

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 6, 2024 • 29min
The Conflict: One Year On
Jeremy Bowen, BBC's international editor, brings a wealth of experience from Jerusalem. Anna Foster, the Middle East correspondent, offers insights from Beirut, while Rusty Abu Aluf shares firsthand accounts from Gaza. They reflect on the year since the conflict escalated, discussing the human toll and the fragility of peace efforts. The emotional stories of families affected by violence are highlighted, revealing deep grief and a struggle to keep hope alive. The dire situation in Lebanon and the increasing tensions with Hezbollah are explored, showcasing the complexity of the ongoing crisis.

Oct 6, 2024 • 29min
How Is The Middle East Shaping UK Politics?
Nick Watt, BBC News political editor, dives into the turbulent intersection of Middle Eastern conflict and UK politics. He discusses the Labour Party's struggle with pro-Palestinian sentiments amid rising tensions abroad and the challenges it poses for the UK government. The conversation touches on the unique diplomatic role the UK plays and the domestic repercussions of international crises. Additionally, Watt addresses the concerning rise in anti-Semitism and Islamophobia in local communities, along with the legal aspects of protests linked to these conflicts.

Oct 5, 2024 • 25min
How Might Israel Respond to Iran?
In this insightful discussion, Baran Abbasi, a seasoned BBC Persian reporter, shares his expertise on Iran's role in the escalating Middle East tensions. He highlights the gulf between the Iranian regime's aggression and the people's sentiments towards Israeli PM Netanyahu's threats. Idit Ohel, whose son Alon was taken hostage during the October 7th attacks, poignantly recounts her heartbreak and determination. Their narratives provide a profound look at the conflict's human side, emphasizing public opinion shifts and the resilience of those affected by violence.

Oct 4, 2024 • 33min
The Week: Middle East, Tory Conference + Assisted Dying
This week, tensions rise as the UK responds to the Middle East crisis, grappling with Israel's ground invasion and the threat of Hezbollah. Meanwhile, parliament takes a significant step towards discussing assisted dying, reflecting evolving public sentiment. The Conservative Conference showcases leadership pitches amidst calls for unity, as candidates face scrutiny over recent electoral setbacks. The podcast navigates the complexities of legislative debates and the ethical challenges surrounding these pressing issues.

Oct 3, 2024 • 35min
Jeremy Bowen’s Hamas Interview
Khalil Al-Hayya, a senior member of Hamas, discusses the complexities of the ongoing Middle Eastern conflict in his candid interview. Jeremy Bowen reveals how he managed to arrange the conversation and challenges Al-Hayya’s perspectives on the events following October 7. They also delve into the repercussions of the recent Iranian missile strike on Israel, addressing its impact on regional stability. The episode further touches on the geopolitics surrounding the Chagos Islands and their strategic significance in global security.

Oct 2, 2024 • 37min
4 Tory Leadership Hopefuls Take The Stage
Chris Mason, a political reporter, dives into the lively atmosphere of the Tory Party Conference, revealing surprising enthusiasm among attendees. He offers insights into the speeches from Conservative leadership hopefuls, spotlighting the strategies of Robert Jenrick and Kemi Badenok. Meanwhile, Paul Adams, a BBC diplomatic correspondent, discusses recent Iranian missile strikes on Israel, analyzing regional implications and the human toll of conflict. Their conversation unveils the interconnectedness of domestic political dynamics and international crises.

Oct 1, 2024 • 13min
Iran Fires Missiles at Israel
Frank Gardner, a seasoned security correspondent for the BBC, breaks down Iran's missile strike on Israel, revealing it as a retaliation for Israeli operations against Hezbollah and Hamas. He discusses the scale of the attack, with around 180 missiles fired, and highlights the effectiveness of Israel's defenses in intercepting most of them. The conversation dives into the international response to Iran's aggression, examining the complexities of US and UK stances amid escalating tensions in the region.

Oct 1, 2024 • 26min
Israel Invades Lebanon
Lyse Doucet, BBC's chief international correspondent, brings deep insights into the ongoing Israeli military operation in Lebanon. She discusses the intricate dynamics between Israel and Hezbollah, highlighting the humanitarian crisis and historical context reminiscent of past conflicts. The conversation dives into the complexities of military strategies, the critical role of U.S. support, and how language shapes perceptions of war versus occupation. Doucet also touches on Iran's cautious stance amidst rising tensions, showcasing the delicate balance in the region.

Sep 30, 2024 • 29min
Israel Tells US it Plans to Enter Lebanon
Jeremy Bowen, an International Editor renowned for his expertise in global affairs, and Anna Foster, a BBC News correspondent in Beirut, dive into Israel's planned incursion into Lebanon. They discuss the displacement faced by hundreds of thousands of Lebanese due to ongoing strikes and the broader implications of this military strategy against Hezbollah. The humanitarian crisis is explored through personal narratives, while the complexities of Israeli involvement in the Houthi conflict and regional tensions are dissected, providing a rich context to the evolving situation.

Sep 29, 2024 • 27min
Labour Lads, Tory Tussles and the Middle East
Rosie Duffield, a prominent MP known for her outspoken views on the Labour leadership, joins the discussion. She raises concerns about Keir Starmer, suggesting he has issues with women, following her resignation from Labour. The podcast also delves into the current Conservative Party conference, scrutinizing leadership dynamics amidst Boris Johnson's shadow. Additionally, tensions within the Labour Party and the potential for global conflicts are explored, highlighting the turbulent political landscape ahead of the general election.


