Newscast

Today, we discuss the Chancellor Rachel Reeves looking at making spending cuts worth billions to the government’s welfare budget. The Treasury will put the proposed cuts to the Office for Budget Responsibility (OBR) on Wednesday amid expectations the chancellor's financial headroom has disappeared. Adam is joined by economics editor Faisal Islam to unpack what we know about the proposed cuts, and the chancellor’s Spring Statement later this month.And, former Prime Minister Rishi Sunak has spoken to the Nick Robinson in his first wide-ranging interview since leaving Downing Street. Nick and Adam unpack what Rishi had to say, including why he regrets the ‘Stop the Boats’ slogan, how he felt about a podcast questioning his Englishness and what his political philosophy boils down to. 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/NbuxWnmYNew 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 Shiler Mahmoudi and Anna Harris. The technical producer was Mike Regaard. The assistant editor is Chris Gray. The editor is Sam Bonham

Join Jeremy Bowen, BBC international editor, Caitriona Perry, chief presenter in Washington, and Faisal Islam, economics editor, as they unpack Zelensky's remarks about working with Trump for a peace deal amid U.S. military aid uncertainty. They discuss Europe’s anxiety over aid pauses and how Trump's tariffs on Canada and Mexico are shaking global markets. The conversation navigates the complexities of trade dynamics and the implications for U.S.-Ukraine relations, providing deep insights into this turbulent geopolitical landscape.

Today, we look at possible plans for a Franco-UK peace deal in Ukraine. French President Emmanuel Macron floated the idea of a partial month-long truce between Russia and Ukraine in a interview on Sunday. But the UK government has played down the idea as just a suggestion, and say that lots of proposals are still on the table. Meanwhile President Trump has criticised President Zelensky online again. Adam and Chris are joined by Marion Solletty, POLITICO’s editor at large in France.Plus, Israel have blocked the flow of aid into Gaza, after phase one of it’s ceasefire deal with Hamas expired on Saturday night without a plan for phase two agreed. Adam speaks to BBC World Affairs correspondent, Paul Adams to find out why a plan has yet to be agreed. 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/NbuxWnmYNew 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/3ENLcS1 Newscast brings you daily analysis of the latest political news stories from the BBC. It was presented by Adam Fleming. It was made by Jack Maclaren with Anna Harris and Shiler Mahmoudi. The technical producer was Dafydd Evans. The assistant editor is Chris Gray. The editor is Sam Bonham.

Laura shares her experience meeting President Zelensky, who is eager to finalize a US-Ukraine minerals deal. The discussion dives into the delicate diplomacy needed amidst ongoing conflicts and the political dynamics that could influence negotiations with U.S. officials. Zelensky's aspirations for NATO integration and potential ceasefire talks also come to light, emphasizing the complexities of international relations. The hosts maintain a light-hearted tone, encouraging listeners to engage with the podcast community.

Keir Starmer, the British Prime Minister, discusses his proactive and clear approach to the Ukraine crisis amidst contrasting views with Donald Trump. He emphasizes the need for unity among global leaders and the importance of robust security guarantees from Europe and the US. Starmer navigates the complex dynamics of international relations, shedding light on the roles of President Zelensky and Trump. The conversation highlights the urgent need for cohesive European strategies to foster peace and address escalating geopolitical tensions.

The podcast dives into the intense exchange between Donald Trump and Volodymyr Zelensky, highlighting the chaotic diplomatic scene. Sir Keir Starmer's supportive calls and upcoming meetings in London further add to the political drama. The conversation shifts to the implications for NATO and America's foreign policy amid rising tensions. Zelensky's press conference takes an unexpected turn when attire becomes a topic of debate, reflecting deeper sentiments. The intricacies of UK-US diplomacy during Trump's era showcase the challenges faced by European leaders.

A heated exchange between Donald Trump and Volodymyr Zelensky in the Oval Office raises eyebrows and concerns over diplomatic efforts amidst the Ukraine conflict. The tension highlights the stakes of military aid and the complexities of international relationships. The podcast dives into the challenges of aligning Western support for Ukraine while navigating Trump's unpredictable political landscape. It also explores the delicate balancing acts required in UK-US relations as tensions with Russia rise, making for a riveting analysis of contemporary geopolitics.

In this engaging discussion, Former President Donald Trump shares insights from his historic meeting with UK Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer. The conversation dives into the complexities of US-UK relations, including a potential state visit and the Chagos Islands' geopolitical significance. Trump and Starmer also tackle the state of peace in Ukraine and emphasize the importance of free speech in today’s world. Humor and sharp analysis highlight the nuances of modern diplomacy and the evolving landscape of international politics.

Marianna Spring, a BBC social media investigations correspondent, and Nick Thorpe, a Bucharest-based reporter, dive into the controversial world of Andrew and Tristan Tate. They discuss the brothers' legal troubles as they face serious charges like rape and trafficking, while also questioning how they managed to leave Romania. The conversation turns to the implications of their social media influence, their connections to political figures, and the broader societal impact of their misogynistic messages. It's a captivating exploration of fame, controversy, and accountability.

Chris Mason, the BBC Political Editor, shares insights from his travels with Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer to meet President Trump, discussing the meeting's significance amid global challenges. Emma Pinchbeck and Justin Rowlatt dive into the Climate Change Committee's new report on achieving the UK's net zero target by 2050, stressing the importance of individual actions alongside government policies. They also tackle the debate on defense spending and the urgent need for innovative solutions to combat climate change.