

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

Oct 23, 2024 • 39min
Trump Gets The Hump With Labour
In this engaging discussion, Justin Webb, host of BBC's Americast and expert on US politics, teams up with Nick Watt, Newsnight's political editor, to dissect the Labour party's recent denial of interference in the US election amidst Trump’s allegations. They explore historical instances of British involvement in US elections and gauge voter sentiments about the 2024 campaign. The duo also highlights innovative voting experiences from Americans and delves into the complexities of political identity, media narratives, and individual voting challenges.

Oct 22, 2024 • 39min
Prisoners Freed Early (Again)
Dominic Casciani, BBC Home Affairs correspondent, and Lord Ken Macdonald, former director of public prosecutions, delve into the early release of 1,100 prisoners to alleviate jail overcrowding. They discuss alternatives to incarceration, highlighting the need for innovative sentencing reforms. Marianna Spring, BBC disinformation correspondent, shares insights on the final weeks of the U.S. presidential election, focusing on the challenges voters face and the role of misinformation in shaping public perception.

Oct 22, 2024 • 32min
Interview: Robert Jenrick
Robert Jenrick, Conservative Party leadership candidate and former UK minister, shares insights from his political journey and working-class upbringing. He candidly discusses the Conservatives' electoral failures and outlines his vision for reform within the party. Jenrick reflects on his time in the Home Office, addressing immigration challenges, and emphasizes the importance of unity and clear communication. He also shares humorous stories from his early political experiences, highlighting the complexities of political identity and the lessons learned from Brexit and COVID.

Oct 21, 2024 • 37min
Police Officer Cleared of Murdering Chris Kaba
Michael Gove, a former Cabinet Minister now venturing into podcasting, shares insights from his new series about political survival. Adina Campbell, a BBC News UK correspondent, provides a detailed account of the Chris Kaba murder trial, discussing the emotional fallout from the not guilty verdict. Danny Shaw, an expert commentator on police issues, analyzes police accountability and community relations following this controversial case. They navigate the implications for law enforcement and the urgent need for reform amidst rising tensions.

Oct 20, 2024 • 25min
What Is Labour’s Plan For The NHS?
The discussion kicks off with Health Secretary Wes Streeting's ambitious vision for a 'neighbourhood health service.' They dive deep into the potential role of weight loss jabs in combating obesity, tackling the complexities of health responsibility. The conversation shifts to how artificial intelligence could revolutionize NHS practices but raises critical questions about privacy and regulation. Finally, the dynamics within the Conservative Party and their leadership challenges hint at an evolving political landscape affecting healthcare funding.

Oct 19, 2024 • 29min
Is The Government about to break a manifesto pledge?
A potential breach of manifesto pledges looms as discussions heat up around the government's upcoming budget. The show delves into the complexities of tax reforms amidst financial challenges, highlighting the Labour party's political balancing act. Meanwhile, global tensions flare with a focus on support for Ukraine and the intricate responses to Russian aggression following the Salisbury poisonings. Humor and serious insights intertwine, providing listeners with a dynamic perspective on the current political landscape.

Oct 18, 2024 • 28min
The Week: The Budget, a Trip to China, and the US Election
Stephanie Flanders, Head of Economics and Politics at Bloomberg and host of Votanomics, joins the discussion on tax reforms and the UK budget. They dive deep into potential changes to inheritance tax and the government's struggle to balance public perception with economic realities. The conversation also highlights the UK's fraught relationship with China and the strategic implications of a major investment summit. Lastly, Flanders provides insights into the growing concerns within the Democratic Party as the US election approaches.

Oct 17, 2024 • 31min
Israel Kills Hamas Leader
Jeremy Bowen, BBC International Editor, shares his insights on the assassination of Hamas leader Yahya Sinwar and its implications for the Middle East conflict. Meanwhile, Sumi Somaskanda and Caitriona Perry provide updates on the upcoming U.S. presidential election, discussing the complexities of the Electoral College and the importance of grassroots voter engagement in key states. The trio reflects on the political divides in Arizona and the potential impact of election night surprises, making sense of the current political landscape.

Oct 16, 2024 • 26min
What Lower Inflation Means For You
Faisal Islam, BBC economics editor, sheds light on the recent dip in inflation, while Coletta Smith, the BBC cost of living correspondent, discusses how this change affects various income groups. They delve into the complexities of interest rate adjustments and public finance. Alex Forsyth provides political context, discussing potential implications for welfare and the budget. The conversation also touches on innovative strategies for supporting mental health patients in the job market, blending serious analysis with light-hearted commentary.

Oct 15, 2024 • 36min
Weight Loss Jabs for Jobs?
Henry Zeffman, BBC chief political correspondent, probes whether weight loss drugs could assist the unemployed in returning to work. Joining him are Professor Giles Yeo, a geneticist researching appetite and obesity, and Katherine Jenner, director of the Obesity Health Alliance. They explore the implications of weight loss medications like semaglutide in an aging society and discuss the need for a comprehensive approach to health policy and equitable healthcare distribution.


