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: 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,
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.
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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
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