Episode notes
Today, we look at critical voices from within Green leader Zack Polanski’s own party, plus calls for a rule change on how the party decides policy. Last week a motion that declared Zionism a form of racism was voted on and became policy. Debate over the motion and it’s fallout dominated a week in which he may have preferred to have been focussing on campaigning in Holborn and St Pancras, where he came second to Labour in a by-election. It means Andy Burnham’s first electoral victory as PM was in London. We use that fact as an excuse to look at his relationship with the capital, and the…
Podcast
Newscast
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.
More from Newscast All episodes →
-
11 Oct 2026 · 25 minNew
Why Is Trump Calling For Zelensky To Go?
US President Donald Trump has said he thinks "it's time for Ukraine to get a new president" as he responded to Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky's criticism of the US diesel deal with Russia. Under the deal, Russia would release an initial 300,000 tonnes of diesel "to the American and global marketplace" followed by an additional 500,000 tonnes in November. We look at what’s behind Trump getting closer to Russia and its President, Vladimir Putin, as well as why he’s again turned against Zelensky. And they discuss a suspected Houthi attack on King Khalid International Airport in Riyadh,…
-
9 Oct 2026 · 37 min
Does Zack Polanski Face A Leadership Crisis?
Labour wins the Holborn and St Pancras by-election, with the Greens coming in second. But what does that result mean for Zack Polanski’s tenure as leader of the green party? Adam and Chris are joined by the pollster Luke Tryl from More In Common. 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. Get in touch with Newscast by emailing newscast@bbc.co.uk 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…
-
8 Oct 2026 · 28 min
Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor Search Warrants Unlawful
Today, Thames Valley Police has accepted that the search warrants it used to search Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor’s homes earlier this year were unlawful. Adam is joined by policing commentator Danny Shaw to discuss why they were unlawful and what this means for the ongoing criminal investigation into alleged misconduct in public office. Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor denies all wrongdoing. Also, Andy Burnham has met with German Chancellor Friedrich Merz and reaffirmed a series of defence and security partnerships. Europe Editor Katya Adler look at the significance of the visit, plus ask what…
-
8 Oct 2026 · 36 min
Bonus: The Rhun ap Iorwerth Interview
In this bonus episode, Adam speaks to Rhun ap Iorwerth, the first minister of Wales about his first few months in office, Welsh independence, and why he's asking Andy Burnham for a 'New Deal' for Wales. 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 newscast@bbc.co.uk or send us a WhatsApp on +44 0330 123 9480. New episodes released every day. If you're in the UK, for more…
-
7 Oct 2026 · 36 min
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…
-
6 Oct 2026 · 37 min
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…
Take it with you
The Melo app keeps playing with the screen off, works in the car and on your watch, wakes you to your station, and browses the whole catalogue offline. Free, no ads, no account.
