Podcast · News

Newscast

by BBC News · English · 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.

New episodes: Daily
Typical length: 35 min
Latest: 7 Oct 2026
Language: English

Latest episode

7 Oct 2026 · 36 minNew

Kemi Badenoch's Battle of Ideas

Today, Kemi Badenoch made her closing speech to Conservative party conference. The Conservative leader said a “battle for the soul of the nation” is coming, before pitching her vision for her party’s rebrand. She pledged a much-briefed adjustment on inheritance tax - but stopped short of abolishing it altogether. And she had a lot to say about her political opponents. Adam, Alex and Chris are in Birmingham to unpack how the speech went down inside the conference centre, and what it might mean for voters across the country. You can now listen to Newscast on a smart speaker. If you want to…

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Earlier episodes 29 most recent

6 Oct 2026 · 37 minNew

Will The Tories Make A Pact With Reform?

Today, Chris has been speaking to Kemi Badenoch as she limbers up for her speech to the Conservative party conference tomorrow morning. Adam and Chris discuss what she had to say, including her predictions for the next election and why she says she won’t do a deal with Reform. Plus, the US says it is closely watching the death of a Russian scientist who works at a plague research centre in Siberia. Adam is joined by Vitaly Shevchenko, chief analyst for BBC monitoring and Dr Simon Clarke, associate professor in cellular microbiology at the University of Reading to get to the bottom of what’s…
5 Oct 2026 · 38 minNew

Is RAF Fairford Safe?

Today, after the US withdrew its bombers from RAF Fairford, the UK government has insisted the military base is safe. Our security correspondent Frank Gardner explains why the Americans moved the planes back to their home stations. It comes a week after a major incident when police were alerted to three "suspicious vehicles" near the airbase and six arrests were made. Plus, housing protests in Spain have lead to Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez calling a snap election. And in France, student protests over the condition of school buildings and staffing have led to clashes with police. Spain…
4 Oct 2026 · 36 min

Are The Public Ready To Vote Tory Again?

Today, we look at whether opposition leader Kemi Badenoch can lead a Conservative comeback. Polls have suggested the party’s popularity was at historic lows in 2025 and early 2026, but they’ve been slightly more favourable recently. So, after partygate and Liz Truss’ mini budget, are the British public ready to vote for the party again? We also look at Badenoch’s plans to build 50,000 new prison places in England and Wales, and the government’s rollback on jury trials. You can now listen to Newscast on a smart speaker. If you want to listen, just say "Ask BBC Sounds to play Newscast”. It…
3 Oct 2026 · 33 min

A Make Or Break Week For Zack Polanski?

Today, we look at the upcoming Holborn and St Pancras by-election, which Green leader Zack Polanski is standing in. We look at how big a gamble a resurgent Labour makes the vote for him, and what happens if he underperforms. Laura and Paddy also discuss the Green conference - happening now - and a row over the party’s position on Israel. And, after diesel prices rose above £2 a litre for first time in the UK, we look at the geopolitical forces at 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…
2 Oct 2026 · 35 min

The Week: Andy Burnham’s Big Speech And First Own Goal?

After a strong week at Labour Party conference has the Prime Minister made his first foul? Downing Street has said Manchester City are not "above the rules" after Andy Burnham was criticised for his comments about the club's breaches of Premier League financial rules. Adam, Chris and Joe are joined by the FT’s Whitehall editor and host of “Political Fix” Lucy Fisher to unpack the backlash, plus Andy Burnham’s big speech to conference. 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…
1 Oct 2026 · 37 min

What Happened In The Dubai-Tel Aviv Flight Attack?

Today, after Wednesday’s dramatic event in which a pilot stabbed another pilot and tried to take over a flight from Dubai to Tel Aviv, we look at what happened in the moments and hours after. Adam is joined by BBC Verify’s Thomas Copeland to help piece together the details of the story, and Jane Corbin who assesses the political reaction and how it’s going down in Israel. Faisal has been speaking to the governor of the Bank of England, Andrew Bailey, about the good and bad sides of the AI boom. He warns it could trigger market shocks. He also discusses the rise of deepfakes – AI-made…
30 Sep 2026 · 36 min

Could The UK Really Rejoin The EU?

Today, Andy Burnham has said rejoining the EU is one of the options the government could examine when looking at the UK’s long-term relationship with Europe. The Prime Minister also told Chris there are ‘strong indications’ that ‘Iran played a part in what happened’ at RAF Fairford, and weighed in on Manchester City. Adam, Chris and Faisal discuss the interview, which happened one day after conference after he announced plans to ‘amend’ the pensions triple lock. Plus, BBC Sport News Correspondent Laura Scott is on the line to bring us up to date on what exactly Man City have been found…
29 Sep 2026 · 37 min

Andy Burnham's Battle Of Ideas

Today, Andy Burnham delivers first his speech to the Labour Party conference as Prime Minister. During an emotional address, the prime minister outlined plans for a ‘National Care Service’ which would be free at point of use, funded in part by proposed changes to the triple lock" from 2030. He also talked about reforms to the electoral system and housing, and the water system. The Prime Minister received a long standing ovation when he teared up speaking about his late father, who died just a few weeks ago. You can now listen to Newscast on a smart speaker. If you want to listen, just say…
28 Sep 2026 · 29 min

Is The Triple Lock Toast?

Today, Adam and Chris interview the Chancellor John Healey at Labour party conference following his first speech in the role. In his speech, the chancellor announced £6bn of new contracts for British shipyards, which he said would help defend the UK in the long term, and emphasised the need to reindustrialise Britain and get more young people into work. But amidst a tough global economic picture, the chancellor is under pressure with UK diesel hitting an all-time high price. Plus, could the triple lock pension pledge be scrapped to help fund other things? Adam and Chris break down what he…
27 Sep 2026 · 36 min

Andy Burnham’s NHS-Style Social Care Plan

Today, we look at Andy Burnham’s plans for a national care service for England. In the prime minister’s first Sunday morning interview of his tenure, he told Laura that he would connect the care system to the NHS, and make it free at the point of use, but not before the next General Election. Laura, Paddy, and Joe Pike look at how it would work and how much it would cost. They also talk through other interesting things to come out of the conversation, including Burnham’s refusal to commit to bringing the welfare bill down, and support for a third runway at Heathrow. You can now listen to…
27 Sep 2026 · 28 min

The Andy Burnham Interview

Laura's been speaking to Prime Minister Andy Burnham in Liverpool, ahead of the Labour Party conference. This is the interview in full, in which he proposes national care service in England, refuses to commit to backing a third runway at Heathrow, and condemns masked protesters. Laura, Paddy, and Joe Pike will be analysing what the PM said in an episode to follow in your Newscast feed.
26 Sep 2026 · 32 min

Tug of War At Labour Conference

Today, ahead of Labour conference, we look out senior Labour figures trying to pull the party their way. Former business secretary Peter Kyle has said Andy Burnham's government is not focused enough on boosting economic growth and needs to act with "more urgency". Angela Rayner has criticised Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood’s plans on immigration, specifically on indefinite leave to remain. And former Home Office minister Mike Tapp has called for more action over small boat arrivals. You can now listen to Newscast on a smart speaker. If you want to listen, just say "Ask BBC Sounds to play…
26 Sep 2026 · 37 min

Bonus: The Future Of The BBC According To Its New Boss

In this bonus episode of Newscast, Laura speaks to the (relatively) new BBC Director General Matt Brittin as he looks for £500m in savings. He explains where he thinks he might find them, how he thinks the organisation should respond to changes in viewing and listening, and whether AI could or should help. A regular episode of Newscast will follow this one in your feed.
25 Sep 2026 · 32 min

The Week: When Burnham Met Trump

Today, what does Andy Burnham’s meeting with Donald Trump tell us about his premiership? Adam, Alex, Gary and the editor of the New Statesman Tom Mctague round up the political week. They discuss whether the UK government is getting better at dealing with Trump’s White House, the relationship between President Trump and President Xi, and, a big new poll which has big implications for both sides of the British political spectrum. 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…
24 Sep 2026 · 32 min

How Did OpenAI Hack An Australian Government Website?

Today, we look at how a rogue OpenAI agent hacked an Australian government website in June and accessed private data in what experts say is the first known case of its kind in the world. Tech and AI editor Zoe Kleinman and cyber correspondent Joe Tidy tell us what it means for trust in online privacy, AI companies, and government regulation. And, Zoe brings her sunglasses for a look at why Meta are removing cameras from a range of Ray-Bans. 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.…
23 Sep 2026 · 37 min

Burnham vs Trump, Putin and... Danny Dyer

Andy Burnham (and Chris!) have returned from a busy 24 hours in New York where the prime minister met US President Donald Trump for the first time, and gave his first major international speech at the United Nations General Assembly. The Prime Minister talked about fighting against Russian disinformation and pushing global AI standards. Chris has come straight from the airport to the Newscast studio to talk through the big news lines from the visit. He also reveals what happened behind-the-scenes. You can now listen to Newscast on a smart speaker. If you want to listen, just say "Ask BBC…
22 Sep 2026 · 38 min

Will Trump "Annihilate" Or "Negotiate" With Iran?

Today, President Trump has repeated his threats to “annihilate” Iran in a speech at the UN General Assembly. In a very broad speech covered Iran, Cuba, AI and the midterm US elections. And, he again clashed with reporters following a major dispute with US TV networks. Adam unpacks it all with the BBC’s chief Washington presenter, Caitríona Perry. And, Ed Davey has told the Lib Dem conference they would cut income tax and rejoin the EU single market if they win the next general election. Ahead of his speech Adam spoke to the deputy leader Daisy Cooper. You can now listen to Newscast on a…
21 Sep 2026 · 31 min

Is Europe Entering A New Level Of Threat?

Today, we take a look at what’s happening in Europe as Germany’s Friedrich Merz faces pressure after a local election defeat. Also in the region, there has been a wave of warnings about the new threats posed by Russia. France’s Emmanuel Macron, Poland’s Donald Tusk and senior intelligence staff from across Europe have both spoken out about the hybrid Russian warfare facing the west, including sabotage and threats to cyber-security. Adam speaks to BBC Europe Editor Katya Adler. And, the head of an independent review into mental health, ADHD and autism has told the BBC accusations that the…
20 Sep 2026 · 30 min

The Earl Spencer Diana Interview Analysis

Royal correspondent Daniela Relph joins Laura and Paddy in to chat through the interview with Princess Diana’s brother Earl Spencer. They discuss his comparisons between the press’s treatment of Harry and Meghan with Diana, the lasting impact of her death, and what he thinks of the Royal Family. And Laura takes us behind the scenes of the interview. 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…
20 Sep 2026 · 26 min

The Earl Spencer Diana Interview

The parts of this interview so far released have generated lots of interest, but here we are bringing you Laura's interview with Princess Diana’s brother Earl Spencer in full. He talks about finding out about her death, what he remembers of the now King Charles’ reaction to it, and the press treatment of Harry and Meghan compared to that time. Buckingham Palace this week responded to Earl Spencer’s claims by saying the King is "mindful that the pain of fraternal grief can cloud reason, affect judgement and colour memory in ways others do not recognise, even many years after such a loss".…
19 Sep 2026 · 35 min

Why Is Diana’s Brother Making Claims About The King Now?

Laura has interviewed Princess Diana’s brother, Earl Spencer, who has defended his claims about a phone call with King Charles. He says the then-Prince of Wales said "we'll forget her soon enough" during an argument over whether Princes William and Harry should walk in Diana's funeral procession. The Palace released a statement questioning his version of events, saying “grief can cloud reason, affect judgment and colour memory.” So, what does the Earl Spencer say to that? And has this row become about integrity, and the right to tell Princess Diana’s story? Laura takes us behind the scenes…
18 Sep 2026 · 33 min

The Week: Is The Economic Pain Still To Come?

Today, are we in for a winter of financial hope or pain? The Bank of England has held interest rates at 3.75% in a move which might come as some relief for mortgage holders. However the Bank’s governor has warned about high energy costs coming down the line. The move comes in contrast to the US Federal Reserve increased interest rates for the first time in more than three years. So what does this say about the UK economy? And, for the impact on the cost of living in Winter? Adam, Chris and Faisal are joined by Stephanie Flanders, head of Economics and Government at Bloomberg. You can now…
17 Sep 2026 · 24 min

Buckingham Palace Hits Back Over Diana Book

Today, Princess Diana’s brother, Earl Spencer, has claimed in a new memoir that King Charles said “we’ll forget her soon enough” in the wake of her death nearly 30 years ago. The Palace has pushed back unusually strongly, saying “ grief can cloud reason, affect judgment and colour memory”. The book ‘Swan Song: Diana, My Sister’ is due to be published next week and is expected to be highly critical of the Royal Family. Adam is joined by Daniela Relph to unpack what we already know about the claims being made in the book, and what might unfold next week. It’s not the only Royal news in recent…
16 Sep 2026 · 39 min

Is Energy About To Get Even More Expensive?

An oil pipeline in Saudi Arabia has been temporarily shut down after it was badly damaged in a strike last week. The pipeline is key to minimising the impact of the closure of the Strait of Hormuz on the world’s global oil supply. Combined with Houthi attacks in the Red Sea, experts are concerned the closure could force oil prices even higher. Adam breaks down what happened with diplomatic correspondent Caroline Hawley and what it means for the global economy with business editor Simon Jack. Plus, Faisal and Adam look at the growing pushback against AI data centres which could pose a key…
15 Sep 2026 · 39 min

Is The State Pension Unaffordable?

Today, new figures suggest the state pension will rise by 3.9% to up to £13,000 a year. The increase is based on earning figures as dictated by the triple lock, the policy the government uses to guarantee pension growth. The rise has reignited debates about the long-term affordability and generational fairness of state pensions which have seen costs balloon in recent years. Alex and James are joined by economics editor Faisal Islam who’s also been speaking to Anthropic co-founder Jack Clark about calls for greater AI safeguarding. Plus, the Thirlwall inquiry into how Lucy Letby was able to…
14 Sep 2026 · 33 min

Can AI Actually Be Slowed Down?

Today, can governments work together to regulate AI, after growing safety fears in the industry? Donald Trump, has seemingly dismissed calls for government intervention made over the weekend. The President cited the AI race with China, saying “whoever wins AI, wins.” So is there anything the UK government can do? Meanwhile the calls for a slow down in AI development has led to tech stocks falling in Europe, US and Asia. Alex and James are joined by Darren Jones Labour MP and former chief secretary to the Prime Minister, who has been calling on the government for the regulation and safe…
13 Sep 2026 · 34 min

Will Reform Have To Give Their Mega Donations Back?

After Reform’s £72 million record donations, we’re looking at whether they’ll be allowed to keep the money. Legislation is going through Parliament that could limit the amount of money foreign donors can give, and be applied restrospectively, but Robert Jenrick has said the recent donations were "entirely in line with the law". And there’s been a shift in tone from tech bosses since the concerns about AI raised by researchers this week. We look at what a more controlled future for AI might look like. You can now listen to Newscast on a smart speaker. If you want to listen, just say "Ask BBC…
12 Sep 2026 · 35 min

How Reform's £72 Million Mega Donations Change UK Politics

Today, we look at two record breaking donations to Reform UK of £72 million. The money has been given to the party by two crypto billionaires, Ben Delo and Christopher Harborne. Laura and Paddy discuss who they are, and why they’ve decided to hand over such a massive amount of cash. Delo said he wants a "fair fight and a level playing field", before Harborne said his "competitive spirit" inspired him to equal the £36 million. But what effect will this actually have on UK politics? And could it change the date of the next General Election? You can now listen to Newscast on a smart speaker. If…
11 Sep 2026 · 33 min

MPs Vote Against Assisted Dying Bill

Today, MPs have voted against a fresh move to legalise assisted dying in England and Wales. The bill would have allowed adults with fewer than six months to live to apply to be given help to end their life. It followed hours of debate and the result was close with 286 against and 270 in favour. Adam is joined by Ailbhe Rea, Political Editor of the New Statesman and Lara Spirit, Deputy Political editor of the Sunday Times to unpack the politics of the result and to reflect on the other big events in Westminster this week. Including the moment the new Foreign Secretary Ed Miliband announced a…

About Newscast

The BBC’s daily news podcast with episodes Monday to Sunday at 5pm. 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. Watch on BBC One at 23:40 on Thursday night or later on BBC iPlayer: https://bbc.in/3VoD7v . GET IN TOUCH: Send us a message or voicenote via WhatsApp to 03301239480 Email newscast@bbc.co.uk Join our Newscast online community here: https://bbc.in/newscastdiscord Or use the hashtag #BBCNewscast

Newscast is a English news podcast from BBC News. Melo plays each episode straight from the publisher's own feed — no ads added, no account needed — and remembers where you stopped, in this browser only.

Publisher: BBC News
Language: English
Category: News
New episodes: Daily
Typical length: 35 min
Latest episode: 7 Oct 2026
Feed: RSS — paste into any podcast app
Apple Podcasts: podcasts.apple.com/podcast/id1234185718
Website: bbc.co.uk/programmes/p05299nl
Rights: (C) BBC 2026

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