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
7 snips
Nov 4, 2025 • 34min
Rachel Reeves Soft Launches Tax Rises
Dharshini David, Deputy Economics Editor and economist, joins the conversation to unpack Rachel Reeves' recent speech signaling potential tax rises. They explore the implications of her refusal to rule out income tax hikes and how this moves away from Labour's manifesto pledge. The discussion reveals the delicate balance of communicating fiscal complexity to the public while addressing rising debt and productivity challenges. David argues whether tax increases can align with growth goals, providing fascinating insights into the current economic landscape.
Nov 3, 2025 • 46min
The Kemi Badenoch Interview
Kemi Badenoch, the Leader of the Conservative Party, reflects on her first year in charge and the challenges ahead. She discusses reassessing party policies post-defeat and the importance of a focused messaging strategy for voters. Badenoch shares insights on her revamped approach to Prime Minister's Questions, emphasizing clarity over complexity. She also addresses the party's financial pressures and her commitment to leading through the upcoming elections. Additionally, she examines social issues like knife crime while advocating for reforms in public services.
13 snips
Nov 2, 2025 • 30min
What We Know So Far About The Doncaster-London Train Attack
A stabbing incident on a Doncaster-London train raises concerns, but police find no link to terrorism. Eyewitness accounts reveal the chaos and bravery of passengers during the attack. The discussion shifts to the political ramifications of royal titles, as Defence Secretary John Healey hints at changes for Prince Andrew. Questions arise about transparency in police disclosures amidst online speculation. Finally, potential leadership challenges within the Labour Party are explored as they navigate upcoming elections.
9 snips
Nov 1, 2025 • 24min
Has the Andrew Saga Changed the Relationship Between Parliament and the Palace?
The saga of Prince Andrew's title change to Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor might signal a shift in palace-politics dynamics. As MPs begin to challenge royal conventions, pressure mounts for Andrew to answer allegations linked to Jeffrey Epstein. Discussion centers on the mounting demands for transparency around royal finances and the potential for greater accountability from the monarchy. With Congressional calls for Andrew's testimony amplifying the urgency, the implications for future palace-parliament relations are worth watching.
8 snips
Oct 31, 2025 • 30min
The Week: The King v Andrew And Possible Tax Rises
Ben Chu, a journalist with BBC Verify and a tax policy expert, teams up with Matthew Doyle, a former Downing Street communications director. They delve into the intriguing decision of King Charles to strip Prince Andrew of his titles, scrutinizing its implications for Andrew's return to public life. The conversation shifts to upcoming tax discussions, with insights on the Labour government's potential challenges in honoring their pledges amid rising fiscal scrutiny. The duo debates the political strategies surrounding potential tax rises and their impacts on the public.
11 snips
Oct 30, 2025 • 26min
Andrew Stripped Of "Prince" Title
This discussion features Daniela Relph, Senior BBC Royal Correspondent, and Victoria Derbyshire, a seasoned broadcaster. They delve into Buckingham Palace's shocking decision to strip Prince Andrew of his title. Daniela reveals the intense implications for the monarchy, while Victoria shares insights on public sentiment about Andrew's past behaviors. They explore the practicalities of Andrew's new identity as Mountbatten-Windsor and discuss the fallout for his daughters. The conversation touches on historical precedents and what this move means for royal finances.
10 snips
Oct 30, 2025 • 29min
The Rachel Reeves Rental Mini-Saga
Nick Watt, Newsnight correspondent, dives into the political storm surrounding Rachel Reeves' rental property, revealing a licensing oversight and exploring the backlash from rival parties. Laura Bicker, reporting from APEC, provides insights into the dynamic Trump–Xi meeting, discussing agreements on trade essentials like soybeans and rare earths, while Faisal Islam analyzes the economic implications. They debate whether the outcomes signify a truce or merely a temporary pause in tensions—a pivotal moment for global relations and its implications for the UK.
23 snips
Oct 29, 2025 • 33min
The Art of the Trump-Xi Trade Deal
Laura Bicker, a China correspondent reporting from South Korea, breaks down the critical issues surrounding the Trump-Xi meeting, including TikTok negotiations and the significance of soybeans in trade discussions. Anthony Zurcher, a US correspondent, dives into the political implications of tariffs and fentanyl in negotiations. Also featured is Justin Rowlatt, the BBC climate change editor, who discusses the relationship between Hurricane Melissa and climate change, emphasizing the increasing unpredictability of weather events and the urgent need for global adaptation ahead of COP.
9 snips
Oct 28, 2025 • 34min
(Another) Plan to Close Migrant Hotels
Lyse Doucet, BBC Chief International Correspondent, and Kholood Khair, Sudanese political analyst, provide gripping insights into the escalating crisis in Sudan. They discuss the alarming rise in civilian casualties due to renewed conflict and the RSF's dangerous territorial ambitions. Kholood warns of mass killings and highlights the humanitarian crisis affecting millions. Doucet analyzes regional powers' interests and the failures of mediation efforts. Together, they shine a light on grassroots resilience amid chaos, showcasing both despair and hope.
8 snips
Oct 27, 2025 • 37min
How Was The Migrant Sex Offender Mistakenly Released?
Charlie Taylor, His Majesty's Chief Inspector of Prisons, offers critical insights into the recent case of a mistakenly released migrant sex offender. He explores the alarming rise in release errors, highlighting a fivefold increase over several years. Delving into the complexities of sentence calculations, Taylor points out the outdated systems and staffing issues that contribute to these mistakes. He emphasizes the need for better technology and processes while cautioning against over-bureaucratization that could strain an already fragile system.
