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
Feb 25, 2026 • 30min
How Did A Tip-Off From Sir Lindsay Hoyle Lead To Peter Mandelson’s Arrest?
A tangled political story about a tip that led to a high-profile arrest and a police apology. Confusion over identities and timing in the Commons adds to the intrigue. A separate thread explores why student loans have become a heated political issue and what changes could mean for graduates.
26 snips
Feb 24, 2026 • 30min
The David Lammy Interview
David Lammy, Deputy Prime Minister and Justice Secretary leading major criminal justice reforms. He discusses treating reform as a package of funding, tech and jury change. He talks about victim-centred approaches, the stubborn court backlog and why some problems may take years to resolve. He also covers practical fixes like transport and admin improvements and the political pressure to show progress.
34 snips
Feb 23, 2026 • 40min
Peter Mandelson Arrested
Daniel Sandford, BBC home affairs correspondent, outlines legal and policing angles to the arrest. Branwen Jeffreys, BBC Education Editor, breaks down the new special educational needs and disabilities reforms. Alex Forsyth, BBC political correspondent, explains parliamentary and political stakes. They discuss the arrest details, evidence and timing, then shift to the scale, funding and political implications of the SEND changes.
8 snips
Feb 22, 2026 • 34min
Gordon Brown turns detective over Andrew
A deep dive into allegations that taxpayer-funded jets and RAF bases may have been used to link a senior royal with Jeffrey Epstein. Discussion of whether that should prompt changes to the line of succession and the monarchy’s standing. A separate thread explores proposed reforms to special educational needs support and political debates over student loan interest and university funding.
9 snips
Feb 22, 2026 • 28min
The Boris Johnson and Sir Tony Radakin Interview
Sir Tony Radakin, former Chief of the Defence Staff, gives military perspective on strategy and commitments. Boris Johnson, former Prime Minister, reflects on decisions around the Ukraine invasion. They discuss early reactions, supply delays, escalation risks, calls for stronger support and proposed political presences in Ukraine. Short, direct recollections and sharp debate on Western responses.
41 snips
Feb 21, 2026 • 35min
Trump’s Tariffs: The Beginning of the End?
Gary O'Donoghue, BBC Chief North America correspondent, explains the Supreme Court ruling that blocked Trump's global tariffs. He outlines the legal reasoning, possible alternative tariff routes, and who pays when trade policy flips. Short takes cover political fallout, separation of powers, and the uncertainty businesses face from sudden executive action.
Feb 20, 2026 • 41min
The Week: Andrew Arrested, New Cabinet Secretary & Jenrick Economics
Luke Tryl, executive director at More in Common and pollster, gives concise analysis of public opinion. They cover Prince Andrew’s arrest and its political fallout. They explore Antonia Romeo’s appointment as cabinet secretary and internal Whitehall reactions. They also examine Reform UK’s new economic pitch and what it means for voters and the wider political landscape.
33 snips
Feb 19, 2026 • 37min
Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor Arrested
Dominic Casciani, BBC legal correspondent explaining police custody and the offence of misconduct in public office. Jonny Dymond, BBC royal correspondent who covers royal institution reactions and history. They trace how the arrest emerged, police searches and custody procedures. They contrast routine policing with the extraordinary impact on the royal family and outline the likely institutional and legal threads under review.
34 snips
Feb 18, 2026 • 39min
The Robert Jenrick Interview: What's Reform's Economic Plan?
Robert Jenrick, former Conservative cabinet minister now Reform UK’s shadow chancellor spokesperson, outlines the party’s economic and welfare agenda. He discusses fiscal credibility and bond-market reassurance. He covers plans for taxes, energy policy and housebuilding. He explains reinstating the two-child benefit cap and tightening welfare eligibility. He warns businesses to prepare for policy shifts on migration and subsidies.
18 snips
Feb 17, 2026 • 34min
Is There A Gen Z Jobs Crisis?
Simon Jack, BBC business editor and economic commentator, breaks down rising youth unemployment and labour-market data. He explains why employers are hiring less and how automation and AI factor in. The conversation covers vacancies, wages, political stakes and whether this rise in youth joblessness is a lasting shift.
