Newscast

Latest Episodes:

Labour's Essay Wars May 30, 2026

Show notes

Today, the week that the words flew - after Tony Blair wrote an essay saying Labour was "playing with fire" over the UK’s future and Starmer hit back in a Substack article.

Laura and Joe are joined by James Lyons, the former Director of Communications to Keir Starmer, to discuss his time in Downing Street, the essays and articles published by leading Labour figures this week and what could happen following next month’s by-election.

A full list of candidates and loads more information about the Makerfield by-election is available here: https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/cgrp1z8n4w2o

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 are 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 Laura Kuenssberg and Joe Pike. It was made by Jon Bithrey with Chloe Scannapieco and Justine Lang. The social producer was Sophie Millward. The technical producer was Jonathan Greer. The assistant editor is Chris Gray. The senior news editor is Sam Bonham.

By-Electioncast: Old Tweets and New Essays May 29, 2026

Show notes

Today, we find out more about Reform’s candidate Robert Kenyon back story and why his old posts on social media are making headlines. Plus, what impact could Restore Britain have on the Reform UK vote and how Andy Burnham has outgrown Mayor of Greater Manchester.

Adam is joined by Annabel Tiffin, political editor for BBC Northwest, Lara Spirit, the Deputy Political Editor for The Sunday Times, and More in Common’s Luke Tryl.

A full list of candidates and loads more information about the Makerfield by-election is available here: https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/cgrp1z8n4w2o

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 are 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 Miranda Slade and Chris Gray with Gabriel Purcell-Davis. The social producer was Joe Wilkinson. The technical producer was Mike Regaard. The assistant editor is Chris Gray. The senior news editor is Sam Bonham.

Why Can’t Young People Get Jobs? May 28, 2026

Show notes

Today, in his long awaited report, former minister Alan Milburn has said job and career opportunities for young people are ‘not growing, they’re shrinking’, with one in six set to be out of work, education or training in five years unless action is taken.

He concluded that the education, health and welfare systems are no longer fit for purpose in preparing young people for adult life - with the risk of a ‘lost generation’ and young adults facing a ‘perfect storm’ of challenges.

Adam is joined by Alex, Simon Jack and Sarah Montague to discuss.

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 Shiler Mahmoudhi . The social producer was Jem Westgate . The technical producer was Philip Bull. The assistant editor is Chris Gray. The senior news editor is Sam Bonham.

Tony Blair vs Labour? May 27, 2026

Show notes

Today, Sir Tony Blair has spoken to the Today programme about an almost 6,000 word essay in which he criticises the Labour government for focusing on politics rather than policy.

Adam, Alex and Faisal discuss the arguments made by the former Prime Minister, plus how two would-be leadership contenders Wes Streeting and Andy Burnham (who still needs to fight and win a by-election if he wants to challenge Keir Starmer) have pushed back.

And energy bills will rise for millions as Ofgem raise the price cap for the first time since war in Iran.

A full list of candidates standing in the Makerfield By-Election is available on the BBC News website https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/cgrp1z8n4w2o

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 Miranda Slade with Shiler Mahmoudi. The social producer was Gabriel Purcell-Davis. The technical producer was Mike Regaard. The assistant editor is Chris Gray. The senior news editor is Sam Bonham.

Why Did Teenage Rapists Avoid Custody? May 26, 2026

Show notes

Today, the family of a teenage rape victim whose attackers were spared jail have told the BBC they hope the "correct outcome will prevail" -- after it was announced the sentences would be referred to the Court of Appeal.

There was widespread criticism after three boys were handed youth rehabilitation orders in connection with the rape of two teenage girls in Hampshire. Sentencing guidelines state that rehabilitation should be prioritised for youth offenders. The Prime Minister confirmed on Tuesday the sentences would now be referred to the Court of Appeal. Adam is joined by home and legal correspondent Dominic Casciani.

And, Iran says the US has committed a "gross violation" of the ceasefire with new air strikes it launched on the country in the past 48 hours. It is unclear what impact the strikes will have on talks aimed to end the conflict. Adam speaks to Parham Ghobadi, senior reporter for BBC Persian and Caitriona Perry, chief presenter BBC News

To get your tickets for Newscast at the Edinburgh Fringe: https://www.edfringe.com/tickets/whats-on/newscast

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 Shiler Mahmoudi and Gabriel Purcell-Davis. The social producer was Jem Westgate. The technical producer was James Piper. The assistant editor is Chris Gray. The senior news editor is Sam Bonham.

The Peter Murrell Embezzlement Controversy (Live At Hay Festival) May 25, 2026

Show notes

The former SNP chief executive has admitted embezzling more than £400,000 from the party between August 2010 and October 2022, using the money to buy jewellery, cosmetics and a motorhome.

Adam Fleming and Alex Forsyth chat it all through with Patrick Maguire from The Times, in front of an audience at Hay Festival.

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 hosts were Adam Fleming and Alex Forsyth. It was made by Anna Harris. The social producer was Jem Westgate. The technical producers were Lewis Allsopp and Darren Wardrobe. The assistant editor is Chris Gray. The senior news editor is Sam Bonham.

The Louise Casey Interview (Live at Hay Festival) May 24, 2026

Show notes

Today, Baroness Casey tells Newscast that the judge in the case of two boys who were spared jail after being found guilty of rape was "wrong". The boys were not given custodial sentences following their convictions for raping two girls in separate attacks in 2025 and 2024.

Speaking to Adam and Alex at the Hay Festival, Louise Casey also discusses her career at the helm of some the UK’s biggest inquiries and reviews, including the ongoing adult social care commission and last year’s grooming gangs report.

For information and support on the issues raised in this podcast you can visit BBC Action Line https://www.bbc.co.uk/actionline/

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. The social producer was Gabriel Purcell-Davies. The technical producers were Lewis Allsopp and Darren Wardrobe. The assistant editor is Chris Gray. The senior news editor is Sam Bonham.

Could A Brexit Reset Mean A New Single Market? (Live At Hay Festival) May 23, 2026

Show notes

Today, Newscast is looking reports that the UK proposed establishing a single market for goods trade with the EU as part of the next phase of its Brexit reset.

Plus, two weeks on from the results, what have the elections meant for Wales?

Adam is joined by Zanny Minton Beddoes, editor of the Economist and Felicity Evans, host of Walescast live at the Hay book festival. Plus Emma Freud, host of The Archers Podcast drops by to compare shows.

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. The social producer was Gabriel Purcell-Davies. The technical producers were Lewis Allsopp and Darren Wardrobe. The assistant editor is Chris Gray. The senior news editor is Sam Bonham.

By-Electioncast: Everything You Need To Know About Makerfield May 22, 2026

Show notes

Today, the Makerfield by-election has been confirmed for June 18th 2026, and this is the first episode in a new mini-series following the contest as it gets underway.

Adam is joined by Luke Tryl, director of More in Common UK, and Kevin Fitzpatrick, political reporter for BBC Radio Manchester, to delve deeper into Makerfield, and to look at how the race is shaping up with the candidates who have been announced so far.

A full list of candidates and loads more information about the Makerfield by-election is available on the BBC News website.

Get in touch with Newscast by emailing newscast@bbc.co.uk or send us a WhatsApp on +44 0330 123 9480.

The presenter was Adam Fleming. It was made by Miranda Slade with Gabriel Purcell-Davis. The social producer was Jem Westgate. The technical producer was Mike Regaard. The assistant editor is Chris Gray. The senior news editor is Sam Bonham.

The Rachel Reeves "Fun" Tax Cuts May 21, 2026

Show notes

Today, the chancellor Rachel Reeves has announced a series of measures aimed at reducing the costs for families in the summer holidays.

Ticket prices for families at various attractions such as theme parks, zoos and museums will be cheaper during the summer holidays through a cut to VAT, the chancellor has said. The government didn’t however announce any major package of support aimed at energy costs.

On Thursday it was also revealed that UK migration had dropped to 171,00 almost half of 2024’s figure. Adam, Chris, Joe Pike and Helen Miller from the Institute for Fiscal Studies discuss.

Get in touch with Newscast by emailing newscast@bbc.co.uk or send us a WhatsApp on +44 0330 123 9480.

The presenter was Adam Fleming. It was made by Jack Maclaren with Shiler Mahmoudi. The social producer was Jem Westgate. The technical producer was Mike Regaard. The assistant editor is Chris Gray. The senior news editor is Sam Bonham.

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