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
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 and political reporter and Kirsty Wark was present
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,
Andy Burnham Appoints His New Cabinet
Today, in this extra helping of Newscast, we look at Andy Burnham’s cabinet - who's been called up and who's been sacked - as he assembles his team on his first day as prime minister.Amongst the announcements, Adam and Chris discuss the surprise appointment of John Healey as chancellor – as well as Shabana Mahmood keeping her role at the Home Office and Ed Miliband moving to foreign secretary. You
Andy Burnham Becomes Prime Minister
Today, Andy Burnham has officially become Prime Minister, after meeting with King Charles this morning. In a speech outside Downing Street, Andy Burnham pledged to end rough sleeping and offer cost of living support as well as a new political and economic model. He promised to soon set out a ten year plan for the country and said politicians needed to be better. Adam is in Downing Street with Chri
What No 10 Will Really Be Like For Andy Burnham
Today we look at what Number 10 has in store for Andy Burnham ahead of his first day as prime minister with two insiders who’ve been there with former prime ministers.Lord Stewart Wood was an advisor to Gordon Brown and Lucia Hodgson was Boris Johnson’s deputy dire of communications.They explain what the first day is like, what they expect from the new PM, and the unexpected quirks of the job.We a
How Is Andy Burnham Preparing For Government?
Today we look at how Andy Burnham is preparing for government on the weekend before he’s due to move into Number 10.He’s still to make decisions around his cabinet public, but we reveal how he’s actually keeping a lot of Starmer’s staff.Laura, Paddy and Hennry Zeffman discuss his plans for oil and gas after the BBC is told he’s planning to announce new drilling off the coast of Scotland and ask, d
Who is Andy Burnham?
Today, Andy Burnham is set to become Prime Minister - but who is he? And, how did he get here?Adam and Chris are joined by special correspondent Judith Moritz and Burnham’s close friend Steve Rotheram, Liverpool City Region Mayor, to look back at his life and career.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 mos
Andrew Marr on Burnham's Plan For Number 10
Today, Adam is joined by legendary broadcaster Andrew Marr, who is one of the very few people to have interviewed Andy Burnham before he goes into number 10.As Burnham prepares to take the reins of government, some things remain unclear about what he will do when he gets there. Who will be in his cabinet? And how will he tackle the economic challenges that faced Keir Starmer’s premiership? You can
Keir Starmer Says Goodbye
Today, Keir Starmer delivered his final performance at Prime Ministers’ Questions before his time as PM officially draws to a close on Monday. Adam, Alex and Chris unpack what his last exchanges with MPs tells us about the end of his premiership. Plus, the team look ahead to the handover of power and what we know, and what we don’t, about Andy Burnham’s plans for his new top team. You can now list
The £10 Billion Wasted On Covid PPE
Today, the Covid inquiry has found that the lives of NHS staff and patients were put at risk in the pandemic because of a lack of adequate PPE. The inquiry’s chair, Baroness Hallett described “vast” waste, with almost £10 billion of taxpayers money wasted in the scramble to buy more. Health reporter and Coronavirus Newscast alumnus, Jim Reed joins Adam to look at how things went so wrong.Plus, Pre
Counter Terrorism Police Investigating Ann Widdecombe Death
Today, counter terrorism police are now leading the investigation into Ann Widdecombe’s death. A 28-year-old man who was arrested on suspicion of murder has been re-arrested on suspicion of commission, preparation or instigation of acts of terrorism.The investigation was previously being handled by Devon and Cornwall police who had previously said there was "nothing to suggest" the murder was poli
Does Andy Burnham Have A New Plan For Tax?
Today, after speaking to Rachel Reeves in what’s likely to be her final interview as chancellor, Laura speaks to Paddy about what we might get from the new administration.Andy Burnham has talked about “room within [the Labour] manifesto for movement on tax."What does that mean in practice?We’ve got some clues from Labour insiders.You can now listen to Newscast on a smart speaker. If you want to li
The Rachel Reeves Interview (Her Last As Chancellor?)
Rachel Reeves has given Laura what is likely to be her last interview as chancellor.She looks back on two years in her dream job, reflects on what she feels she got right, and is pushed on what she got wrong.This is the full interview as a bonus in your Newscast feed. A regular episode with Laura and Paddy is on the way later.
The Ann Widdecombe Murder Investigation
Today, Laura and Paddy look at what we know and don’t know about the murder of Ann Widdecombe.
A murder investigation was launched after the Reform politician was found on Thursday.
We also hear tributes and reaction to her death.
And, Laura’s been talking to Rachel Reeves in what could be her last interview as chancellor.
We discuss whether it was a pitch to keep her job, o
What’s Andy Burnham’s Plan To Move Power Out Of London?
Today, Adam and Alex take a deep dive into Andy Burnham’s plan to move power out of Westminster and Whitehall and distribute it across the UK. There has been little detail announced about Burnham’s plans to rewire the state but it’s clear that it’s top of his to do list.Adam and Alex are joined by Ant Breach, director of policy and research at the Centre for Cities to explore what devolution in En
Andy Burnham (Almost) Wins
Today, Andy Burnham's Labour leadership bid has been backed by 322 Labour MPs.If no one else enters the contest, as expected, Burnham will be declared Labour leader next week before taking office as prime minister on 20 July. Burnham is currently just one short of securing 323 nominations, which is when it is mathematically impossible for a rival to reach the 81-MP threshold needed to run against
Has The US-Iran War Restarted?
Today, the US and Iran have been exchanging strikes after hostiles were renewed in the Strait of Hormuz overnight. Over 80 sites in Iran were targeted by the US, prompting the Islamic Revolutionary Guard to target US military sites in Bahrain and Kuwait.Donald Trump, speaking at the NATO summit in Türkiye, says he thinks the US-Iran ceasefire is ‘over’, and threatened to hit Iran 'hard again tonig
Nigel Farage Resigns As MP
Today Nigel Farage resigns as an MP, triggering a by-election in Clacton which he says he plans to stand in. He is currently facing an ongoing parliamentary standards investigation into whether he should have declared a £5 million gift he received from the cryptocurrency billionaire Christopher Harborne.Making the announcement in a statement streamed online, Farage said that he had done “nothing w
Is Trump Interfering In The World Cup?
Today, did President Trump step in to make sure the USA’s star striker could play in tonight’s world cup game?Folarin Balogun, was sent off in the last game and should have served a suspension for the last-16 match against Belgium. But World Cup organisers Fifa, opted not to enforce an immediate sanction on the 25-year-old, meaning the co-hosts' leading goalscorer will be available to play. The BB
Who Is The Fraudster Who Paid For Farage’s Security?
Today we look at a story from the Sunday Times that details benefits that Nigel Farage received from a convicted fraudster George Cottrell, including staff, security and housing.Reform says its party leader has broken no rules by failing to declare the support given to him before he became an MP.The journalist who led the team behind the story and host of the podcast, Posh George: the criminal beh
The Keir Starmer Resignation Interview: Analysis
Henry is in to talk about his interview with the outgoing prime minister Sir Keir Starmer.What was it like in the room, what was he really saying to Andy Burnham, and has he come to terms with losing his job?The three of them discuss all that and let you in behind the scenes on the first interview Starmer has done since the announcement that’s he will resign.You can now listen to Newscast on a sma
The Keir Starmer Resignation Interview
Keir Starmer has given his first interview since stepping down to Henry Zeffman.In it, he speaks about the "intensely personal decision” which was taken “ultimately” when he went to Chequers with his wife and children.
Here's the full interview. We're recording the normal Saturday episode with Laura, Paddy and Henry and that will be in the feed as normal later today.
The Story Of Andy Burnham's Return To Westminster - Live At Crossed Wires Festival
Andy Burnham has gone from metro mayor to prime minister-in-waiting.When did he decide to make the move against Starmer, and how’s he done it?Chris Mason and Faisal Islam are in Sheffield for the Crossed Wires podcast festival for a special episode in which they track the journey from London to Manchester and back again.You can now listen to Newscast on a smart speaker. If you want to listen, just
Teen Rapists Face Custody After Appeal Overturns "Lenient" Sentence
Today, two teenage boys who raped girls in Hampshire have been given four years' detention after the Court of Appeal changed their sentences. A third boy’s youth rehabilitation order was left unchanged.UK correspondent, Daniel Sandford was at the court and explains the reasoning behind the judges’ decision.Plus, Morgan McSweeney, the elusive former chief of staff to Sir Keir Starmer has given his
How Did Donald Trump Make $1.4 Billion From Crypto?
Today we look at how President Trump made more than $1 billion from cryptocurrency in his first year back in office.The President’s mandatory financial report revealed that he also earned millions from real estate and Trump-themed items. But the White House denies that he is profiting from the presidency. Alex and James are joined by chief North America correspondent, Gary O’Donoghue.Plus, we look
What Does It Cost To Keep The UK Safe?
Today, Keir Starmer has unveiled the long awaited defence investment plan which promises an extra £15 billion to help equip the armed forces for the future. Despite being one of the difficult issues which ultimately helped bring about his resignation, the prime minister seems to hope the plan will form a part of his legacy.But what will it fund and where has the money come from? Alex, James, Chris
What's Andy Burnham's Plan For Number 10 (North)?
Today, Andy Burnham has set out his vision for the country should he become Prime Minister, including plans like setting up a ‘No10 North’ in Manchester.He said he wants to ‘take power out of the centre’ by transferring some powers from Westminster to the regions, and by extending devolution in Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland. He also promised to deliver the biggest programme of council house
The Starmer-Burnham Defence Handover
Today the focus is on new details expected in the long overdue Defence Investment Plan, set to be announced next week.Victoria Derbyshire is in for Laura again. She, Paddy and Henry Zeffman discuss a move toward new kit like drones, and away from battleships.They also look at how much Andy Burnham may have been involved in the plans, and whether he’s prepared on defence.And, last week we discussed
What's Andy Burnham's Economic Plan?
Today we look at what Andy Burnham’s plan for the UK economy is. We reveal what he’s expected to say in a speech on the economy on Monday, who the people advising him on it are, and who he might make chancellor.Victoria Derbyshire is in for Laura. She and Paddy are joined by economics editor Faisal Islam, who’s been looking at what a Burnham Treasury might look like.You can now listen to Newscast
The King (Sort Of) Reveals His Finances
Today, King Charles has become the first monarch ever to reveal their tax bill: £12.9 million. The King has broken royal precedent by publishing some of his finances, revealing that he is in the top 100 of UK taxpayers. But we still don’t know much about his income, or how this tax bill was calculated. The accounts also show that the main source of annual public funding for the Royals will nearly
Why Is This Heatwave So Much Worse?
Today is the hottest June day on record in the UK. A temperature of 36.4C has been recorded in Somerset. This beats the previous record, set just yesterday. A red weather warning for extreme heat has been extended into Friday for parts of the country, and at least six NHS trusts in England have declared critical incidents. Adam is joined by the BBC’s Climate Editor, Justin Rowlatt, and Professor E
What The UK's Biggest Maternity Review Tells Us About Maternity Care
Today, the largest review of it's kind in NHS history has found major failings in maternity care at a hospital trust in Nottingham. The report found that hundreds of babies and mothers died or were harmed due to the “deep-rooted, systemic failures”.Leaders at the Nottingham University Hospitals NHS Trust have apologised, and the Health Secretary says the government will respond by taking “immediat
Will Anyone Challenge Burnham For PM?
Today, Andy Burnham is the front-runner to be the next prime minister - so what happens now? New MP for Makerfield Andy Burnham is currently expected to be the only candidate in the race to replace outgoing Prime Minister Keir Starmer. Will he run unopposed?Former Defence Minister Al Carns and Chief Secretary to the Prime Minister Darren Jones are both considering leadership bids, but it is unclea
Keir Starmer Resigns as Prime Minister
Today, Keir Starmer has resigned as Prime Minister. Speaking outside number 10 on Monday morning the Prime Minister said he accepted that his party does not believe he is best placed to lead the country at the next general election. In an emotional speech he also thanked his wife and said he wanted to be the "best dad I can to my beautiful children".Meanwhile, Andy Burnham has arrived in Westminst
Why Keir Starmer’s Resignation Looks More Likely Than Ever
Today, we look at strong indications the prime minister may be on the verge of resigning.Cabinet Secretary Peter Kyle’s message this morning was that he is reflecting on the "political realities". It’s a departure from the not ‘he’ll fight on’ message of 2026 up to now.Henry Zeffman joins Laura and Paddy in the studio to look at the possible timetable of a resignation and the appointment of a repl
Fight or Go? Keir Starmer Considers His Next Move
Insiders have told Laura that the Foreign Secretary Yvette Cooper has joined a list of people who’ve told Keir Starmer to set out a timetable for his departure. He's at Chequers - the PM’s retreat - considering his next move as talk of fighting a leadership challenge quietens. Laura and Paddy unpack the shift in mood, and question whether Andy Burnham can appeal to voters outside the North West. Y
Andy Burnham Wins In Makerfield, So What Happens Now?
Today, Labour’s Andy Burnham wins the Makerfield by election - so how could we see a challenge to Keir Starmer as Labour Party leader?Burnham won almost 25,000 votes, beating Reform UK's Robert Kenyon by more than 9,000 votes. In his victory speech Andy Burnham said "Everyone knows that politics isn't working, and has previously said he would seek to enter any Labour leadership contest. So what ha
Who Won The US-Iran Deal?
Today, the US and Iran have an agreement which extends the ceasefire between the two countries, and is now signed by US President Trump and Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian.
Chief International Correspondent Lyse Doucet talks us through what the deal includes, what it means for the strait of Hormuz and oil prices, and where the sticking points may be. Chief North America Correspondent Gary O’
Starmer’s Warning To Andy Burnham
Today, Keir Starmer returns home from the G7 with a warning to Andy Burnham not to rush into triggering a leadership contest if he wins in Makerfield tomorrow.In an interview with Chris, the Prime Minister said that a leadership contest would be bad for the country but reaffirmed his intention to fight any challenges to his leadership.Tomorrow’s by-election in Makerfield still stands in the way of
How Will The Social Media Ban Change Children’s Lives?
Today, what difference will banning social media make to children’s lives?Speaking the day after the announcement of a ban on social media for under-16s the education secretary speaks to Adam in the Newscast studio. They discuss; if children need to be bored more whether it’s OK for parents to watch youtube with their children and whether the school day should be longer? You can now listen to News
Social Media Ban For Under-16s
Today, the prime minister has announced under-16s will be banned from social media. Speaking at Downing Street Keir Starmer announced if passed in parliament the ban will come into force by spring 2027. Snapchat, TikTok, YouTube, Instagram, Facebook and X are among the platforms affected - but not WhatsApp or Signal. So will the ban achieve what the government says it will? Adam and Henry are join
Royal Marines Take Control Of Russian Shadow Fleet Tanker
Royal Marine Commandos have boarded a Russian shadow fleet oil tanker in the English Channel in the early hours of Sunday morning.Marines, joined by National Crime Agency officers, with the support of the RAF, intercepted and boarded the vessel in a six-hour operation - the first operation of its kind by UK armed forces.The vessel, Smyrtos, will be held and monitored off the south coast of England
By-Electioncast: Could Restore Britain Help Andy Burnham Win?
Paddy is back from holiday and he’s also back from Ashton-in-Makerfield.He joins Laura to discuss a new poll that suggests Rupert Lowe’s Restore Britain could steal enough votes from Reform UK to hand Andy Burnham a win.Luke Tryl from More In Common - the pollsters behind the research - also joins with Joe Pike who’s sat in on a focus group they ran.A full list of candidates and loads more informa
The Keir Starmer Interview: The Analysis
Today, Adam and Chris discuss Chris’ interview with the prime minister, Sir Keir Starmer. The Prime Minister sat down for an extended conversation with Chris following the resignation of his defence secretary John Healey yesterday over disagreements about the government’s new Defence Investment Plan.It’s the latest blow to the Prime Minister following several high profile cabinet resignations last
The Keir Starmer Interview
Today, Chris speaks to Sir Keir Starmer, the prime minister, about the resignation of his defence secretary John Healey, his plans for the Defence Investment Plan, and whether or not he’ll fight a potential leadership election.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 Ne
Why Has Defence Secretary John Healey Resigned?
Today, the UK Defence Secretary John Healey has resigned.In his resignation letter to the PM, Healey set out his reasons for leaving, telling the PM the defence investment plan "falls well short of what is required for defence and the country at this dangerous time”. The sixth minister to resign for Starmer’s cabinet in a month, and one of its most loyal, the question will now turn to what lies ah
Who’s Causing The Violence In Belfast?
Today, extra police are brought into Belfast and public transport is closing early, after a night of violence.The violence erupted after a knife attack in the city on Monday. The suspect has appeared in court charged with attempted murder, threatening to kill an NHS radiographer, and possession of a knife. Hadi Alodid, 30, was remanded in custody for four weeks and is due to re-appear in court via
What We Know About The Belfast Knife Attack So Far
Today, a Sudanese man in his 30s is being held on suspicion of attempted murder after a knife attack in North Belfast.Footage of the attack has been widely shared on social media. Politicians in Westminster and Stormont have appealed for calm while the police carry out their investigation, while some have called for faster transparency and information about the identity and immigration status of t
Jess Phillips On The Explicit Image Ban For Children
Today we hear from Labour MP Jess Phillips, who resigned from government in part over what she saw as its failure to act quicker on kids‘ online safety.One of the measures she was pushing for at the time was announced today. Sir Keir Starmer has told firms to either activate built-in features or update software to prevent children from taking, sending or viewing sexually explicit images on their p
David Lammy Tells JD Vance He's Wrong Over Immigration Comments
Deputy Prime Minister David Lammy has told the US Vice President JD Vance "he was wrong" to say mass migration was to blame for Henry Nowak's murder in a phone call.On this episode of Newscast, Laura, Henry and Joe discuss the relationship between the two of them, why that American politicians are talking so much about the UK and Europe.We also look at what’s taking the government so long to publi
Will Henry Nowak’s Murder Change Policing?
The murder of Henry Nowak has sparked another debate about so-called ‘two-tier policing’, in which people are treated differently by police based on their ethnicity.We look at whether it actually exists, what police guidance says, and whether the case might lead to changes in how police deal with reports of crime.Laura is joined by former BBC legal and home affairs correspondent and Labour home af
The Most Expensive World Cup Ever? (With Football Daily, Part 3)
We’ve got together with Americast and Football Daily for three special episodes on what could be the most political World Cup ever.How much will Donald Trump make it about him? Will the US-Iran war affect the tournament? And why are tickets so expensive?We tell you everything you need to know about what’s going on off the pitch.Anthony Zurcher and Marianna Spring join from Americast, and 5 Live fo
Will War Overshadow the World Cup? (With Football Daily, Part 2)
We’ve got together with Americast/Newscast and Football Daily for three special episodes on what could be the most political World Cup ever.How much will Donald Trump make it about him? Will the US-Iran war affect the tournament? And why are tickets so expensive?We tell you everything you need to know about what’s going on off the pitch.Anthony Zurcher and Marianna Spring join from Americast, and
Will This Be The Donald Trump World Cup? (With Football Daily, Part 1)
We’ve got together with Americast/Newscast and Football Daily for three special episodes on what could be the most political World Cup ever.How much will Donald Trump make it about him? Will the US-Iran war affect the tournament? And why are tickets so expensive?We tell you everything you need to know about what’s going on off the pitch.Anthony Zurcher and Marianna Spring join from Americast, and
Andy Burnham Says He Would Enter Labour Leadership Contest
Today, the first televised debate from the Makerfield by-election has taken place in a special edition of Question Time.Adam and Chris reunite after Question Time to discuss all the biggest moments, including Andy Burnham’s clearest confirmation yet that he will stand in a Labour leadership election - but will he trigger one? Plus, Alex and Faisal wrap up the biggest news stories of the week, incl
By-Electioncast: Chris Reports Back From Makerfield
Today, Chris tells Adam what it was like meeting Robert Kenyon, the Reform UK candidate in the Makerfield by-election and how he and Andy Burnham, the Labour candidate have responded to challenges about their track records on different key issues.They discuss the ongoing reaction to some of Robert Kenyon’s previous comments about women and whether Andy Burnham’s campaign message of “Change Labour.
Why Was Henry Nowak Handcuffed By Police As He Lay Dying?
Today, the Prime minister says he “felt sick” as he watched the body cam footage of a student who was handcuffed as he lay dying.The 18-year-old Southampton student Henry Nowak was handcuffed after Vickrum Digwa, 23, lied to police at the scene of the 2025 stabbing, claiming he had been the victim of a racist attack. Shabana Mahmood described the murder as an "an act of pure evil” and described bo
The Peter Mandelson Files (Again)
Today, more than 1000 pages of documents about Peter Mandelson’s appointment as UK ambassador to the US have been published by the government.Adam, Chris and Joe get together to discuss what the files tell us about Peter Mandelson’s vetting process, his relationship with some of the government’s most senior figures and his thoughts on the Prime Minister’s leadership. Some of the files have been re
Nicola Sturgeon Interview: The Analysis
After Laura’s exclusive interview, she’s joined by Henry and Joe to discuss what Nicola Sturgeon had to say about her estranged husband Peter Murrell’s guilty plea to embezzling hundreds of thousands of pounds from the SNP - as well as the political and public reaction to her words.Hear the full length interview on the previous episode of Newscast.You can now listen to Newscast on a smart speaker.
Nicola Sturgeon speaks to the BBC
It's a controversy which has been hanging over the SNP for years - but on Monday former chief executive, Peter Murrell, admitted to embezzling more than £400,000 from the party. On this episode of Newscast, former first minister Nicola Sturgeon sits down with Laura for her first interview since her estranged husband pleaded guilty. Sturgeon, who was earlier arrested and released without charge, di
Labour's Essay Wars
Today, the week that the words flew - after Tony Blair wrote an essay saying Labour was "playing with fire" over the UK’s future and Starmer hit back in a Substack article. Laura and Joe are joined by James Lyons, the former Director of Communications to Keir Starmer, to discuss his time in Downing Street, the essays and articles published by leading Labour figures this week and what could happen
By-Electioncast: Old Tweets and New Essays
Today, we find out more about Reform’s candidate Robert Kenyon back story and why his old posts on social media are making headlines. Plus, what impact could Restore Britain have on the Reform UK vote and how Andy Burnham has outgrown Mayor of Greater Manchester. Adam is joined by Annabel Tiffin, political editor for BBC Northwest, Lara Spirit, the Deputy Political Editor for The Sunday Times, and
Why Can’t Young People Get Jobs?
Today, in his long awaited report, former minister Alan Milburn has said job and career opportunities for young people are ‘not growing, they’re shrinking’, with one in six set to be out of work, education or training in five years unless action is taken.He concluded that the education, health and welfare systems are no longer fit for purpose in preparing young people for adult life - with the ris
Tony Blair vs Labour?
Today, Sir Tony Blair has spoken to the Today programme about an almost 6,000 word essay in which he criticises the Labour government for focusing on politics rather than policy. Adam, Alex and Faisal discuss the arguments made by the former Prime Minister, plus how two would-be leadership contenders Wes Streeting and Andy Burnham (who still needs to fight and win a by-election if he wants to chal
Why Did Teenage Rapists Avoid Custody?
Today, the family of a teenage rape victim whose attackers were spared jail have told the BBC they hope the "correct outcome will prevail" -- after it was announced the sentences would be referred to the Court of Appeal.There was widespread criticism after three boys were handed youth rehabilitation orders in connection with the rape of two teenage girls in Hampshire. Sentencing guidelines state t
The Peter Murrell Embezzlement Controversy (Live At Hay Festival)
The former SNP chief executive has admitted embezzling more than £400,000 from the party between August 2010 and October 2022, using the money to buy jewellery, cosmetics and a motorhome. Adam Fleming and Alex Forsyth chat it all through with Patrick Maguire from The Times, in front of an audience at Hay Festival. You can now listen to Newscast on a smart speaker. If you want to listen, just say "
The Louise Casey Interview (Live at Hay Festival)
Today, Baroness Casey tells Newscast that the judge in the case of two boys who were spared jail after being found guilty of rape was "wrong". The boys were not given custodial sentences following their convictions for raping two girls in separate attacks in 2025 and 2024.Speaking to Adam and Alex at the Hay Festival, Louise Casey also discusses her career at the helm of some the UK’s biggest inqu
Could A Brexit Reset Mean A New Single Market? (Live At Hay Festival)
Today, Newscast is looking reports that the UK proposed establishing a single market for goods trade with the EU as part of the next phase of its Brexit reset. Plus, two weeks on from the results, what have the elections meant for Wales?Adam is joined by Zanny Minton Beddoes, editor of the Economist and Felicity Evans, host of Walescast live at the Hay book festival. Plus Emma Freud, host of The A
By-Electioncast: Everything You Need To Know About Makerfield
Today, the Makerfield by-election has been confirmed for June 18th 2026, and this is the first episode in a new mini-series following the contest as it gets underway. Adam is joined by Luke Tryl, director of More in Common UK, and Kevin Fitzpatrick, political reporter for BBC Radio Manchester, to delve deeper into Makerfield, and to look at how the race is shaping up with the candidates who have b
The Rachel Reeves "Fun" Tax Cuts
Today, the chancellor Rachel Reeves has announced a series of measures aimed at reducing the costs for families in the summer holidays. Ticket prices for families at various attractions such as theme parks, zoos and museums will be cheaper during the summer holidays through a cut to VAT, the chancellor has said. The government didn’t however announce any major package of support aimed at energy co
Has The UK Softened Russia Oil Sanctions?
Today, the government announced a watering down of Russian oil sanctions as fuel prices rise from Iran war. Adam is joined by Chris and Faisal to discuss that, as well as the cut in fuel duty and Wes Streeting’s resignation speech in the House of Commons.And Emma Pinchbeck, CEO of the Climate Change Committee, speaks to Adam about a new report on climate adaptation in the UK. You can now listen to
The £100Bn HS2 Debacle
Today, its been revealed HS2 could cost up to £102.7bn and trains will be slower than first planned. It has been revealed trains will not start running until between 2036 and 2039, up to six years later than the most recent official target of 2033. As of March 2026, £44.2bn has already been spent on the programme. Adam and Faisal discuss how we have got to this point. And, the Metropolitan Police
Why Brexit Is Awkward For Andy Burnham
Today, we look at why the subject of Brexit is awkward for Andy Burnham, the Greater Manchester Mayor who wants to be the Makerfield MP.He was doing a speech today in which he clarified his position on the issue.And Keir Starmer’s been out in front of the camera today with the same message - I’m not going anywhere.Adam and Chris are joined by political correspondent Alex Forsyth, and diplomatic co
Does Labour’s Leadership Race Mean A Battle Over Brexit?
In a speech at which he confirmed he would run to become Labour leader, Wes Streeting has said that he would ‘one day’ like the UK to rejoin the EU.Greater Manchester Mayor, who also wants to run, Andy Burnham has said similar things in the past, he’d first have to win a by-election in Makerfield - an area that voted to leave.So, are Labour going to go to war over the issue again? Does it put Burn
Q+A: Burnham Says He'd Save Labour, But Can He Win Makerfield?
Today we look at two Labour leadership hopefuls setting out their visions for the UK ahead of a Labour leadership contest that hasn’t even begun.Greater Manchester Mayor Andy Burnham told the BBC he’d 'save' Labour, and Wes Streeting has confirmed that he would run in the event of a formal challenge to Keir Starmer.Before Burnham can run for leader, and therefore PM, he’s got to win the Makerfield
The Week: How Did Labour Get Here And Where Do They Go Now?
Today, we’re looking back on a week of Keir Starmer fighting for his job as Prime Minister and leader of the Labour party.Will Andy Burnham win his Westminster seat? What’s going on behind the scenes in Number 10? And who are the other Labour hopefuls eyeing a place in an eventual leadership race?Adam is joined by Ailbhe Rea, Political Editor at the New Statesmen, and Sienna Rodgers, Deputy Politi
Andy Burnham Makes His Move
Today, pressure is mounting on the PM as Wes Streeting resigned from his role as health secretary, and Josh Simons announced he would stand aside for Andy Burnham to have his seat.There are still some steps ahead before that happens. The National Executive Committee must select him as the candidate, and he would need to go ahead and win. Nonetheless, the party is in chaos and Starmer is facing the
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