Newscast
The BBC's daily news podcast, Newscast dives into the day's biggest news stories so you're never out of your depth. It picks the brains of BBC News experts, covering the latest news and developments in politics in Westminster and beyond. Hosted by trusted journalists including Adam Fleming, Chris Mason, Laura Kuenssberg, and Paddy O'Connell. Available seven days a week, with a TV version on BBC One.
Episodes
Are The Public Ready To Vote Tory Again?
Today, we look at whether opposition leader Kemi Badenoch can lead a Conservative comeback.Polls have suggested the party’s popularity was at historic lows in 2025 and early 2026, but they’ve been slightly more favourable recently.So, after partygate and Liz Truss’ mini budget, are the British public ready to vote for the party again?We also look at Badenoch’s plans to build 50,000 new prison plac
A Make Or Break Week For Zack Polanski?
Today, we look at the upcoming Holborn and St Pancras by-election, which Green leader Zack Polanski is standing in. We look at how big a gamble a resurgent Labour makes the vote for him, and what happens if he underperforms.Laura and Paddy also discuss the Green conference - happening now - and a row over the party’s position on Israel.And, after diesel prices rose above £2 a litre for first time
The Week: Andy Burnham’s Big Speech And First Own Goal?
After a strong week at Labour Party conference has the Prime Minister made his first foul? Downing Street has said Manchester City are not "above the rules" after Andy Burnham was criticised for his comments about the club's breaches of Premier League financial rules. Adam, Chris and Joe are joined by the FT’s Whitehall editor and host of “Political Fix” Lucy Fisher to unpack the backlash, plus An
What Happened In The Dubai-Tel Aviv Flight Attack?
Today, after Wednesday’s dramatic event in which a pilot stabbed another pilot and tried to take over a flight from Dubai to Tel Aviv, we look at what happened in the moments and hours after.Adam is joined by BBC Verify’s Thomas Copeland to help piece together the details of the story, and Jane Corbin who assesses the political reaction and how it’s going down in Israel.Faisal has been speaking to
Could The UK Really Rejoin The EU?
Today, Andy Burnham has said rejoining the EU is one of the options the government could examine when looking at the UK’s long-term relationship with Europe.The Prime Minister also told Chris there are ‘strong indications’ that ‘Iran played a part in what happened’ at RAF Fairford, and weighed in on Manchester City. Adam, Chris and Faisal discuss the interview, which happened one day after confere
Andy Burnham's Battle Of Ideas
Today, Andy Burnham delivers first his speech to the Labour Party conference as Prime Minister. During an emotional address, the prime minister outlined plans for a ‘National Care Service’ which would be free at point of use, funded in part by proposed changes to the triple lock" from 2030.He also talked about reforms to the electoral system and housing, and the water system.The Prime Minister rec
Is The Triple Lock Toast?
Today, Adam and Chris interview the Chancellor John Healey at Labour party conference following his first speech in the role. In his speech, the chancellor announced £6bn of new contracts for British shipyards, which he said would help defend the UK in the long term, and emphasised the need to reindustrialise Britain and get more young people into work.But amidst a tough global economic picture, t
Andy Burnham’s NHS-Style Social Care Plan
Today, we look at Andy Burnham’s plans for a national care service for England.In the prime minister’s first Sunday morning interview of his tenure, he told Laura that he would connect the care system to the NHS, and make it free at the point of use, but not before the next General Election.Laura, Paddy, and Joe Pike look at how it would work and how much it would cost.They also talk through other
The Andy Burnham Interview
Laura's been speaking to Prime Minister Andy Burnham in Liverpool, ahead of the Labour Party conference.This is the interview in full, in which he proposes national care service in England, refuses to commit to backing a third runway at Heathrow, and condemns masked protesters. Laura, Paddy, and Joe Pike will be analysing what the PM said in an episode to follow in your Newscast feed.
Tug of War At Labour Conference
Today, ahead of Labour conference, we look out senior Labour figures trying to pull the party their way.Former business secretary Peter Kyle has said Andy Burnham's government is not focused enough on boosting economic growth and needs to act with "more urgency".Angela Rayner has criticised Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood’s plans on immigration, specifically on indefinite leave to remain.And former
Bonus: The Future Of The BBC According To Its New Boss
In this bonus episode of Newscast, Laura speaks to the (relatively) new BBC Director General Matt Brittin as he looks for £500m in savings.He explains where he thinks he might find them, how he thinks the organisation should respond to changes in viewing and listening, and whether AI could or should help.A regular episode of Newscast will follow this one in your feed.
The Week: When Burnham Met Trump
Today, what does Andy Burnham’s meeting with Donald Trump tell us about his premiership?Adam, Alex, Gary and the editor of the New Statesman Tom Mctague round up the political week. They discuss whether the UK government is getting better at dealing with Trump’s White House, the relationship between President Trump and President Xi, and, a big new poll which has big implications for both sides of
How Did OpenAI Hack An Australian Government Website?
Today, we look at how a rogue OpenAI agent hacked an Australian government website in June and accessed private data in what experts say is the first known case of its kind in the world.Tech and AI editor Zoe Kleinman and cyber correspondent Joe Tidy tell us what it means for trust in online privacy, AI companies, and government regulation. And, Zoe brings her sunglasses for a look at why Meta are
Burnham vs Trump, Putin and... Danny Dyer
Andy Burnham (and Chris!) have returned from a busy 24 hours in New York where the prime minister met US President Donald Trump for the first time, and gave his first major international speech at the United Nations General Assembly. The Prime Minister talked about fighting against Russian disinformation and pushing global AI standards.Chris has come straight from the airport to the Newscast stud
Will Trump "Annihilate" Or "Negotiate" With Iran?
Today, President Trump has repeated his threats to “annihilate” Iran in a speech at the UN General Assembly. In a very broad speech covered Iran, Cuba, AI and the midterm US elections. And, he again clashed with reporters following a major dispute with US TV networks. Adam unpacks it all with the BBC’s chief Washington presenter, Caitríona Perry.And, Ed Davey has told the Lib Dem conference they w
Is Europe Entering A New Level Of Threat?
Today, we take a look at what’s happening in Europe as Germany’s Friedrich Merz faces pressure after a local election defeat. Also in the region, there has been a wave of warnings about the new threats posed by Russia.France’s Emmanuel Macron, Poland’s Donald Tusk and senior intelligence staff from across Europe have both spoken out about the hybrid Russian warfare facing the west, including sabot
The Earl Spencer Diana Interview Analysis
Royal correspondent Daniela Relph joins Laura and Paddy in to chat through the interview with Princess Diana’s brother Earl Spencer.They discuss his comparisons between the press’s treatment of Harry and Meghan with Diana, the lasting impact of her death, and what he thinks of the Royal Family.And Laura takes us behind the scenes of the interview. You can now listen to Newscast on a smart speaker.
The Earl Spencer Diana Interview
The parts of this interview so far released have generated lots of interest, but here we are bringing you Laura's interview with Princess Diana’s brother Earl Spencer in full. He talks about finding out about her death, what he remembers of the now King Charles’ reaction to it, and the press treatment of Harry and Meghan compared to that time.Buckingham Palace this week responded to Earl Spencer’s
Why Is Diana’s Brother Making Claims About The King Now?
Laura has interviewed Princess Diana’s brother, Earl Spencer, who has defended his claims about a phone call with King Charles.He says the then-Prince of Wales said "we'll forget her soon enough" during an argument over whether Princes William and Harry should walk in Diana's funeral procession.The Palace released a statement questioning his version of events, saying “grief can cloud reason, affec
The Week: Is The Economic Pain Still To Come?
Today, are we in for a winter of financial hope or pain?The Bank of England has held interest rates at 3.75% in a move which might come as some relief for mortgage holders. However the Bank’s governor has warned about high energy costs coming down the line. The move comes in contrast to the US Federal Reserve increased interest rates for the first time in more than three years. So what does this s
Buckingham Palace Hits Back Over Diana Book
Today, Princess Diana’s brother, Earl Spencer, has claimed in a new memoir that King Charles said “we’ll forget her soon enough” in the wake of her death nearly 30 years ago. The Palace has pushed back unusually strongly, saying “ grief can cloud reason, affect judgment and colour memory”.The book ‘Swan Song: Diana, My Sister’ is due to be published next week and is expected to be highly critical
Is Energy About To Get Even More Expensive?
An oil pipeline in Saudi Arabia has been temporarily shut down after it was badly damaged in a strike last week. The pipeline is key to minimising the impact of the closure of the Strait of Hormuz on the world’s global oil supply. Combined with Houthi attacks in the Red Sea, experts are concerned the closure could force oil prices even higher. Adam breaks down what happened with diplomatic corresp
Is The State Pension Unaffordable?
Today, new figures suggest the state pension will rise by 3.9% to up to £13,000 a year. The increase is based on earning figures as dictated by the triple lock, the policy the government uses to guarantee pension growth.The rise has reignited debates about the long-term affordability and generational fairness of state pensions which have seen costs balloon in recent years. Alex and James are joine
Can AI Actually Be Slowed Down?
Today, can governments work together to regulate AI, after growing safety fears in the industry?Donald Trump, has seemingly dismissed calls for government intervention made over the weekend. The President cited the AI race with China, saying “whoever wins AI, wins.” So is there anything the UK government can do?Meanwhile the calls for a slow down in AI development has led to tech stocks falling in
Will Reform Have To Give Their Mega Donations Back?
After Reform’s £72 million record donations, we’re looking at whether they’ll be allowed to keep the money.Legislation is going through Parliament that could limit the amount of money foreign donors can give, and be applied restrospectively, but Robert Jenrick has said the recent donations were "entirely in line with the law".And there’s been a shift in tone from tech bosses since the concerns abo
How Reform's £72 Million Mega Donations Change UK Politics
Today, we look at two record breaking donations to Reform UK of £72 million. The money has been given to the party by two crypto billionaires, Ben Delo and Christopher Harborne.Laura and Paddy discuss who they are, and why they’ve decided to hand over such a massive amount of cash.Delo said he wants a "fair fight and a level playing field", before Harborne said his "competitive spirit" inspired hi
MPs Vote Against Assisted Dying Bill
Today, MPs have voted against a fresh move to legalise assisted dying in England and Wales. The bill would have allowed adults with fewer than six months to live to apply to be given help to end their life.It followed hours of debate and the result was close with 286 against and 270 in favour. Adam is joined by Ailbhe Rea, Political Editor of the New Statesman and Lara Spirit, Deputy Political edi
Trump's $5,000 Payout Promise
Today, US President, Donald Trump, has said he will offer every adult American $5,000 (£3,700) if the Republican party wins the midterms. President Trump gave no detail on how it would work or how he would fund it. Speaking at the party's first-ever convention in the middle of a US presidential term. He also said that the country’s war with Iran would not end until after the midterms. James is joi
Is This The Biggest Row Between Israel And The UK?
Today, we look at Israel’s reaction to UK sanctions against Israeli settlements in the West Bank. The foreign minister Gideon Saar announced retaliatory counter-measures, including the closure of the British Consulate in Jerusalem. Meanwhile in the UK, Ed Miliband has disagreed with Chief Rabbi Sir Ephraim Mirvis who described the move as a "truly dark day" that put British Jews in greater danger
Why Has The UK Government Changed Its Approach to Israel?
Today, Foreign Secretary Ed Miliband has told Parliament the UK would ban the import of goods from Israeli settlements in the illegally occupied West Bank.In the speech, he said the UK government "agrees" there is ethnic cleansing in areas of the West Bank, and that the Israeli government is turning a “blind eye”. Israel has responded by closing the British consulate in Jerusalem and banning 11 le
Can The Chancellor's Positive Vibes Limit Tax Rises?
Today, John Healey delivered his first major speech as chancellor, aiming to boost confidence in the economy with a positive message. The chancellor set out his intentions for growth, investment and more jobs. But midway through, Jaguar Land Rover announced they would be making thousands of job cuts after struggling with competition from China and falling behind in the electric vehicle race.Econom
How New Is Andy Burnham’s Labour?
Prime Minister Andy Burnham has consistently talked about what he sees as the wrong direction the country has been taken over the last 40 years.So as the new Chancellor John Healey prepares a speech for tomorrow setting out his plans for growth, we look at whether this government will be as different as it is being presented as.The new Conservative shadow chancellor Andrew Griffith is also trying
How Damaging Is Reform's Donations Row?
Today, we look at how much damage the Reform donations report will do to the party.Nigel Farage has said he "frankly wasn't listening" during the conversation with his former chief of staff and an undercover reporter discussing what appears to have been a scheme to funnel foreign money to Reform UK.The row has overshadowed the party’s conference in Birmingham, where Laura, Chris, and Joe got toget
The Undercover Reform Investigation
Today, two senior officials have stood down from Reform UK after a Channel 4 News report prompts the party to investigate claims about funding.Nigel Farage's senior aide Dan Jukes and Reform's head of policy James Orr have both stood down pending the outcome of the internal probe. The undercover filming was done by Verbatim Investigations and broadcast by Channel 4 News. Reform UK has denied wrong
Burnham’s Big Economic Choices
Today, we discuss the economic challenges Andy Burnham is facing ahead of his first budget. The economic backdrop has left the prime minister and his Chancellor John Healey with big decisions to make about defence spending, as pressure increases on the government to raise it. Adam Fleming is joined by economics editor Faisal Islam and Helen Miller, director at the IFS to discuss the options for th
How Did Andy Burnham Do In His First PMQs?
Today, Andy Burnham faced his first PMQs, and Nigel Farage has told Chris the UK is a "complainants' society" after questions about Reform’s funding. Adam and Chris unpack Chris’ first interview with Nigel Farage after he returned to parliament as the re-elected MP for Clacton on Tuesday. They discuss his response to continuing questions about the £5m he received from a crypto billionaire before b
Keir Starmer Resigns (Again)
Today, after standing down as Prime Minister earlier this summer, Keir Starmer has decided to announce his resignation as MP for Holborn and St Pancras.It comes on Andy Burnham’s first day addressing MPs in the House of Commons as Prime Minister. Was the timing deliberate, or coincidental? Prime Minister Burnham has returned to the House of Commons after Summer Recess promising to 'unlock a feelin
Old Newscast: Inside The Brexit Campaigns (Part 2)
Today, we hear what it was like to be inside the leave and remain camps from those who managed the campaigns behind the scenes.Sir Craig Oliver, who was in charge of communications for the Remain campaign, and chief executive of Vote Leave Matthew Elliott meet for the first time in the Newscast studio.This is the second of two episodes looking back at 2016. In it, we hear whether either of them ha
Old Newscast: Inside The Brexit Campaigns (Part 1)
Today, we hear what it was like to be inside the leave and remain camps from those who managed the campaigns behind the scenes.Sir Craig Oliver, who was in charge of communications for the Remain campaign, and chief executive of Vote Leave Matthew Elliott meet for the first time in the Newscast studio.This is the first of two episodes looking back at 2016. In it, we hear how each of the campaigns
Is ADHD And Autism Care Heading For "Chaos"?
Today, NHS bosses have warned of chaos in ADHD and autism care as costs spiral and unregulated private providers capitalise on the huge demand for help.Health editor Hugh Pym is in the studio to describe what’s been going on in the NHS, and why bosses are warning about what’s going on behind the scenes as requests for ADHD and autism diagnoses rise.And, what more have we learned about the unannoun
Has Social Media For Children Just Changed Forever?
Today, we discuss Meta’s decision to agree to an $18 billion settlement resolving claims from 29 US states that Facebook and Instagram harmed children.Technology and AI editor Zoe Kleinman joins Adam to discuss the short trial and why Meta have settled and not admitted any wrongdoing. New features will be implemented on Facebook and Instagram for children including two-hour daily time limits and a
Prince Harry and Meghan Land In The UK
Today, Prince Harry and Meghan have arrived back in the UK from California.Senior royal correspondent Daniela Relph joins Adam to discuss what life in the British countryside might look like for the couple. Where is the line between private and public life? Who will pay for their security? And could Meghan be returning to her acting career?And, why did the head of the US CIA make an unannounced vi
Is China Replacing Workers With Robots?
Today, we discuss China’s £14.7bn investment into AI and robotics in the hopes of overtaking the US as the world leader in innovation.China has two million robots already working in factories, and is investing heavily in the hopes that one day they could bridge gaps in an already sluggish economy. What can these robots do? And what does the future look like for workers? Our China correspondent Lau
What Is Andy Burnham's Missile Offer To Ukraine?
Today, Andy Burnham will hand over blueprints to Ukraine so Kyiv can build its own long-range missiles.On a visit to Kyiv to meet with President Zelensky, the PM promised to keep up the pressure on Russia despite Moscow's "outrageous threats". Diplomatic correspondent James Landale is in the studio to discuss with Adam.Plus, President Trump and Canada’s Mark Carney are in the midst of a trade war
Old Newscast: The Scottish Independence Referendum (Part 2)
Today, in the latest of our special programmes looking at pivotal political moments, we are looking at the 2014 Scottish independence referendum.Adam is joined by Scotland editor and Newscast host James Cook, and Scotland correspondent Lorna Gordon.In this episode, the second of two on the subject, Adam, James and Lorna talk about the crucial moments in the campaign.You can now listen to Newscast
Old Newscast: The Scottish Independence Referendum (Part 1)
Today, in the latest of our special programmes looking at pivotal political moments, we are looking at the 2014 Scottish independence referendum.Adam is joined by Scotland editor and Newscast host James Cook, and Scotland correspondent Lorna Gordon.In this episode, the first of two on the subject, Adam, James and Lorna talk about how Scotland came to have the vote in the first place.You can now li
Is Andy Burnham Actually Popular Or Just New?
Today, is the Burnham bounce real? And, does it tell us anything about the new prime minister’s popularity long term?Adam presents Newscast live on 5live rounding up the political week with James Heale of the Spectator, Emma Burnell of Labour List and Luke Tryl of More in Common. What does Sue Gray think went wrong inside Starmer’s number 10? How much should we read into Reform’s recent infighting
Why Are Harry and Meghan Moving Back To The UK?
Today, the surprise news that Prince Harry and Meghan are relocating from the US to the UK, with their children enrolled at a British school.Adam is joined by Daniela Relph, the BBC’s Senior Royal correspondent, to talk about why now, what their lives might be like back in Britain and what the wider implications are for the Royal Family.You can now listen to Newscast on a smart speaker. If you wan
Can Andy Burnham End Rough Sleeping?
Today, we’re looking at Prime Minister Andy Burnham’s plan to get rough sleepers off streets for Christmas.He made ending rough sleeping his first pledge when entering Downing Street. Alex joins Adam to hear how it’s going to work from social affairs correspondent Michael Buchanan, who’s spent years following the issue.Faisal also helps us look at how the economony impacts rough sleeping, as well
Russia Threatens The UK (Again)
Today, Russia has warned of "consequences" for the UK, after is was confirmed that British-made drones were used by Ukraine to strike Russia.The Russian embassy in London earlier accused Britain of "deliberately opting for an escalation of the Ukraine crisis", adding that "the deeper its involvement in the conflict... the higher the price it will pay". In response, prime minister Andy Burnham has
Trump Threatens To Bomb "The S*** Out Of" Oman
Today, Donald Trump has said he will “bomb the shit” out of Oman if it “gets in the way” of US talks with Iran. Oman, which says it is a neutral country between Iran and the US, has suffered a number of strikes from Iran since the conflict broke out. However, it is now playing a role in negotiations to reopen the strait. On Monday, Iranian officials said they were close to finalising a deal with O
Old Newscast, 2010 Election: The Coalition (Part 2)
Today, we look at the five days that followed the 2010 General Election.David Cameron’s Conservative party had won the most seats but not an overall majority. Through deals and bargaining, he would have to form a coalition government. But how did it happen? The BBC's Gary O’Donaghue and Carole Walker, who was at the BBC at the time but is now at Times Radio, take us through what they saw first han
Old Newscast, 2010 Election: The Coalition (Part 1)
Today, we look at the five days that followed the 2010 General Election.David Cameron’s Conservative party had won the most seats but not an overall majority. Through deals and bargaining, he would have to form a coalition government. But how did it happen? The BBC's Gary O’Donaghue and Carole Walker, who was at the BBC at the time but is now at Times Radio, take us through what they saw first han
What Next For Nigel Farage After The Clacton By-Election?
Today, Nigel Farage was re-elected as MP for Clacton after his resignation in July triggered a by-election in the seat.Adam and Henry are live onstage at the Edinburgh Fringe to discuss all the results from the by-election, and what could happen next for Nigel Farage. The parliamentary standards investigation have reopened their investigation into a £5m gift received by Nigel Farage. So, what conc
What’s Piling Up On Andy Burnham’s Desk?
Today, we’re looking at the emerging issues the new prime minister will be forced to deal with when he returns to parliament.We look at ongoing issues over the early release of prisoners and warnings from the Treasury. We also discuss his summer strategy and whether it’s working.Adam is joined live onstage at the Edinburgh Fringe by Henry Zeffman and James Cook to discuss.You can now listen to New
Andy Burnham's Emergency Cobra Meeting On Extreme Heat
Today, we look at the government’s response to extreme heat, and fires around the country, as he chairs a meeting of the government's emergency Cobra committee, as temperatures are set to soar again.Firefighters are continuing to tackle a wildfire in the New Forest, Hampshire, which started on Sunday, and in Scotland fire crews are still fighting a wildfire in the Cairngorms that first broke out o
Did President Trump Escape Air Force One In A Catering Truck?
Today, the Washington Post is reporting a secret plane swap, which took place as President Trump was leaving the Nato summit in Turkey last month. Adam is joined onstage at the Edinburgh Fringe by Caitriona Perry and James Cook. They discuss the reports of the president’s Air Force One plane-swap in response to a possible Iranian threat.Plus, we’re looking ahead to the mid-terms and asking: who ar
Subscriptions, 'Intergalactic Affairs' + Alleged Cartel Boss Daniel Kinahan
Today, will Andy Burnham bringing forward a ban on ‘subscription traps’ address people’s concerns about the cost of living?Adam is joined onstage at the Edinburgh Fringe by Caitriona Perry and Joe Pike (plus a live audience of Newscasters!), to discuss Andy Burnham’s nationwide cost of living tour. Plus, how did Foreign Secretary Ed Miliband’s meeting with his counterpart Marco Rubio go? And, how
Old Newscast, 2010 Election: Brown vs Cameron vs Clegg (Part 2)
Today, we look at the closest General Election of a generation as three party leaders faced their first national test.There had been building speculation about when Labour Prime Minister Gordon would call the election after taking over from Tony Blair in 2007. When he eventually did, he faced the Conservatives’ David Cameron and Liberal Democrats’ Nick Clegg. Adam is joined by Nick Robinson, who w
Old Newscast, 2010 Election: Brown vs Cameron vs Clegg (Part 1)
Today, we look at the closest General Election of a generation as three party leaders faced their first national test.There had been building speculation about when Labour Prime Minister Gordon would call the election after taking over from Tony Blair in 2007. When he eventually did, he faced the Conservatives’ David Cameron and Liberal Democrats’ Nick Clegg. Adam is joined by Nick Robinson, who w
Is The Ukraine War Entering A New Phase Of Aggression?
Today, after a week of deadly strikes targeting factories and infrastructure is the War in Ukraine entering a new phase of aggression?President Zelensky has appealed for more ballistic missile interceptors after twenty one people were killed in a night in Kyiv. Moscow fired 115 drones and 24 ballistic missiles. Most of the drones were shot down, but Kyiv's depleted air defences did not intercept
Is AI Going Rogue?
Today, are some of the world’s leading AI companies doing enough to stop their models from going rogue?Facebook owner Meta has become the latest tech firm to say one of its AI models hacked another company. Similar breaches by OpenAI and Anthropic models have raised cyber-security concerns and prompted calls for tougher safeguards and more rigorous testing. Adam discusses with Professor Gina Neff,
Why Have The Conservatives Picked An Ex Neo-Nazi Council Candidate?
Today, we discuss the Conservative Party’s decision to select an ex neo-Nazi as a council election candidate in Somerset.Joshua Bonehill-Paine spent three years in prison for posting antisemitic material ahead of a planned neo-Nazi rally in 2015. While in prison, he was also convicted of racially harassing then-Labour MP Luciana Berger, who is Jewish. Kemi Badenoch has defended the decision, sayin
Why Does The Government Keep Releasing Prisoners Early?
Today, there has been more criticism from victims’ families over plans to release some prisoners early. Under the policy, due to begin in October, thousands of prisoners will be eligible to be released part way through their sentences. Ministers announced last night that prisoners guilty of rape, serious child sex offences and grooming will be excluded. Adam is joined by home and legal affairs co
Could Reform Use The Navy To Stop Small Boats?
Today, Reform have announced plans to use the Navy to stop small boat crossings. They suggest, that if they are elected, military personnel would accompany migrants back across the English channel, overriding French objections if necessary.Their opponents have said the plans are unworkable and come at a time when the party has been under pressure. Nigel Farage has been facing questions about his h
Old Newscast: The Rise Of David Cameron (Part 2)
Today, we look at David Cameron’s rapid rise to Conservative leader in 2005. This is the second of six Old Newscasts looking at the story of 30 years of British politics through six votes.In this two part episode we tell the story of how after another damaging election defeat the Conservatives were once again looking for a new leader. After years in the political wilderness could the Tories elect
Old Newscast: The Rise Of David Cameron (Part 1)
Today, we look at David Cameron’s rapid rise to Conservative leader in 2005. This is the second of six Old Newscasts looking at the story of 30 years of British politics through six votes.In this two part episode we tell the story of how after another damaging election defeat the Conservatives were once again looking for a new leader. After years in the political wilderness could the Tories elect
Is The World Cup For Sale?
Today, an almighty bust up is happening in the world of football between Fifa and Uefa. FIFA, who run the World cup, whose President Gianni Infantino recently announced a proposal to sell stakes in its competitions to private investors. UEFA, the governing body of European football, responded by calling an emergency meeting and the confederation unanimously voted in favour of a boycott should thes
How Does The UK Fight Wildfires?
Today, a major incident has been declared in Suffolk where a wildfire the size of 140 football pitches is burning. The fire is not yet under control, but Suffolk’s chief fire officer says it currently poses no risk to nearby nuclear power station Sizewell B. And, in the rest of the UK, drought has been declared in Wales and more than half of England.Adam is joined by Anna Murgatroyd, lecturer in h
What is Andy Burnham's Plan to 'Fix' Social Care?
Today, Prime Minister Andy Burnham has said he wants a major reform of the current social care system in England and set out his three-point plan to achieve it.The prime minister has brought forward a review of social care by Baroness Casey, and has asked the Conservatives and the Liberal Democrats to work with him on his reforms. But what does Andy Burnham mean by a ‘National Care Service’? Why h
Are Apprenticeships The Answer To Youth Unemployment?
Today, secondary school pupils in England will be offered more technical subjects as part of education reforms led by the new Prime Minister.The courses, which will be available from year 10 onwards will be linked to local industries in the hope of giving children a clearer pathway into work.Andy Burnham says he’s keen to strengthen links between education and the workplace and these reforms come
Why Are The Spain & France Wildfires So Bad?
Today, intense and historic wildfires continue to burn in parts of Europe with more than 300,000 people having now been evacuated across France and Spain. Adam is joined by Climate and Wildfire Scientist Theodore Keeping and Aitor Hernandez-Morales - Senior Reporter for Politico to discuss why these wildfires are so hard to control and what the political reaction to them has been. Plus, in a recen
The Andy Burnham Interview
What kind of prime minister will Andy Burnham be? Laura Kuenssberg has been behind the scenes with him during his first week in power. In his first major broadcast interview since taking office, she asks about his plans - and the challenges ahead.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
Behind The Scenes Of Andy Burnham’s First Week As Prime Minister
Today, Andy Burnham says he would be prepared to call out Donald Trump to defend Britain's "national interest before anything else" if it is the right thing to do, in his first major interview as prime minister.Speaking exclusively to the Laura for the BBC, Burnham said he had had a good first exchange with Trump, finding him to be "really warm".Adam and Laura dissect what the Prime Minister said.
Old Newscast: How Labour Won In 1997 (Part 2)
Today, we start the first of six Old Newscasts looking at the story of 30 years of British Politics through six votes. We start in 1997, when the Prime Minister John Major called an election, hoping to extend 18 years of Conservative rule, and beat Labour’s Tony Blair .To help us, we have two BBC legends who were there at the time. Jeremy Vine was the BBC's political reporter and Kirsty Wark was p
Old Newscast: How Labour Won In 1997 (Part 1)
Today, we start the first of six Old Newscasts looking at the story of 30 years of British Politics through six votes. We start in 1997, when the Prime Minister John Major called an election, hoping to extend 18 years of Conservative rule, and beat Labour’s Tony Blair .To help us, we have two BBC legends who were there at the time. Jeremy Vine was the BBC's political reporter and Kirsty Wark was p
A Week Of Prime Minister Andy Burnham
Today, Prime Minister Andy Burnham has officially opened up the doors to Number 10 North which he has described as the ‘best day of my life’. Adam is joined by Lucy Fisher - Whitehall editor at the Financial Times and Patrick Maguire Chief Political Commentator at the Times, and they discuss how No 10 North is shaping up and whether it will be more than just a gimmick. Plus, they look back at And
Andy Burnham Pauses Prison Early Release Plan
Today, Prime Minister Andy Burnham announced ‘no prisoners will be let out’ under early release scheme until he has conducted an ‘urgent review’. The announcement comes after the widow of PC Andrew Harper described the possible early release of prisoners as ‘deplorable’, following reports that two of his killers could be freed early. Adam is joined by Dominic Casciani, home and legal correspondent
Is Andy Burnham Rewarding Starmer’s Challengers?
Today, Andy Burnham has announced the return of the £2 bus fare cap in most of England - taking effect from January 2027. Bus fares had initially been capped at £2 in 2023 by the Conservatives, and was later increased to £3 by Keir Starmer. Andy Burnham has reversed the Starmer policy, but how will it be funded?And, Scottish Labour leader Anas Sarwar, one of the first and most senior Labour politi
Andy Burnham's (Un)Funded Tax Cut
Today, on the first full day of his premiership Prime Minister Andy Burnham has laid out plans for scrapping VAT on household electricity bills and has claimed he wants a ‘cost of living government’. Burnham said he would scrap VAT on household electricity bills in October, saving a typical household about £45 a year. This will be paid for by scrapping Keir Starmer's digital ID scheme, No 10 says,
Recommended
CAA on General Aviation
Pod Save The King
Pride and Prejudice (version 6, dramatic reading)
InsideAIR
English Made Simple
The CTO Lens
RHISE: Real History in Simple English (B2-C1, British)
Swingers
RHISE: Real History in Simple English (A2-B1, British)
Drama of the Week
Brazier
The Neurodivergent Lens
