Newscast
BBC News
The BBC's daily news podcast, Newscast dives into the day's biggest news stories so you're never out of your depth.Newscast picks the brains of BBC News experts so you're ready if someone picks yours, covering the latest news, developments in politics in Westminster and beyond.Newscast is hosted by trusted politics and news journalists including Adam Fleming, BBC Political Editor Chris Mason, Laura Kuenssberg and Paddy O'Connell. 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.Catch Newscast seven-days a week and watch on BBC One at 23:40 on Thursday night or later on BBC iPlayer. GET IN TOUCH:
You can join our Newscast online community here: https://bbc.in/newscastdiscord
Send us a message or voicenote via WhatsApp to 03301239480
Email Newscast@bbc.co.uk
Or use the hashtag #BBCNewscastYou can register for Castfest tickets here: https://www.bbc.co.uk/showsandtours/shows/castfest-2026
You can join our Newscast online community here: https://bbc.in/newscastdiscord
Send us a message or voicenote via WhatsApp to 03301239480
Email Newscast@bbc.co.uk
Or use the hashtag #BBCNewscastYou can register for Castfest tickets here: https://www.bbc.co.uk/showsandtours/shows/castfest-2026
Episodes
Mentioned books
Apr 4, 2026 • 41min
The ‘Not Fit For Purpose’ Department - Part 3
Dominic Casciani, BBC home and legal affairs correspondent who covers the Home Office and immigration, joins to reflect on decades of controversy. Short takes explore why the department centres on control, the challenges of reporting it, Shabana Mahmood’s combative start, debates over settlement and refugee-rule changes, and the recurring “not fit for purpose” verdict.
Apr 4, 2026 • 32min
The ‘Not Fit For Purpose’ Department - Part 2
Amber Rudd, former Conservative Home Secretary, shares personal anecdotes on immigration, policing and departmental operations. Charles Clarke, former Labour Home Secretary, brings long‑standing reflections on leading the same ministry. They compare leadership challenges, crisis duties, immigration pressures, policing relationships and the need for international cooperation in managing borders.
Apr 4, 2026 • 58min
The ‘Not Fit For Purpose’ Department - Part 1
David Normington, long‑serving senior civil servant and former Permanent Secretary, gives institutional context. Danny Shaw, former BBC home affairs correspondent and adviser, brings journalistic and policy perspective. Hannah Guerin, former special advisor to Priti Patel, shares insider operational experience. They probe repeated failures, IT and staffing gaps, small boats and Rwanda, policing relations and whether reform or talent fixes can make the department work.
11 snips
Apr 3, 2026 • 44min
Electioncast: Here We Go Again!
Felicity Evans, Walescast presenter and BBC Wales money editor focused on Welsh politics. James Cook, BBC Scotland editor and analyst of Holyrood and constitutional issues. Joe Pike, BBC senior correspondent covering UK elections and local political strategy. They discuss May’s Senedd, Holyrood and English local contests. Topics include new Welsh voting rules, Scotland’s mixed system, local election types, regional finance and how national narratives shape local races.
12 snips
Apr 2, 2026 • 30min
NASA Returns To The Moon (And Beyond)
Tim Peake, British astronaut with ISS experience, and Dame Maggie Aderin-Pocock, space scientist and communicator, share firsthand reactions to Artemis II. They recount launch sensations, rapid fixes and life aboard Orion. They discuss lunar infrastructure, the Gateway, how the Moon informs Mars plans, and the science value of returning to the lunar surface.
22 snips
Apr 1, 2026 • 33min
Will Trump Really Leave Nato?
Michelle Wiese Bockmann, maritime intelligence analyst on shipping chokepoints and energy flows. Lyse Doucet, international correspondent on diplomacy and NATO dynamics. Henry Zeffman, political correspondent on UK government and elections. They discuss Trump’s NATO rhetoric, risks to shipping through the Strait of Hormuz and Bab al-Mandeb, possible jet fuel shortages, and UK political and economic responses.
10 snips
Mar 31, 2026 • 38min
Can The King Bring Trump Back On Side?
Joe Pike, Westminster political correspondent; Hugh Pym, health editor; Sean Coughlan, royal correspondent; and Asma Khalid, US politics reporter. They discuss King Charles’s confirmed US state visit and the palace’s careful diplomatic signalling. They cover Trump’s provocative comments and how royals might steer clear of hot topics. They also examine the PM’s 48‑hour ultimatum to doctors, training places at risk, and the stakes for NHS strikes and election politics.
20 snips
Mar 30, 2026 • 37min
Scott Mills Sacked By BBC
Katie Razzall, BBC Culture and Media Editor, outlines the BBC’s handling of a sudden presenter removal. Shashank Joshi, defence editor, breaks down Kharg Island’s strategic role and military challenges. James Landale, BBC diplomatic correspondent, explains US-Iran tensions, Trump’s threats and the narrow diplomatic options on the table.
25 snips
Mar 29, 2026 • 26min
How Should the UK Respond to the Global Energy Crisis?
Conversation centers on how the Iran war could push up oil prices and strain UK energy bills. Debate over expanding North Sea drilling versus investing in home-grown renewables. Analysis of different party plans for bill support, taxes and contingency measures. Links to historical oil shocks and potential electoral consequences are explored.
Mar 28, 2026 • 50min
Why Josh Simons Resigned From Government
Josh Simons, a Labour MP and former director of Labour Together who previously worked on responsible AI at Meta, speaks about why he resigned from government. He discusses the controversy over a report into journalists, his decision to hire a PR firm, and accountability for mistakes. He also reflects on his Meta work, concerns about social media harms, and policy steps for protecting young people online.
