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
8 snips
Mar 17, 2026 • 37min
Starmer Turns His Attention To Ukraine (Or Tries To)
Faisal Islam, BBC economics editor known for analysing fiscal policy and economic speeches, joins the conversation. He recounts a quantum computing visit and Rachel Reeves' push for AI and quantum investment. He outlines plans to devolve tax revenue, cultivate AI hubs, and argue for closer EU alignment in strategic sectors. Short, punchy takes on politics, technology and economic strategy.
Mar 16, 2026 • 41min
Can Starmer Keep Saying No To Trump?
Shashank Joshi, Defence editor at The Economist, gives concise military analysis on mine-clearing and naval limits. Jane Corbin, documentary filmmaker and investigative reporter, offers on-the-ground context about UK–US rifts and Middle East tensions. They discuss Trump pressing allies over the Strait of Hormuz, Starmer’s refusal to be drawn in, NATO’s practical limits, and the real risks to shipping and naval escorts.
14 snips
Mar 15, 2026 • 31min
Will Starmer Help Trump In The War?
They discuss Trump's call for allies to secure the Strait of Hormuz and what that means for global oil flows. They contrast his current stance with past comments about carriers and probe his unclear objectives. Conversation turns to UK political calculations, Ed Miliband's cautious energy role, and how supply shocks shape support plans for household heating.
18 snips
Mar 14, 2026 • 34min
Will Putin Benefit From The Iran War?
Steve Rosenberg, BBC Moscow correspondent covering Russian politics, gives a take on how eased oil sanctions affect Russia and its politics. Frank Gardner, BBC security correspondent reporting from Riyadh, describes attacks on Gulf oil infrastructure and regional security fallout. They discuss oil market moves, Iran’s widening targets, and how these shifts play into wider geopolitical calculations.
31 snips
Mar 13, 2026 • 29min
The Week: Jeremy Bowen On The Iran War
Jeremy Bowen, BBC international editor and veteran Middle East correspondent. He reflects on lessons from the Gulf Wars and how past decisions shaped today’s Iran conflict. They discuss regional proxy networks, threats to shipping and global supply lines. The conversation also covers asymmetric attacks on Gulf infrastructure and the political and economic ripple effects worldwide.
6 snips
Mar 12, 2026 • 42min
Iran’s New Supreme Leader (Sort Of) Speaks Out
James Landale, BBC diplomatic correspondent in Kyiv, links Gulf tensions to the Ukraine war. Baran Abbasi, BBC Persian reporter, brings on-the-ground views of Iranian public mood. Jane Corbin, investigative filmmaker, analyses political manoeuvres and IRGC strategy. They unpack the mysterious televised statement, threats to the Strait of Hormuz, regional proxy networks and how wider conflict reshapes geopolitics.
13 snips
Mar 11, 2026 • 35min
Everything We Know (And Don't Know) About The Mandelson Files
Simon Jack, business and economics journalist, explains the IEA’s coordinated 400 million barrel oil release and what it means for markets. Short takes cover how strategic reserves enter the market, immediate price moves around $90 a barrel, refining and logistical limits, and policy options from fuel duty to windfall tax reform.
24 snips
Mar 10, 2026 • 34min
Will War In Iran Really End "Very Soon"?
Michelle Wiese Bockmann, a maritime intelligence analyst at Windward, explains why the Strait of Hormuz is vital for global oil and shipping. Caitríona Perry, BBC chief anchor in Washington, decodes US political messaging and shifting rhetoric. They discuss risks to shipping, insurance and rerouting, and how statements from US leaders shape perceptions of the conflict’s trajectory.
13 snips
Mar 9, 2026 • 41min
What’s The Economic Cost Of The War In Iran?
Siavash Ardalan, BBC World/Persian reporter with deep knowledge of Iranian politics; Katya Adler, BBC Europe editor offering geopolitical perspective; Dharshini David, deputy economics editor on global markets. They discuss the oil price surge past $100, how that pressures inflation and households, Europe's political and strategic dilemmas, and the implications of Mojtaba Khamenei’s rise for stability and markets.
20 snips
Mar 8, 2026 • 34min
How The Iraq War's Legacy Shaped The UK's Iran Response
Henry Zeffman, political correspondent and BBC analyst, offers compact political analysis. He discusses Trump’s public criticism of the UK and Keir Starmer’s tightrope between US support and domestic caution. The conversation focuses on how the Iraq war’s legacy shapes legal, strategic and public trust questions around UK involvement. Tensions over use of bases, party divisions and national interest are highlighted.
