MPs Vote Against Assisted Dying Bill

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1. 

   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…

2. 

   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…

3. 

   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…

4. 

   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…

5. 

   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…

6. 

   10 Sep 2026 · 42 min

   Trump's $5,000 Payout Promise

   Today, US President, Donald Trump, has said he will offer every adult American $5,000 (£3,700) if the Republican party wins the midterms. President Trump gave no detail on how it would work or how he would fund it. Speaking at the party's first-ever convention in the middle of a US presidential term. He also said that the country’s war with Iran would not end until after the midterms. James is joined by Caitriona Perry and Faisal Islam to unpack these latest statements. Plus, is there a more than 10% chance AI could kill all humans within a decade? The ‘Godfather of AI’ Geoffrey Hinton says…

7. 

   9 Sep 2026 · 29 min

   Is This The Biggest Row Between Israel And The UK?

   Today, we look at Israel’s reaction to UK sanctions against Israeli settlements in the West Bank. The foreign minister Gideon Saar announced retaliatory counter-measures, including the closure of the British Consulate in Jerusalem. Meanwhile in the UK, Ed Miliband has disagreed with Chief Rabbi Sir Ephraim Mirvis who described the move as a "truly dark day" that put British Jews in greater danger. Adam discusses the continued fallout between Britain and Israel with chief international correspondent, Lyse Doucet and Panorama filmmaker Jane Corbin. You can now listen to Newscast on a smart…

8. 

   8 Sep 2026 · 39 min

   Why Has The UK Government Changed Its Approach to Israel?

   Today, Foreign Secretary Ed Miliband has told Parliament the UK would ban the import of goods from Israeli settlements in the illegally occupied West Bank. In the speech, he said the UK government "agrees" there is ethnic cleansing in areas of the West Bank, and that the Israeli government is turning a “blind eye”. Israel has responded by closing the British consulate in Jerusalem and banning 11 left-wing MPs from entering the country. How much is this a change in UK policy toward Israel? Adam and Chris discuss with BBC international editor Jeremy Bowen. Plus, a spokesperson for Prince Harry…

9. 

   7 Sep 2026 · 42 min

   Can The Chancellor's Positive Vibes Limit Tax Rises?

   Today, John Healey delivered his first major speech as chancellor, aiming to boost confidence in the economy with a positive message. The chancellor set out his intentions for growth, investment and more jobs. But midway through, Jaguar Land Rover announced they would be making thousands of job cuts after struggling with competition from China and falling behind in the electric vehicle race. Economics editor Faisal Islam and business editor Simon Jack explain what it means for the country, and they chat through Healey’s new ‘Make Great Britain Growth Britain Again” And we've had a weekend of…

10. 

    6 Sep 2026 · 30 min

    How New Is Andy Burnham’s Labour?

    Prime Minister Andy Burnham has consistently talked about what he sees as the wrong direction the country has been taken over the last 40 years. So as the new Chancellor John Healey prepares a speech for tomorrow setting out his plans for growth, we look at whether this government will be as different as it is being presented as. The new Conservative shadow chancellor Andrew Griffith is also trying to distance himself from the past. We compare the two approaches. And after more difficult questions for Reform UK and Nigel Farage over money, we ask where he goes from here and whether can…