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Counter Terrorism Police Investigating Ann Widdecombe Death Jul 13, 2026

Show notes

Today, counter terrorism police are now leading the investigation into Ann Widdecombe’s death. A 28-year-old man who was arrested on suspicion of murder has been re-arrested on suspicion of commission, preparation or instigation of acts of terrorism.

The investigation was previously being handled by Devon and Cornwall police who had previously said there was "nothing to suggest" the murder was politically motivated. Counter terrorism Policing South East said the change had come after “new information and evidence has come to light during what has been a dynamic and complex investigation”.

Adam, Chris and Danny Shaw, policing and criminal justice commentator, discuss what we know so far.

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 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 Anna Harris. The social producers were Gabriel Purcell-Davies and Joe Wilkinson. The technical producer was Jonathan Greer. The assistant editor is Chris Gray. The senior news editor is Sam Bonham.

Does Andy Burnham Have A New Plan For Tax? Jul 12, 2026

Show notes

Today, after speaking to Rachel Reeves in what’s likely to be her final interview as chancellor, Laura speaks to Paddy about what we might get from the new administration.

Andy Burnham has talked about “room within [the Labour] manifesto for movement on tax."

What does that mean in practice?

We’ve got some clues from Labour insiders.

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 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. The social producer was Jesse Fox. The technical producer was Ben Andrews. The assistant editor is Chris Gray. The senior news editor is Sam Bonham.

The Rachel Reeves Interview (Her Last As Chancellor?) Jul 12, 2026

Show notes

Rachel Reeves has given Laura what is likely to be her last interview as chancellor.

She looks back on two years in her dream job, reflects on what she feels she got right, and is pushed on what she got wrong.

This is the full interview as a bonus in your Newscast feed. A regular episode with Laura and Paddy is on the way later.

The Ann Widdecombe Murder Investigation Jul 11, 2026

Show notes

Today, Laura and Paddy look at what we know and don’t know about the murder of Ann Widdecombe. A murder investigation was launched after the Reform politician was found on Thursday. We also hear tributes and reaction to her death. And, Laura’s been talking to Rachel Reeves in what could be her last interview as chancellor. We discuss whether it was a pitch to keep her job, or a warning to Andy Burnham. 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 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 Paddy O'Connell and Laura Kuenssberg. It was made by Chris Flynn. The social producer was Jesse Fox. The technical producer was Ben Andrews. The assistant editor is Chris Gray. The senior news editor is Sam Bonham.

What’s Andy Burnham’s Plan To Move Power Out Of London? Jul 10, 2026

Show notes

Today, Adam and Alex take a deep dive into Andy Burnham’s plan to move power out of Westminster and Whitehall and distribute it across the UK.

There has been little detail announced about Burnham’s plans to rewire the state but it’s clear that it’s top of his to do list.

Adam and Alex are joined by Ant Breach, director of policy and research at the Centre for Cities to explore what devolution in England could look like, and what the challenges might be.

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.

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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 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 Gabriel Purcell-Davies. The social producer was Joe Wilkinson. The technical producer was Jonathan Greer. The assistant editor is Chris Gray. The senior news editor is Sam Bonham.

Andy Burnham (Almost) Wins Jul 09, 2026

Show notes

Today, Andy Burnham's Labour leadership bid has been backed by 322 Labour MPs.

If no one else enters the contest, as expected, Burnham will be declared Labour leader next week before taking office as prime minister on 20 July. Burnham is currently just one short of securing 323 nominations, which is when it is mathematically impossible for a rival to reach the 81-MP threshold needed to run against him. Adam and Chris discuss.

An interim review of Personal Independence Payments (Pip) in England and Wales had found it to be "not fit for purpose". Last year, the UK government asked Sir Stephen Timms to review whether Pip was "fair and fit for the future". His initial report is being published on Thursday ahead of the final recommendations due in the autumn.Adam and Alex discuss with Ben Chu Policy and Analysis Correspondent, BBC Verify

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 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 Gabriel Purcell-Davis. The social producer was Joe Wilkinson. The technical producer was Jonathan Greer. The assistant editor is Chris Gray. The senior news editor is Sam Bonham.

Has The US-Iran War Restarted? Jul 08, 2026

Show notes

Today, the US and Iran have been exchanging strikes after hostiles were renewed in the Strait of Hormuz overnight.

Over 80 sites in Iran were targeted by the US, prompting the Islamic Revolutionary Guard to target US military sites in Bahrain and Kuwait.

Donald Trump, speaking at the NATO summit in Türkiye, says he thinks the US-Iran ceasefire is ‘over’, and threatened to hit Iran 'hard again tonight'.

Jeremy Bowen and Caitríona Perry join Adam to discuss why despite strikes and such strong comments, peace talks will likely continue.

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 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 Gabriel Purcell-Davis. The social producer was Joe Wilkinson. The technical producer was Dafydd Evans. The assistant editor is Chris Gray. The senior news editor is Sam Bonham.

Nigel Farage Resigns As MP Jul 07, 2026

Show notes

Today Nigel Farage resigns as an MP, triggering a by-election in Clacton which he says he plans to stand in. He is currently facing an ongoing parliamentary standards investigation into whether he should have declared a £5 million gift he received from the cryptocurrency billionaire Christopher Harborne.

Making the announcement in a statement streamed online, Farage said that he had done “nothing wrong” and that he needed the money to pay for security. He accused Sky News of harassing his family and said that standards regulations had been weaponised by the “establishment.” Calling the by-election “people versus the establishment”, Mr Farage said “the people of Clacton should be the judges of my actions.”

Adam, Alex and Chris unpack what the move might mean.

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 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 Anna Harris and Gabriel Purcell-Davis. 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.

Is Trump Interfering In The World Cup? Jul 06, 2026

Show notes

Today, did President Trump step in to make sure the USA’s star striker could play in tonight’s world cup game?

Folarin Balogun, was sent off in the last game and should have served a suspension for the last-16 match against Belgium. But World Cup organisers Fifa, opted not to enforce an immediate sanction on the 25-year-old, meaning the co-hosts' leading goalscorer will be available to play.

The BBC's US media partner CBS News has confirmed that Balogun's reinstatement came after US president Donald Trump called Fifa president Gianni Infantino on Thursday and spoke about the suspension. Adam discusses with BBC News chief presenter, Caitríona Perry and Dale Johnson, football issues correspondent.

Plus, Buckingham Palace says Prince Harry will not be staying at the palace during his visit to London this week, despite his team announcing this morning that he had accepted an invitation to do so. Why? Adam speaks to senior royal correspondent Daniela Relph.

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 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 Anna Harris and Shiler Mahmoudi. The social producers were Joe Wilkinson and Gabriel Purcell-Davis. The technical producer was Dafydd Evans. The assistant editor is Chris Gray. The senior news editor is Sam Bonham.

Who Is The Fraudster Who Paid For Farage’s Security? Jul 05, 2026

Show notes

Today we look at a story from the Sunday Times that details benefits that Nigel Farage received from a convicted fraudster George Cottrell, including staff, security and housing.

Reform says its party leader has broken no rules by failing to declare the support given to him before he became an MP.

The journalist who led the team behind the story and host of the podcast, Posh George: the criminal behind Farage, Gabriel Pogrund, speaks to Laura and Paddy about what they found out.

They talk about who George Cottrell is and what the rules actually say.

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 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. The social producer was Sophie Millward. The technical producer was Antonio Fernandes. The assistant editor is Chris Gray. The senior news editor is Sam Bonham.

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