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
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.
Jan 29, 2026 • 34min
Why Does Keir Starmer's Visit Matter to China?
Chris Mason, BBC political reporter on the PM’s road trip; Laura Bicker, BBC China correspondent in Beijing and Shanghai; Darshini David, BBC deputy economics editor. They recount the Beijing meeting’s tone and ceremonies. They cover the visa-free travel announcement and what deals actually materialised. They explore China’s step-by-step approach, trade prospects in services and the geopolitics of balancing ties.
9 snips
Jan 28, 2026 • 26min
Kemi Badenoch Accuses Opponents of 'Psychodrama’
A Westminster speech sparks fury as a senior Conservative accuses defectors of ‘psychodrama’ and labels breakaways ‘drama queens’. Reporters on the ground dissect party positioning, apologies over a withdrawn statement, and tensions with Reform UK and Prosper UK figures. A correspondent files from Beijing on the Prime Minister’s trade-focused trip, its delegation and the diplomatic tightrope over human rights.
11 snips
Jan 28, 2026 • 37min
Bonus: Review of the Year 2026, So Far...
Lyse Doucet, chief international correspondent known for reporting on geopolitics, joins to map key hotspots. Short takes cover Trump’s unpredictability and military signaling. They flag Venezuela’s regional fallout and debates over Greenland’s strategic role. The conversation also touches on UK politics, international reactions and where to watch in 2026.
10 snips
Jan 27, 2026 • 38min
Labour Gets A Round Of Pub Support In
Laura Bicker, BBC China correspondent in Beijing, provides context on the PM’s China visit and recent shifts in the country’s military leadership. Joe Pike, BBC political correspondent, unpacks local by-election dynamics and leasehold reform impacts. Simon Jack, BBC Business Editor, explains the Treasury’s targeted support for pubs and the business rates reversal. Short, punchy conversations on politics, trade ties and pub relief.
13 snips
Jan 26, 2026 • 34min
Braverman Backs Reform
Sarah Smith, BBC North America editor and Americast host, discusses the Minneapolis shootings and federal agents’ role. She outlines competing narratives, jurisdiction fights between state and federal authorities, and how viral video and politics shape public reaction. They also explore legal and constitutional tensions and the possibility of changes to federal deployments and training.
Jan 25, 2026 • 15min
Labour Block Andy Burnham From Standing
A heated political procedural story about a senior figure being blocked from standing in a by-election. A breakdown of the ruling body's vote and internal party loyalties. Discussion of the strategic reasons given about costly mayoral ballots. Speculation on how this shapes future ambitions and wider party consequences.
10 snips
Jan 25, 2026 • 37min
Decision Day for Andy Burnham
Joe Pike, political correspondent who analyses UK Labour manoeuvres. He breaks down the NEC decision on Andy Burnham and why it could reshape party leadership. Short takes cover how allowing or blocking Burnham risks sparking leadership challenges, the optics of party unity, mayor-to-MP precedents, and who holds the votes that will decide the outcome.
23 snips
Jan 24, 2026 • 39min
Andy Burnham Wants to Stand, Will Labour Let Him?
An unfolding leadership test as Andy Burnham seeks NEC permission to stand in Gorton and Denton. Debate over party rules, timing and whether formal reasons could be used to block him. Discussion of how senior figures, NEC mechanics and rival parties shape the contest. Examination of strategic risks if he runs or is prevented from standing.
10 snips
Jan 23, 2026 • 29min
The Week: Trump Dominates Davos, Carney's Resistance & That Greenland 'Deal'
Caitríona Perry, BBC Washington correspondent, and Lyse Doucet, the BBC's Chief international correspondent, delve into Trump's impactful presence at Davos. They explore how his speech and bold actions, like the Greenland deal, shaped global responses. The discussion shifts to Mark Carney's speech, advocating for cooperation among middle powers amidst rising tensions. They also assess whether the U.S. political landscape can contain Trump's foreign meddling and the evolving international dynamics, raising questions about a new geopolitical order.
