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
Feb 8, 2026 • 32min
What Starmer Does Next
A look at whether Keir Starmer can survive the Mandelson scandal and what that means for his political future. Debate over calls to remove his chief of staff and the risks of reshuffling senior advisers. Discussion of union pressure for a leadership contest and MPs’ private frustrations. Analysis of how rivals are exploiting the controversy and what Starmer might do next week.
19 snips
Feb 7, 2026 • 30min
Epstein Files: The Gordon Brown Intervention
Gordon Brown, former UK prime minister and long-time Labour figure, reflects on the Mandelson/ Epstein files and the pressure on Keir Starmer. He warns of vetting failures and calls for public scrutiny. The conversation explores political fallout, leadership stability, and the risk of further damaging document releases.
21 snips
Feb 6, 2026 • 32min
The Week: The King, The Prime Minister and The Epstein Files
A tense political story about judgement and appointments in Number 10. Renewed revelations from the Epstein Files and their fallout for the royal family feature heavily. Reporters and MPs face fresh questions about timelines, vetting and public optics. The narrative also tracks Commons rows over sensitive document releases and rising pressure within Labour ranks.
24 snips
Feb 5, 2026 • 39min
Epstein Files: Will Mandelson Cost Starmer His Job?
Luke Sullivan, former political director to Keir Starmer, offers insider perspective on Labour dynamics. Ailbhe Rea, New Statesman journalist, brings investigative reporting on the Mandelson appointment. They discuss chaotic parliamentary votes, what Starmer knew and when, how Mandelson resurfaced on shortlists, the public reaction and calls for document releases and accountability.
36 snips
Feb 4, 2026 • 47min
Epstein Files: Starmer Under Pressure Over Mandelson
Laura Kay, broadcast journalist and documentary-maker who investigated Reform UK, discusses the Mandelson controversy and its political fallout. Short, punchy segments cover PMQs, probing parliamentary questions, police involvement and pressure on Labour figures. She also shares reporting from her Reform UK film, including local government struggles and Nigel Farage's reactions.
10 snips
Feb 3, 2026 • 39min
Epstein Files: Police Launch Investigation Into Mandelson
Daniela Relph, senior royal correspondent, and Dominic Casciani, BBC home affairs correspondent, discuss new files linking Peter Mandelson to Jeffrey Epstein. They cover the Met’s criminal inquiry and what misconduct in public office means. They also explore political fallout, plans to strip a peerage, and royal-family revelations tied to the files.
13 snips
Feb 2, 2026 • 27min
Epstein Files: Mandelson Reported To The Police
Daniela Relph, BBC senior royal correspondent, gives swift reporting on royal links. Joe Pike, BBC political correspondent, unpacks parliamentary and political fallout. They trace alleged Mandelson-Epstein email exchanges, scrutiny of redacted files, royal communications involving Sarah Ferguson, and the policing and legal questions now being raised.
24 snips
Feb 1, 2026 • 44min
Epstein Files: New Mandelson and Andrew Allegations
John Bew, historian and former chief foreign policy adviser, joins to talk international strategy. He discusses Trump’s likely moves on Iran and the mix of force and dealmaking. He explores UK alignment with the US, defence spending needs, and long-term statecraft. He also reflects on Ukraine’s battlefield realities and the value of direct leader engagement.
19 snips
Jan 31, 2026 • 27min
Epstein Files: New Pictures Appear to Show Andrew
Gary O'Donoghue, BBC Chief North America correspondent reporting from Washington. He walks through the massive Epstein document release and what the files contain. Discussion of disturbing images, mentions of high‑profile figures, victim privacy concerns, and possible political fallout. Hints that more revelations may still emerge.
27 snips
Jan 30, 2026 • 30min
The Week: Starmer Meets Xi, Trump Threatens Iran and More Defection Drama
James Landale, BBC political correspondent, and Sarah Montague, seasoned BBC presenter, unpack Keir Starmer’s China visit and its trade and security optics. They discuss which business deals matter and the tech-dependence risks. The conversation also covers Trump’s threats toward Iran and the diplomatic and domestic fallout from military posturing.
