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
16 snips
Jun 27, 2025 • 36min
The Week: A Welfare U-Turn, Nato Summit, and Daddy Issues
This week, the government made surprising concessions on welfare reforms, signaling a shift in the political landscape. Discussion turned to the latest Nato summit, with amusing revelations about Donald Trump's 'daddy' status. The internal conflict within the Labour Party regarding disability benefits was dissected, revealing tensions among MPs. The complexities of governance were highlighted, especially the balancing act between national defense and social services. Listeners can expect new segments diving into global conflicts and political dynamics.
12 snips
Jun 26, 2025 • 40min
Can Keir Starmer Stop A Labour Rebellion?
Join Luke Sullivan, former political director for Keir Starmer, and Sarah Vine, columnist and author, as they delve into the internal tensions within the Labour Party. Luke shares insights on Starmer's leadership strategy amidst upheaval, while Sarah reveals how Brexit impacted her marriage to Michael Gove, offering a candid look at politics' personal toll. They also explore the emotional strains of public scrutiny and the intricate ties between politics and personal relationships, shedding light on the complex dynamics that shape political life.
41 snips
Jun 25, 2025 • 38min
Diplomacy, Defence and.... Daddy?
Join BBC diplomatic correspondent James Landale, former UK Ambassador to the US Lord Kim Darroch, and BBC Political Editor Chris Mason as they navigate the absurdities of diplomacy, particularly at NATO's recent summit. They humorously critique the superficiality of political interactions with Donald Trump and delve into the complexities of global defense strategies amid ongoing conflicts. The conversation even touches on parenting challenges, balancing serious talk with light-hearted anecdotes, making for a compelling blend of geopolitics and personal insights.
8 snips
Jun 24, 2025 • 42min
Trump: They Don't Know What The F*** They're Doing!
Katya Adler, BBC News Europe Editor, offers insights on the dramatic NATO summit where Trump challenges international alliances, focusing on the Israel-Iran conflict. Marianna Spring, BBC’s social media and disinformation correspondent, unveils the tragic tale of Paloma Shemirani, showcasing how conspiracy theories can lead to devastating health decisions. They discuss the rebelling UK political landscape and the general tensions of global diplomacy, emphasizing the urgent need for responsible communication in healthcare.
40 snips
Jun 23, 2025 • 37min
Israel-Iran: Iran Fires Back
John Simpson, BBC World Affairs editor, offers insights on the complex missile strike by Iran on a U.S. base amid rising tensions. Michael Buchanan discusses the political response to maternity care issues in the NHS, calling for urgent reforms. Suzanne White sheds light on systemic failures in maternity services, highlighting distressing personal stories of negligence and the need for accountability. The conversation reveals the interplay between international conflicts and domestic healthcare challenges, making for a thought-provoking discussion.
11 snips
Jun 22, 2025 • 29min
Israel-Iran: US Bombs Iranian Nuclear Sites
Gordon Corera, a security analyst and host of the Rest is Classified podcast, discusses the implications of the recent U.S. bombing of Iranian nuclear sites, elaborating on potential Iranian responses. Gary O’Donoghue, BBC's North America correspondent, offers insight into Donald Trump's rationale behind the strikes and the reactions unfolding in the U.S. They explore the disparities in military capabilities, geopolitical dynamics, and the lasting effects these actions might have on international stability.
21 snips
Jun 21, 2025 • 29min
The RAF Base Break In
Lyse Doucet, BBC's chief international correspondent, joins to unpack a dramatic security breach at RAF Brize Norton, where pro-Palestinian activists vandalized military planes. The response from UK officials raises questions about classifying such activism as terrorism. Doucet dives into the ongoing tensions between Israel and Iran, discussing the complexities of military conflicts and international diplomacy in the region. The conversation is timely, reflecting on geopolitical dynamics and the implications for security and advocacy.
10 snips
Jun 20, 2025 • 30min
Assisted Dying: The Biggest Step So Far
Fergus Walsh, the BBC’s medical editor, provides keen insights into the recent UK Parliament vote favoring assisted dying legislation. He discusses the narrow margin of approval and its implications for terminally ill patients. The conversation delves into evolving perspectives on assisted dying, including concerns about vulnerable individuals and the complexities of coercion in the legislation. Walsh also explores the new regulatory framework and the ethical considerations journalists face when covering such a sensitive topic, offering a profound look at this pivotal moment in UK healthcare.
Jun 19, 2025 • 30min
Israel-Iran: Could The UK Get Involved?
Tensions are boiling between Israel and Iran, with potential U.S. involvement looming. Discussions revolve around the UK's possible military role, exploring legal and historical implications. The economic impact of this conflict, particularly on oil prices, highlights the strategic importance of the Strait of Hormuz. Parliamentary moral dilemmas arise as issues like abortion and assisted dying spark debates. The interplay of politics and personal relationships adds an intriguing layer to the UK's diplomatic balancing act.
12 snips
Jun 18, 2025 • 37min
Israel-Iran: What’s Donald Trump’s Next Move?
Caitriona Perry, Chief Presenter at BBC News, joins Siavash Ardalan, Senior Reporter at BBC Persian Service, and Steven Rosenberg, BBC Russia Editor. They delve into Trump's ambiguous statements about military action in Iran, the escalating tensions with Iran's Supreme Leader, and the repercussions for Russia amidst these conflicts. The experts discuss the complexities of U.S.-Iran relations, public sentiment in Iran, and how Russia is navigating its own interests amid the turmoil, revealing the intricate web of geopolitical alliances.
