Newscast

byBBC News

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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...

Episodes(40 episodes)

The Iranian president says sorry, but does he mean it?

Iran’s president has apologised to Gulf states for attacking them. He has also warned that Iran will not attack its neighbours "unless attacked first".Laura asks Iran’s ambassador to the UK, Seyed Ali Mousavi, about the events of the past week, and what the apology really means. Paddy’s been talking to an Iranian woman who has fled the country about her views on the regime and their actions over the past few months.They get together to discuss what they’ve heard, and have a look at how seriously we should t...

Published: Mar 7, 2026Duration: 32m 18s

We answer your questions about the US-Israel war with Iran.Adam and Chris are joined in the studio by Panorama film maker Jane Corbin and Chief International Correspondent Lyse Doucet to answer Newscasters questions. Have the US underestimated Iran? Will Keir Starmer’s approach work? What role could the Iranian army play?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<p...

Published: Mar 6, 2026Duration: 33m 22s

Has Starmer's Iran Response Been Too Slow?

Today, Keir Starmer has defended his response to the Iran war and announced he will send four additional fighter jets to Qatar.Adam is joined by Jane Corbin, Panorama film maker; Lucy Fisher, Whitehall editor for the Financial Times, and Mikey Kay, military analyst for the Security Brief, to discuss Starmer’s press conference, and to take a deeper look at the weaponry being used by both sides in this conflict.You can now listen to Newscast on a smart speaker. If you want to listen, just say "Ask BBC Sounds to play Newscast”. It work...

Published: Mar 5, 2026Duration: 33m 5s

What’s Happening Inside Iran?

Today, US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth said the US will strike deeper into Iran, but how has Iran responded to US-Israeli strikes so far? Adam is joined by Jane Corbin, Panorama Film Maker, and Siavash Ardalan, Senior Reporter for BBC World and BBC Persian, to discuss the Pentagon releasing a video of the sinking of an Iranian warship plus the challenges in reporting what’s going on inside Iran. 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...

Published: Mar 4, 2026Duration: 34m 34s

Trump 'Not Happy' With Starmer Over Iran

Today, President Trump has publicly criticised Keir Starmer saying “This is not Winston Churchill we’re dealing with”.The comments came during a press conference at the White House alongside the German Chancellor Friedrich Merz. President Trump said he was “not happy with the UK” because of the initial refusal from London to let Washington use the British base at Diego Garcia in the Indian Ocean during its first strikes on Iran.It comes as the UK government has announced it is sending “helicopters with counter drone capabilities” and a warship to the region, after attacks on it’...

Published: Mar 3, 2026Duration: 36m 45s

What Is Trump’s Endgame For War In Iran?

Today, President Trump outlined the objectives of Operation Epic Fury saying he took the “last best chance” to hit Iran. The president said the objectives of the operation in Iran are "clear", including "destroying Iran's missile capabilities", "annihilating their Navy" and preventing them from ever having a nuclear weapon.Adam is joined by Jane Corbin, Panorama Film Maker, Lyse Doucet, Chief International Correspondent and Caitriona Perry Chief Anchor BBC News Washington You can now listen to Newscast on a smart speaker. If you want to listen, just say "Ask BBC Sounds to play News...

Published: Mar 2, 2026Duration: 34m 13s

Ali Khamenei Killed

Today, we look at the death of Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, who was killed by US-Israeli attacks on Saturday.US President Donald Trump released a statement late in the evening saying he was targeted via intelligence and tracking systems.International editor Jeremy Bowen joins Laura and Paddy to discuss how it happened, what it means for the future of Iran and the region, and how the rest of the world is reacting.You can now listen to Newscast on a smart speaker. If you want to listen, just say "Ask BBC...

Published: Mar 1, 2026Duration: 33m 2s

The US and Israel attack Iran

Today, we look at US and Israeli attacks on Iran.US president Donald Trump has described ongoing "major combat operations" and called for Iranian government forces to lay down their arms.Iranian forces say they have struck a US naval base in Bahrain and across the region in response.Earlier, Israel's defence minister said Israel had launched a "pre-emptive attack" against Iran, with explosions heard across the country.Chief international correspondent Lyse Doucet, just back from Iran, joins to explain what's happening, why, and what could happen next.You...

Published: Feb 28, 2026Duration: 44m 1s

By-Electioncast: Greens Win Gorton and Denton

Today, the Green party have won the Gorton and Denton by-election with nearly 41% of the votes, beating Reform into second place and Labour third.In Newscast by-election tradition, this episode was livestreamed on Friday morning. Adam and Chris are joined by BBC political correspondent Joe Pike and pollster Luke Tryl to discuss the results and what it means for the UK as a whole.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 jo...

Published: Feb 27, 2026Duration: 39m 24s

Will The US Attack Iran?

Today, we discuss the indirect US-Iran talks happening in Geneva.The talks are happening against a backdrop of increased tensions between the two countries, with the US sending what Trump calls an ‘armada’ to the region. President Trump has threatened to strike Iran if a nuclear deal isn’t agreed during the talks.We also discuss President Trump’s State of the Union speech, happening a time where many Americans are feeling frustrated about the cost of living, and off the back of the supreme court striking down his tariff policy.Adam discusses all with...

Published: Feb 26, 2026Duration: 33m 51s

How Did A Tip-Off From Sir Lindsay Hoyle Lead To Peter Mandelson’s Arrest?

Today, the Metropolitan Police apologised to the Commons Speaker for "inadvertently revealing information" relating to Lord Mandelson's arrest on Monday.Sir Lindsay Hoyle addressed the House of Commons before Prime Minister’s Questions to confirm he had passed information to the Metropolitan Police suggesting the peer could be a flight risk. Lord Mandelson’s lawyers say he had agreed to an interview next month, and the decision to take him into custody was prompted by a "baseless" suggestion he was planning to "take up permanent residence abroad".Adam and Chris unpack how this story unfolded over...

Published: Feb 25, 2026Duration: 29m 49s

The David Lammy Interview

Today, Adam and Chris speak to the deputy prime minister David Lammy about his justice reforms.He acknowledged the court backlog will continue to rise and may be at the same level as it is today at the next general election despite the government’s planned reforms. He also said that Labour would be “out on their bums” if they haven’t delivered the change the public want by the time of the next election.You can now listen to Newscast on a smart speaker. If you want to listen, just say "Ask BBC Soun...

Published: Feb 24, 2026Duration: 29m 55s

Peter Mandelson Arrested

Today, Peter Mandelson has been arrested on suspicion of misconduct in public office.The former British ambassador to the US has been under investigation over allegations he shared market-sensitive government information with Jeffrey Epstein while serving as a minister.He has not commented publicly since the Metropolitan Police launched their investigation earlier this month, but the BBC understands his position has consistently been that he has not acted in any way criminally and that he was not motivated by financial gain.Adam and Chris are joined by UK and home affairs correspondent, Daniel...

Published: Feb 23, 2026Duration: 39m 52s

Gordon Brown turns detective over Andrew

Today, we discuss a report in the Sunday Telegraph that Gordon Brown has demanded a police investigation into whether Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor used taxpayer-funded jets and RAF bases to meet the paedophile Jeffrey Epstein.The former PM says he’s sent a five-page memorandum to the Metropolitan, Surrey, Sussex Thames Valley and other UK police constabularies.Laura and Paddy are joined by Henry Zeffman to discuss why he’s turned investigator, what it means for the Royal Family, and whether rules around the line of succession should be changed.Ahead of the Government’s School...

Published: Feb 22, 2026Duration: 33m 51s

The Boris Johnson and Sir Tony Radakin Interview

This is Laura’s full exclusive interview with former prime minister Boris Johnson and his chief of the defence staff Tony Radakin. They reflect on four years of war in Ukraine; their attempts to prevent it, their efforts to support Ukraine and their hopes for the future.We’ll also have a normal Sunday edition of Newscast in you feeds very shortly.

Published: Feb 22, 2026Duration: 27m 34s

Trump’s Tariffs: The Beginning of the End?

Today, Laura and Paddy are joined by Gary O'Donoghue, Chief North America correspondent to discuss the US Supreme Court’s ruling to block President Donald Trump’s global tariffs. Is this the beginning of the end of his tariffs, what’s Trump doing now, and what does it mean for where power lies in the US?Laura has interviewed former UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson and former Chief of the Defence Staff Sir Tony Radakin ahead of the four-year anniversary of the beginning of the full scale invasion of Ukraine. Boris Johnson said the UK and it...

Published: Feb 21, 2026Duration: 35m 9s

The Week: Andrew Arrested, New Cabinet Secretary & Jenrick Economics

Today Adam, Alex Forsyth, Joe Pike and pollster Luke Tryl look back at the week in Westminster; starting with Thursday morning's news that the King’s brother, Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor, had been arrested on suspicion of misconduct in a public office.Plus, they discuss the appointment of Antonia Romeo to the role of cabinet secretary and our first look at Reform UK’s new economic policy. 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...

Published: Feb 20, 2026Duration: 40m 30s

Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor Arrested

Today, Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor has been arrested and is in custody on suspicion of misconduct in public office. King Charles says he "learned with the deepest concern" of Andrew's arrest, adding "the law must take its course" - Prince William and Catherine are understood to support the statement.Andrew, who turns 66 today, has previously denied any wrongdoing in relation to Epstein; he has not responded to the BBC's requests for comment on the specific allegations in relation to the release of millions of Epstein files in JanuaryAdam and Laura are joined by royal...

Published: Feb 19, 2026Duration: 36m 30s

The Robert Jenrick Interview: What's Reform's Economic Plan?

Today, Robert Jenrick used his first speech as Reform’s pick for chancellor to try to convince businesses and economists that he would be sensible with their money.He said it would reintroduce the two-child benefit cap in full, in a shift away from scrapping the limit.He also said the party plans to keep UK's budget watchdog The Office for Budget Responsibility (OBR).So we thought it would be a good time to explore exactly what Reform’s plan for the economy was, and ask is it really that radical?You...

Published: Feb 18, 2026Duration: 38m 40s

Is There A Gen Z Jobs Crisis?

Today, we look at why young people are bearing the brunt as unemployment hits its highest rate for nearly five years.Adam and Alex are joined by BBC business editor Simon Jack to unpack some of the factors driving the trend.Plus Alex updates us on Nigel Farage appointing Reform UK’s new top team, which he is calling his ‘shadow cabinet’. Alex explains what the appointments might tell us about how Reform is operating. You can now listen to Newscast on a smart speaker. If you want to listen, just say "Ask BBC So...

Published: Feb 17, 2026Duration: 34m 11s