Newscast

Latest Episodes:

Has The UK Softened Russia Oil Sanctions? May 20, 2026

Show notes

Today, the government announced a watering down of Russian oil sanctions as fuel prices rise from Iran war.

Adam is joined by Chris and Faisal to discuss that, as well as the cut in fuel duty and Wes Streeting’s resignation speech in the House of Commons.

And Emma Pinchbeck, CEO of the Climate Change Committee, speaks to Adam about a new report on climate adaptation in the UK.

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 Chris Gray with Gabriel Purcell-Davis and Shiler Mahmoudi. 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.

The £100Bn HS2 Debacle May 19, 2026

Show notes

Today, its been revealed HS2 could cost up to £102.7bn and trains will be slower than first planned.

It has been revealed trains will not start running until between 2036 and 2039, up to six years later than the most recent official target of 2033. As of March 2026, £44.2bn has already been spent on the programme. Adam and Faisal discuss how we have got to this point.

And, the Metropolitan Police have confirmed that up to 57 individuals and 20 companies could face criminal charges over the Grenfell Tower fire disaster.

They say they will submit evidence files to the Crown Prosecution Service who will then make a final decision on whether to prosecute with any trials unlikely to take place before 2029, ten years after the disaster took place.

Adam is joined by correspondent Tom Symonds to discuss why the process has taken so long.

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 producer was Jem Westgate. The technical producer was Mike Regaard. The assistant editor is Chris Gray. The senior news editor is Sam Bonham.

Why Brexit Is Awkward For Andy Burnham May 18, 2026

Show notes

Today, we look at why the subject of Brexit is awkward for Andy Burnham, the Greater Manchester Mayor who wants to be the Makerfield MP.

He was doing a speech today in which he clarified his position on the issue.

And Keir Starmer’s been out in front of the camera today with the same message - I’m not going anywhere.

Adam and Chris are joined by political correspondent Alex Forsyth, and diplomatic correspondent James Landale, who’s been looking at the question: Is Britain ungovernable?

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 Chris Flynn and Shiler Mahmoudi. The social producer was Joe Wilkinson. The technical producer was Jack Graysmark. The assistant editor is Chris Gray. The senior news editor is Sam Bonham.

Does Labour’s Leadership Race Mean A Battle Over Brexit? May 17, 2026

Show notes

In a speech at which he confirmed he would run to become Labour leader, Wes Streeting has said that he would ‘one day’ like the UK to rejoin the EU.

Greater Manchester Mayor, who also wants to run, Andy Burnham has said similar things in the past, he’d first have to win a by-election in Makerfield - an area that voted to leave.

So, are Labour going to go to war over the issue again? Does it put Burnham in a tricky position? And is it what the public wants?

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 and Adam Chowdhury. The social producer was Grace Braddock. The technical producer was Gareth Jones. The assistant editor is Chris Gray. The senior news editor is Sam Bonham.

Q+A: Burnham Says He'd Save Labour, But Can He Win Makerfield? May 16, 2026

Show notes

Today we look at two Labour leadership hopefuls setting out their visions for the UK ahead of a Labour leadership contest that hasn’t even begun.

Greater Manchester Mayor Andy Burnham told the BBC he’d 'save' Labour, and Wes Streeting has confirmed that he would run in the event of a formal challenge to Keir Starmer.

Before Burnham can run for leader, and therefore PM, he’s got to win the Makerfield by-election first. Laura and Paddy answer Newscasters’ questions on the subject and look at a potential cautionary tale from a by-election in 1965.

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 and Kris Jalowiecki. The social producer was Joe Wilkinson. The technical producer was Michael Regaard. The assistant editor is Chris Gray. The senior news editor is Sam Bonham.

The Week: How Did Labour Get Here And Where Do They Go Now? May 15, 2026

Show notes

Today, we’re looking back on a week of Keir Starmer fighting for his job as Prime Minister and leader of the Labour party.

Will Andy Burnham win his Westminster seat? What’s going on behind the scenes in Number 10? And who are the other Labour hopefuls eyeing a place in an eventual leadership race?

Adam is joined by Ailbhe Rea, Political Editor at the New Statesmen, and Sienna Rodgers, Deputy Political Editor at the House Magazine, to look at how we got here and what might happen next.

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. The social producer was Beth Pritchard. The technical producer was Mike Regaard. The assistant editor is Chris Gray. The senior news editor is Sam Bonham.

Andy Burnham Makes His Move May 14, 2026

Show notes

Today, pressure is mounting on the PM as Wes Streeting resigned from his role as health secretary, and Josh Simons announced he would stand aside for Andy Burnham to have his seat.

There are still some steps ahead before that happens. The National Executive Committee must select him as the candidate, and he would need to go ahead and win. Nonetheless, the party is in chaos and Starmer is facing the biggest rebellion against his premiership to date.

What happens now and if there is to be a leadership election, when will it be? Adam, Chris, Alex and Joe unpack the (many) events of the day.

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 Shiler Mahmoudi and Joe Wilkinson. The social producer was Beth Pritchard. The technical producer was Philip Bull. The assistant editor is Chris Gray. The senior news editor is Sam Bonham.

Starmer Vs Streeting? May 13, 2026

Show notes

Today, the government has laid out their plans for new legislation in the King’s speech, amid speculation that Wes Streeting is going to launch a leadership challenge against Keir Starmer as soon as Thursday.

It’s rumoured that Streeting wanted to wait in order to not distract from the speech, but the rising speculation has dominated headlines and the commons.

What was actually in the King’s speech? And what might lay ahead for the PM and the Labour party? Adam is joined by Chris and Faisal.

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 Shiler Mahmoudi. The social producer was Joe Wilkinson. The technical producer was Philip Bull. The assistant editor is Chris Gray. The senior news editor is Sam Bonham.

Starmer Says He’s Staying May 12, 2026

Show notes

Today, Keir Starrmer has said he will “get on with governing” despite another day of increasing pressure on him to resign from the Labour party.

Four ministers resigned on Tuesday, and more MPs have called for the Prime Minister to stand down. But so far no formal leadership contest has been triggered.

Meanwhile more than 100 MPs are understood to have signed a statement backing the PM, saying "this is no time for a leadership contest". Adam, Chris and Alex reflect on whether Starmer can survie the pressure.

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 Jem Westgate. The social producer was Beth Pritchard. The technical producer was Mike Regaard. The assistant editor is Chris Gray. The senior news editor is Sam Bonham.

Labour MPs Move Against Starmer May 11, 2026

Show notes

Today, more Labour MPs have called for Keir Starmer to step down, but is an actual leadership challenge imminent?

In a speech on Monday morning Keir Starmer vowed to prove his “doubters” wrong, but the number of Labour MPs calling him to go continues to rise. Dozens of MPs have urged Starmer either to step down immediately or set out a timetable for his departure.

Adam, Chris and Alex 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 news stories from the BBC. The presenter was Adam Fleming. It was made by Jack Maclaren with Jem Westgate. The social producer was Joe Wilkinson. The technical producer was Philip Bull. The assistant editor is Chris Gray. The senior news editor is Sam Bonham.

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