

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

Nov 26, 2024 • 32min
Trump, Tariffs and Trade Wars
Faisal Islam, the Economics editor for BBC News, dives into President-elect Trump's proposed 25% tariff on all incoming goods from Mexico and Canada, linking it to immigration and drug issues. He analyzes the implications for the UK car industry, especially with Vauxhall's factory closure. The conversation also highlights the UK's rising economic inactivity, fueled by long-term illness, and discusses innovative government strategies to combat youth unemployment through education and training guarantees.

Nov 25, 2024 • 35min
Reeves My Lips, No New Taxes (On Business)
Katya Adler, BBC Europe editor, shares insights from her interview with former German Chancellor Angela Merkel. They discuss Merkel's navigation of challenging relationships, particularly with President Putin, and her reflections on Brexit. The conversation also delves into Merkel's East German upbringing and her regrets about certain political decisions. Additionally, there's a look at the current UK business climate, driven by Rachel Reeves' budget proposals, and how they're impacting business investment and reactions among industry leaders.

Nov 24, 2024 • 30min
Will Labour’s Plan For Work, Work?
The discussion dives into the UK government's plans to tackle the benefits bill amid rising mental health challenges and demographic shifts. The speakers scrutinize Labour's welfare reforms and their potential reception within the party. They also highlight the COP29 agreement, where wealthier nations pledged $300 billion annually to combat climate change, but many critics deem it inadequate. Additionally, the evolving political discourse on assisted dying emerges, revealing insights into how personal stories sway political debates.

Nov 23, 2024 • 26min
The Assisted Dying Debate: Ex-PM Gordon Brown Intervenes
Former Prime Minister Gordon Brown shares his poignant personal story regarding the assisted dying debate, arguing that now isn't the right time for such a profound decision. The discussion delves into public sentiment and the political landscape surrounding the legislation. Additionally, exclusive insights from the French Foreign Minister reveal plans for long-range missile support in the Ukraine conflict, while examining the shifting dynamics of European defense and NATO's role.

Nov 22, 2024 • 33min
The Week: Ukraine, Israel and John Prescott Reflections
Delve into the recent military aid to Ukraine and the tangled web of international diplomacy, especially concerning Israel and the International Criminal Court's arrest warrant. Reflect on the life and legacy of John Prescott, exploring how his working-class roots shaped his political journey. The discussion also highlights parallels between Prescott and Angela Rayner, examines the evolution of political strategies, and considers the lasting impact of New Labour and Thatcher's era on contemporary politics, blending serious analysis with light-hearted commentary.

Nov 21, 2024 • 41min
Remembering John Prescott
In this engaging discussion, Lord Peter Mandelson, former Labour Director of Communications, shares heartfelt memories of John Prescott, the influential Deputy Prime Minister who recently passed away. They reflect on Prescott's ability to connect diverse constituents while balancing traditional Labour values with modernity. The talk also touches on the authenticity of politicians, the nostalgic view of past political eras, and the ongoing investigation into the Captain Tom Foundation, raising critical issues around transparency in charity management.

Nov 20, 2024 • 29min
UK Storm Shadow Missiles Strike Russia
Sumi Somaskanda, a BBC News North America correspondent, and John Foreman, a former UK defence attaché, delve into Ukraine's recent use of Storm Shadow missiles against Russia. They discuss the murky statements from UK officials and analyze shifting U.S. defense strategies under Biden versus Trump. The conversation also touches on military decommissioning concerns and political maneuvering surrounding key nominations in the upcoming administration. As tensions rise, they unpack the geopolitical implications of current military developments.

Nov 19, 2024 • 35min
Farmer v Starmer
Chris Mason, the insightful BBC Political Editor, discusses the massive protest by farmers in Westminster against upcoming inheritance tax changes. He highlights the deep-seated concerns from rural Britain about the emotional ties to family farms. Meanwhile, James Waterhouse, the informed BBC Ukraine correspondent, reports on Ukraine's first use of U.S. long-range missiles targeting inside Russia. The conversation delves into the complexities of the ongoing conflict and the strategic implications of these military developments.

Nov 18, 2024 • 32min
Russia’s Fury Over US (and UK?) Missiles
James Landale, BBC Diplomatic Correspondent, reports from the G20 summit, discussing the implications of U.S. long-range missile authorization for Ukraine. Steve Rosenberg, BBC Russia Editor, shares the Kremlin's fierce reaction to these developments and the escalating tensions in the Russia-Ukraine conflict. They also explore the challenges posed by sanctions on the Russian populace and the political consequences for Putin's regime. Additionally, insights into Keir Starmer's historic meeting with Xi Jinping highlight the complexities of UK-China relations amidst geopolitical shifts.

Nov 17, 2024 • 25min
The Biggest Attack on Ukraine in Months
In this engaging discussion, BBC political journalist Henry Zeffman sheds light on Russia's massive missile and drone attacks on Ukraine, described by President Zelensky as devastating. He analyzes the geopolitical implications of these strikes and their impact on U.S. support for Ukraine amidst potential shifts in foreign policy. The conversation also touches on the broader challenges faced by the Labour Party, highlighting tensions within its ranks and public perception issues, making for a riveting blend of politics and international relations.


