to September 15 2008, the day the Lehman Brothers collapsed, a pivotal moment in the global financial crash. Adam is joined by economics editor, Faisal Islam and columnist at the FT, Gillian Tett.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://discord.gg/m3YPUGv9New episodes released every day. If you're in the UK, for more News and Current Affairs podcasts from the BBC, listen on BBC Sounds: https://bit.ly/3ENLcS1Newscast brings you daily analysis of the latest political news stories from the BBC. It was presented by Adam Fleming. It was made by Miranda Slade with Jack MacLaren. The technical producer was Dafydd Evans. The assistant editor is Chris Gray. The editor is Sam Bonham.

Nick Watt, Newsnight’s political editor with deep roots in Northern Ireland, and Annita McVeigh, BBC News chief presenter who covered the Good Friday Agreement, reflect on its significant impact. They discuss the complexities surrounding unionist and nationalist perspectives, the challenges of political stability, and the tragic legacy of the Omagh bombing. Additionally, they explore how Britain’s historical indifference shaped perceptions of Northern Ireland, highlighting the resilient push for peace and effective governance amidst ongoing challenges.

Join Nick Watt, Newsnight's political editor who closely reported on the Troubles, and Annita McVeigh, BBC News chief presenter and veteran of Northern Ireland coverage, as they revisit the emotional day when the Good Friday Agreement was signed in 1998. They discuss the complexities of the peace negotiations, the roles played by key figures like George Mitchell, and the personal tragedies that shaped journalism during this turbulent era. The conversation reveals the enduring impact of this historic agreement on current events and the hope for a united future.

In this engaging discussion, BBC's diplomatic correspondent James Landale sheds light on the implications of the recent Supreme Court ruling on gender and its impact on the NHS. He highlights the potential changes to NHS guidelines regarding trans individuals in single-sex spaces. The conversation also shifts to a significant meeting in Paris involving officials from Ukraine, the US, and Europe, focusing on diplomacy and possible peace negotiations in the Ukraine conflict. Landale's insights provide a nuanced view of these pressing issues.

In this episode, James Cook, Scotland editor and presenter, and political correspondent Alex Forsyth discuss the UK Supreme Court's ruling that the legal definition of a woman is based on biological sex. They delve into the implications for women's rights and the trans community, highlighting diverse reactions. The conversation touches on the evolving landscape of gender recognition laws and political ramifications for parties like Labour under Keir Starmer. With insights into societal discussions, this engaging talk captures the complexities of gender and legal definitions.

Laura Bicker, BBC's China correspondent with extensive experience in reporting on Chinese affairs and global trade, shares insights on Birmingham's bin crisis and potential nationwide repercussions from striking workers. The conversation touches on China's strategic responses to trade tensions with the US and its evolving approach to soft power. Bicker also discusses the influential role of Chinese social media in exposing luxury product origins, giving listeners a glimpse into the complexities of global trade dynamics and domestic unrest.

Marianna Spring, the BBC's social media investigations correspondent, and Mark Scott from the Atlantic Council, discuss a high-stakes antitrust trial against Meta. They unravel the potential implications for social media and the complex ties between Mark Zuckerberg and Donald Trump. Jonathan Amos, a former BBC science correspondent, joins to explore Katy Perry's recent space trip, debating whether it's a genuine space tourism milestone or just a publicity stunt. The conversation delves into defining astronauts in the age of high-profile space missions.

Joe Pike, a political and investigations correspondent, explores the UK’s struggles with British Steel’s fuel supply and the tensions between British workers and Chinese management. Wera Hobhouse, the Lib Dem MP for Bath, shares her alarming experience of being detained in Hong Kong, highlighting the chilling impact of international relations on personal freedoms. Their discussion dives into the broader implications for UK-China relations and the political fallout from travel restrictions, raising crucial questions about democracy and human rights.

MPs met in Parliament on a Saturday for the first time in over 40 years, discussing the future of the British Steel plant in Scunthorpe. Conversations included potential nationalization and urgent raw material shortages impacting the industry. Ex PM Gordon Brown shares insights on the government's financial strategies amid economic changes. The hosts provide engaging commentary, weaving humor with serious analysis, and preview significant upcoming discussions that could reshape the UK steel production landscape.