Newscast

BBC News

<p>The BBC's daily news podcast, Newscast dives into the day's big stories so you're never out of your depth.</p><p>Newscast picks the brains of BBC News experts so you're ready if someone picks yours, covering the latest developments in politics in Westminster and beyond.</p><p>Follow the new Labour government led by Sir Keir Starmer. How will Kemi Badenoch do as leader of the Conservative party? Newscast will give you all the best insights from BBC News so you're across all the day's top stories. </p><p>Newscast is hosted by trusted journalists including Adam Fleming, BBC Political Editor Chris Mason, Laura Kuenssberg and Paddy O'Connell. </p><p>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.</p><p>Catch Newscast seven-days a week and watch on BBC One at 23:40 on Thursday night or later on BBC iPlayer. </p><p>GET IN TOUCH: You can join our Newscast online community here: https://tinyurl.com/newscastcommunityhere Send us a message or voicenote via WhatsApp to 03301239480 Email [email protected] Or use the hashtag #BBCNewscast</p><p>Newscast is part of the BBC News Podcasts family of podcasts. The team that makes Newscast also makes lots of other podcasts, including The Global Story, The Today Podcast, and of course Americast and Ukrainecast. If you enjoy Newscast (and if you're reading this then you hopefully do), then we think that you will enjoy some of our other pods too. See links below.</p><p>The Global Story: https://www.bbc.co.uk/sounds/brand/w13xtvsd The Today Podcast: https://www.bbc.co.uk/sounds/brand/p0gg4k6r Americast: https://www.bbc.co.uk/sounds/brand/p07h19zz Ukrainecast: https://www.bbc.co.uk/sounds/brand/p0bqztzm</p>

  • 36 minutes 43 seconds
    Trump Threatens ‘Whole Civilisation Will Die Tonight’

    Today, President Donald Trump has warned "a whole civilisation will die tonight" unless Iran reaches a deal on reopening the Strait of Hormuz.

    Trump's threats come as we near a deadline he's imposed on the Iranian regime to reopen the Strait of Hormuz by midnight on Tuesday. Adam is joined by chief presenter Caitriona Perry and diplomatic correspondent James Landale.

    And, Wireless Festival is cancelled after the government stops headline act Kanye West from entering UK. In recent years, West has caused outrage with antisemitic, racist and pro-Nazi comments. Kanye West had offered to meet members of the Jewish community in UK before the festival was cancelled. Adam and Alex discuss with BBC news music correspondent Mark Savage.

    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. You can join our Newscast online community here: https://bbc.in/newscastdiscord

    Get in touch with Newscast by emailing [email protected] or send us a WhatsApp on +44 0330 123 9480.

    New episodes released every day. If you're in the UK, for more News and Current Affairs podcasts from the BBC, listen on BBC Sounds: https://bbc.in/4guXgXd Newscast brings you daily analysis of the latest political news stories from the BBC. The presenter was Adam Fleming. It was made by Jack Maclaren with Shiler Mahmoudi. The social producer was Jem Westgate. The technical producer was Philip Bull. The assistant editor is Chris Gray. The senior news editor is Sam Bonham.

    7 April 2026, 5:42 pm
  • 41 minutes 24 seconds
    The ‘Not Fit For Purpose’ Department - Part 3

    As an Easter treat, we thought we’d give you something a bit different.

    Adam and Chris have got together to have a proper in depth look at the government department that deals with some of the most important and politically pertinent issues of our time - the Home Office.

    The idea came up in October last year when Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood took over and said it was “not yet fit for purpose” and had been “set up to fail”.

    She was channelling her predecessor of 20 years ago, John Reid, who first made the ‘not fit for purpose’ phrase famous.

    With the help of former insiders and home secretaries, we’re asking, if the same verdict can be reached twenty years apart, are the problems in the department fundemental?

    In this third of three episodes in the series, Adam and Chris are joined by home and legal affairs correspondent Dominic Casciani, to reflect on what we’ve heard, hear what the department is like to cover, and look at what Shabana Mahmood is looking to change things.

    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.

    You can join our Newscast online community here: https://bbc.in/newscastdiscord

    Get in touch with Newscast by emailing [email protected] or send us a WhatsApp on +44 0330 123 9480.

    New episodes released every day. If you're in the UK, for more News and Current Affairs podcasts from the BBC, listen on BBC Sounds: https://bbc.in/4guXgXd

    Newscast brings you daily analysis of the latest political news stories from the BBC.

    The presenters were Adam Fleming and Chris Mason. It was made by the series producer Chris Flynn with Harry Craig. The technical producer was Michael Regaard. The social producer was Grace Braddock. The assistant editor is Chris Gray. The senior news editor is Sam Bonham.

    4 April 2026, 5:01 am
  • 31 minutes 41 seconds
    The ‘Not Fit For Purpose’ Department - Part 2

    As an Easter treat, we thought we’d give you something a bit different.

    Adam and Chris have got together to have a proper in depth look at the government department that deals with some of the most important and politically pertinent issues of our time - the Home Office.

    The idea came up in October last year when Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood took over and said it was “not yet fit for purpose” and had been “set up to fail”.

    She was channelling her predecessor of 20 years ago, John Reid, who first made the ‘not fit for purpose’ phrase famous.

    With the help of former insiders and home secretaries, we’re asking, if the same verdict can be reached twenty years apart, are the problems in the department fundemental?

    In this second of three episodes in the series, former home secretaries compare notes on leading the department. They are:

    - Amber Rudd, Conservative Home Secretary 2016-2018 - Charles Clarke, Labour Home Secretary 2004-2006

    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.

    You can join our Newscast online community here: https://bbc.in/newscastdiscord

    Get in touch with Newscast by emailing [email protected] or send us a WhatsApp on +44 0330 123 9480.

    New episodes released every day. If you're in the UK, for more News and Current Affairs podcasts from the BBC, listen on BBC Sounds: https://bbc.in/4guXgXd

    Newscast brings you daily analysis of the latest political news stories from the BBC.

    The presenters were Adam Fleming and Chris Mason. It was made by the series producer Chris Flynn with Harry Craig. The technical producer was Michael Regaard. The social producer was Grace Braddock. The assistant editor is Chris Gray. The senior news editor is Sam Bonham.

    4 April 2026, 5:00 am
  • 57 minutes 52 seconds
    The ‘Not Fit For Purpose’ Department - Part 1

    As an Easter treat, we thought we’d give you something a bit different.

    Adam and Chris have got together to have a proper in depth look at the government department that deals with some of the most important and politically pertinent issues of our time - the Home Office.

    The idea came up in October last year when Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood took over and said it was “not yet fit for purpose” and had been “set up to fail”.

    She was channelling her predecessor of 20 years ago, John Reid, who first made the ‘not fit for purpose’ phrase famous.

    With the help of former insiders and home secretaries, we’re asking, if the same verdict can be reached twenty years apart, are the problems in the department fundemental?

    In this first of three episodes in the series, Adam and Chris are joined by former insiders. They are:

    - Hannah Guerin, former advisor to Conservative Home Secretary Priti Patel - Former BBC home affairs correspondent and Yvette Cooper adviser Danny Shaw - Former Permanent Secretary David Normington

    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.

    You can join our Newscast online community here: https://bbc.in/newscastdiscord

    Get in touch with Newscast by emailing [email protected] or send us a WhatsApp on +44 0330 123 9480.

    New episodes released every day. If you're in the UK, for more News and Current Affairs podcasts from the BBC, listen on BBC Sounds: https://bbc.in/4guXgXd

    Newscast brings you daily analysis of the latest political news stories from the BBC.

    The presenters were Adam Fleming and Chris Mason.It was made by the series producer Chris Flynn with Harry Craig. The technical producer was Michael Regaard. The social producer was Grace Braddock. The assistant editor is Chris Gray. The senior news editor is Sam Bonham.

    4 April 2026, 4:59 am
  • 43 minutes 44 seconds
    Electioncast: Here We Go Again!

    Electioncast is back! Adam is joined by senior correspondent Joe Pike, Scotland editor James Cook, and host of Walescast and BBC Wales’ money editor Felicity Evans to break down everything you need to know about the May elections.

    Elections for the Senedd, Holyrood and local councils across England will take place on the 7th May. Today, we look at what’s up for grabs and what’s at stake.

    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.

    You can join our Newscast online community here: https://bbc.in/newscastdiscord

    Get in touch with Newscast by emailing [email protected] or send us a WhatsApp on +44 0330 123 9480.

    New episodes released every day. If you're in the UK, for more News and Current Affairs podcasts from the BBC, listen on BBC Sounds: https://bbc.in/4guXgXd Newscast brings you daily analysis of the latest political news stories from the BBC. The presenter was Adam Fleming. It was made by Anna Harris with Shiler Mahmoudi. The social producer was Jem Westgate. The technical producer was Jonny Hall. The assistant editor is Chris Gray. The senior news editor is Sam Bonham.

    3 April 2026, 8:00 am
  • 29 minutes 40 seconds
    NASA Returns To The Moon (And Beyond)

    Today, Nasa has launched its first crewed mission around the Moon for more than 50 years.

    The Artemis II mission will last about 10 days and take its astronauts further into space than anyone has been before. The four-person crew will not land on the Moon but will circle it, aiming to set the stage for an eventual human landing for the first time since the 1960s and 70s.

    Adam is joined by space scientist, Dame Maggie Aderin-Pocock and astronaut Tim Peake - who together host the podcast 13 Minutes Presents: Artemis II.

    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. You can join our Newscast online community here: https://bbc.in/newscastdiscord

    Get in touch with Newscast by emailing [email protected] or send us a WhatsApp on +44 0330 123 9480.

    New episodes released every day. If you're in the UK, for more News and Current Affairs podcasts from the BBC, listen on BBC Sounds: https://bbc.in/4guXgXd Newscast brings you daily analysis of the latest political news stories from the BBC. The presenter was Adam Fleming. It was made by Jack Maclaren with Shiler Mahmoudi . The social producer was Gabriel Purcell-Davis. The technical producer was Mike Regaard. The assistant editor is Chris Gray. The senior news editor is Sam Bonham.

    2 April 2026, 4:12 pm
  • 32 minutes 39 seconds
    Will Trump Really Leave Nato?

    Today, the Prime Minister has given a press conference warning that things are not going to be easy as the US-Israeli war in Iran continues to put pressure on the cost of living.

    His address to press in Downing Street came hours after the President gave an interview to the Telegraph, saying he’s considering pulling out of Nato.

    Adam assembles Henry Zeffman, chief political correspondent, Lyse Doucet, chief international correspondent and Michelle Wiese Bockmann senior maritime intelligence analyst at Windward.

    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. You can join our Newscast online community here: https://bbc.in/newscastdiscord

    Get in touch with Newscast by emailing [email protected] or send us a WhatsApp on +44 0330 123 9480.

    New episodes released every day. If you're in the UK, for more News and Current Affairs podcasts from the BBC, listen on BBC Sounds: https://bbc.in/4guXgXd Newscast brings you daily analysis of the latest political news stories from the BBC. The presenter was Adam Fleming. It was made by Anna Harris with Shiler Mahmoudi. The social producer was Jem Westgate. The technical producer was Dafydd Evans. The assistant editor is Chris Gray. The senior news editor is Sam Bonham.

    1 April 2026, 2:14 pm
  • 37 minutes 53 seconds
    Can The King Bring Trump Back On Side?

    Today, it has been confirmed that King Charles’s state visit to the US will go ahead, despite more criticism from President Trump towards the UK.

    King Charles and Queen Camilla will visit the White House in late April. The confirmation of their visit comes on the same day as President Trump lashes out at the UK and other allies again, telling them to “go get your own oil from the Strait of Hormuz.”

    The announcement appears to have been delayed, amidst political tensions over the Iran war and there had been speculation that the visit might not go ahead at all. Adam is joined by Asma Khalid from the Global Story and royal correspondent Sean Coughlan.

    Plus, the prime minister has given the British Medical Association (BMA) 48 hours to call off the six-day doctor strike in England after Easter or face losing 1,000 extra training places. Adam is joined by health editor Hugh Pym and senior correspondent Joe Pike.

    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.

    You can join our Newscast online community here: https://bbc.in/newscastdiscord

    Get in touch with Newscast by emailing [email protected] or send us a WhatsApp on +44 0330 123 9480.

    New episodes released every day. If you're in the UK, for more News and Current Affairs podcasts from the BBC, listen on BBC Sounds: https://bbc.in/4guXgXd Newscast brings you daily analysis of the latest political news stories from the BBC. The presenter was Adam Fleming. It was made Jack Maclaren with Shiler Mahmoudi and Anna Harris. The technical producer was Mike Regaard. The assistant editor is Chris Gray. The senior news editor is Sam Bonham.

    31 March 2026, 6:07 pm
  • 37 minutes 9 seconds
    Scott Mills Sacked By BBC

    Today, BBC Radio 2 breakfast host Scott Mills has been sacked by the BBC following allegations about his personal conduct.

    The BBC have not given any further details, saying only "while we do not comment on matters relating to individuals, we can confirm Scott Mills is no longer contracted to work with the BBC." Adam is joined by Katie Razzall - BBC Culture and Media Editor

    And, President Trump has threatened to “obliterate” Iran’s power plats and oil wells if a deal is not reached “shortly”. Trump has also repeated his threat to “take” Kharg Island”, a major oil terminal off the coast.

    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.

    You can join our Newscast online community here: https://bbc.in/newscastdiscord

    Get in touch with Newscast by emailing [email protected] or send us a WhatsApp on +44 0330 123 9480.

    New episodes released every day. If you're in the UK, for more News and Current Affairs podcasts from the BBC, listen on BBC Sounds: https://bbc.in/4guXgXd Newscast brings you daily analysis of the latest political news stories from the BBC. The presenter was Adam Fleming. It was made Jack Maclaren with Shiler Mahmoudi. The technical producer was Dafydd Evans. The assistant editor is Chris Gray. The senior news editor is Sam Bonham.

    30 March 2026, 6:54 pm
  • 25 minutes 43 seconds
    How Should the UK Respond to the Global Energy Crisis?

    Today, Laura and Paddy unpack what the government will do to deal with energy pressures caused by the Iran war.

    Education Secretary Bridget Phillipson has told Laura that the UK should invest in home-grown energy, but leader of the opposition, Kemi Badenoch, says we need more drilling in the North Sea.

    They also discuss the policies on energy prices from other UK political parties.

    Plus, they do an update following yesterday's interview with Josh Simons.

    Apply for tickets to Castfest here https://www.bbc.co.uk/showsandtours/shows/castfest-2026 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.

    You can join our Newscast online community here: https://bbc.in/newscastdiscord Get in touch with Newscast by emailing [email protected] or send us a WhatsApp on +44 0330 123 9480.

    New episodes released every day. If you're in the UK, for more News and Current Affairs podcasts from the BBC, listen on BBC Sounds: https://bbc.in/4guXgXd

    Newscast brings you daily analysis of the latest political news stories from the BBC. The presenters were Laura Kuenssberg and Paddy O’Connell. It was made by Chris Flynn with Laura Cain. The social producer was Gabriel Purcell-Davis. The technical producer was Jack Graysmark. The assistant editor is Chris Gray. The senior news editor is Sam Bonham.

    29 March 2026, 3:10 pm
  • 49 minutes 56 seconds
    Why Josh Simons Resigned From Government

    Today, Laura and Paddy have an exclusive first full length interview with Josh Simons, who recently quit as a government minister.

    A think tank he used to run - Labour Together - commissioned a report that looked into the background of journalists after the Sunday Times ran a story about them.

    He says he was ‘naive’ and he was ‘so sorry’.

    He also worked at Facebook owners Meta for several years and gave evidence at the landmark social media addiction trial which the tech giant, along with YouTube, lost this week.

    They discuss his resignation from government, online safety across the board and the current state of the Labour Party.

    Hear more about this story on Sunday’s Newscast, including an update from Journalist Paul Holden.

    Apply for tickets to Castfest here https://www.bbc.co.uk/showsandtours/shows/castfest-2026

    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.

    You can join our Newscast online community here: https://bbc.in/newscastdiscord

    Get in touch with Newscast by emailing [email protected] or send us a WhatsApp on +44 0330 123 9480.

    New episodes released every day. If you're in the UK, for more News and Current Affairs podcasts from the BBC, listen on BBC Sounds: https://bbc.in/4guXgXd

    Newscast brings you daily analysis of the latest political news stories from the BBC. The presenter was Laura Kuenssberg and Paddy O’Connell. It was made by Chris Flynn with Chloe Scannapieco. The social producer was Gabriel Purcell-Davis. The technical producer was Stephen Bailey. The assistant editor is Chris Gray. The senior news editor is Sam Bonham.

    And with thanks to our team in Salford for letting us use the BBC Breakfast studio; Stephen Maziere, Simon Plumb and Ronan Malloy.

    28 March 2026, 5:28 pm
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