Newscast

Latest Episodes:

Trump’s State Visit: King Charles's Royal Reception Sep 17, 2025

Show notes

Today, King Charles has rolled out the red carpet for President Trump at Windsor Castle on his second state visit to the UK.

BBC Senior Royal Correspondent Daniela Relph and Chief North America correspondent Gary O’Donoghue join Adam to explore all the pomp and ceremony and what both nations want to get out of this vist.

Plus, the government has announced a new UK-US tech deal which will see major US tech companies invest £31 billion into the UK AI sector. BBC Economics editor Faisal Islam joins Adam to explain how the money will be spent and what the quid quo pro 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. You can take part in the Newscast census here - https://bbc.in/newscastcensus

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 Rufus Gray with Anna Harris. The social producer was Darren Dutton. The technical producer was Ben Andrews. The assistant editor is Chris Gray. The senior news editor is Sam Bonham.

Israel Committing Genocide in Gaza Says UN Commission Sep 16, 2025

Show notes

Today, a United Nations commission of inquiry has said that Israel has committed genocide against Palestinians in Gaza.

A new report says there are reasonable grounds to conclude that four of the five genocidal acts defined under international law have been carried out since the start of the war with Hamas in 2023. Israel's foreign ministry said it categorically rejected the report, denouncing it as "distorted and false". Adam is joined by John Simpson - BBC World Affairs Editor and Presenter of Unspun World.

And, an emergency debate has been held in the House of Commons into the appointment of Lord Mandelson as the UK Ambassador to the US. Adam, Chris and Alex discuss that and whether we are about to see a change of messaging from number 10 to ahead of the party conference.

You can take part in the Newscast census here - https://bbc.in/newscastcensus

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. It was presented by Adam Fleming. It was made by Jack Maclaren with Anna Harris and Shiler Mahmoudi. The social producers was Grace Braddock. The technical producer was Gareth Jones. The assistant editor is Chris Gray. The senior news editor is Sam Bonham.

Are The Conservatives 'Over'? Sep 15, 2025

Show notes

Today, Danny Kruger the Conservative MP and shadow minister has defected to Reform.

Speaking at a press conference alongside Nigel Farage, Kruger said “the Conservatives are over” and confirmed he would not be triggering a by-election.

In response Kemi Badenoch says she is “not going to get blown off course” - Adam and Chris discuss this, and the Prime Minister’s comments today that he would “never” have appointed Mandelson had he known full Epstein links.

Plus, Adam is joined by Panorama presenter Jane Corbin ahead of President Trump’s state visit. They discuss the history of the special relationship, and whether Starmer has benefitted from his connection to Trump during his time in office.

Watch Trump and Starmer: A Special Relationship here - https://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/m002jm8m

You can take part in the Newscast census here - https://bbc.in/newscastcensus

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. It was presented by Adam Fleming. It was made by Jack Maclaren with Anna Harris and Shiler Mahmoudi. The social producers were Grace Braddock and Elizabeth Chalmers. The technical producer was Mike Regaard. The assistant editor is Chris Gray. The senior news editor is Sam Bonham.

Epstein Victim's Family Speaks Out Over Mandelson Sep 14, 2025

Show notes

Today, we hear from the family of Virginia Giuffre, who became the most prominent victim of Jeffrey Epstein.

In an interview with Laura, they said that Lord Mandelson should never have been given the position of UK ambassador to the United States.

And Business Secretary Peter Kyle told her it was "highly unlikely" Lord Mandelson would have been appointed if the extent of his relationship with Epstein was known to those in government.

We unpack the interview, the government response, and what it means for Keir Starmer.

We also look ahead to the state visit of Donald Trump, which starts on Tuesday.

You can take part in the Newscast census here - https://bbc.in/newscastcensus

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. It was presented by Laura Kuenssberg and Paddy O’Connell. It was made by Chris Flynn and Grace Reeve. The social producer was Darren Dutton. The technical producer was James Piper. The weekend series producer is Chris Flynn. The assistant editor is Chris Gray. The senior news editor is Sam Bonham.

The Mandelson-Epstein Emails - Who Knew What, When? Sep 13, 2025

Show notes

Today, we look at how Bloomberg broke the story of Mandelson’s emails to Jeffrey Epstein that got him sacked as US ambassador. And we hear new information about the investigation Keir Starmer carried out into the relationship before appointing him.

Laura and Paddy are joined by Alex Campbell who led the Bloomberg team.

You can take part in the Newscast census here - https://bbc.in/newscastcensus

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

The Week: When Keir Starmer Sacked Peter Mandelson Sep 12, 2025

Show notes

Today, we look back at a very difficult week for Keir Starmer and the Government. Lord Mandelson’s sacking as UK ambassador to the US comes only days after the Prime Minister reshuffled his cabinet and the resignation of his deputy, Angela Rayner. Starmer sacked Lord Mandelson after new information emerged about his friendship with convicted paedophile Jeffrey Epstein – a week before US President Trump’s visit to the UK. Where does this string of trouble leave the party? And, why is there so much focus on one of Keir Starmer’s main advisors?

Adam is joined in the studio by Sienna Rodgers, Deputy Editor at The House Magazine and Patrick Maguire, Chief Political Commentator at the Times.

You can take part in the Newscast census here - https://bbc.in/newscastcensus

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. It was presented by Adam Fleming. It was made by Jack Maclaren with Julia Webster and Adriana Urbano. The social producer was Liv Facey. The technical producer was Mike Regaard. The assistant editor is Chris Gray. The senior news editor is Sam Bonham.

Peter Mandelson Sacked Over Epstein Messages Sep 11, 2025

Show notes

Today, Keir Starmer sacked US Ambassador Lord Peter Mandelson following the publication of messages he exchanged with paedophile Jeffrey Epstein.

Adam and Chris discuss how the ambassador’s position became untenable, and what this means for questions around Starmer’s leadership plus Trump’s planned state visit next week.

And Charlie Kirk, an influential right-wing activist and a close ally of US President Donald Trump, was shot dead while speaking at an event at a university in Utah. But who was Charlie Kirk? And what do we know about the ongoing hunt for his killer? Marianna Spring and Caitriona Perry join Adam to discuss what we know so far.

You can take part in the Newscast census here - bit.ly/newscastcensus

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://bit.ly/3ENLcS1 Newscast brings you daily analysis of the latest political news stories from the BBC. It was presented by Adam Fleming. It was made by Miranda Slade with Anna Harris. 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.

Will Mandelson Have To Quit Over Epstein Revelations? Sep 10, 2025

Show notes

Today, politicians across the House of Commons have called for Lord Mandelson to resign as UK ambassador to the US over his connection to Jeffrey Epstein.

Lord Mandelson acknowledged that there could be more "embarrassing" exchanges to come from his correspondence with Epstein who he described as his "best pal" in a letter for his 50th birthday.

He likened his association with Epstein to "an albatross around my neck", adding he felt "profoundly upset that I was taken in" by a "charismatic criminal liar".

Adam and Chris discuss what the revelations mean for the UK and US with Caitríona Perry, Chief Presenter for BBC News in Washington

And presenter of the Security Brief, Mikey Kay talks to Adam about the state of global security after Poland shot down Russian drones that had entered it's air space overnight.

You can take part in the Newscast census here - http://bit.ly/4mfhIgb

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://bit.ly/3ENLcS1 Newscast brings you daily analysis of the latest political news stories from the BBC. It was presented by Adam Fleming. It was made by Jack Maclaren with Shiler Mahmoudi and Anna Harris. The social producers was Joe Wilkinson. The technical producer was Mike Regaard. The assistant editor is Chris Gray. The senior news editor is Sam Bonham.

Israel Strikes Hamas In Qatar Sep 09, 2025

Show notes

Today, Israel carried out a surprise strike on senior Hamas leaders in Doha, Qatar.

Hamas claims the leaders - who were in Doha as part of the delegation negotiating a possible ceasefire deal - survived but said that six others were killed in the strike.

The Trump administration was notified about the strikes before they happened by the US military, and Israel’s Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu says it was a “wholly independent Israeli operation”.

What does this mean for the ongoing war in Gaza? Adam speaks to the BBC’s chief international correspondent Lyse Doucet, and chief presenter, Caitríona Perry.

Complete the Newscast survey here - https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSdAIIJ1_9S8yY2gkpMQLtuyxYwZrURlB-QnmZ5nQ3ssQIH0mA/viewform

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://bit.ly/3ENLcS1 Newscast brings you daily analysis of the latest political news stories from the BBC. It was presented by Adam Fleming. It was made by Jack Maclaren with Anna Harris 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.

Another Government Plan To Tackle Illegal Migration Sep 08, 2025

Show notes

Today, the new Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood said that the UK could suspend visas for countries with who don’t “play ball” with the government’s migrant return plans.

This comes after the Prime Minister Keir Starmer’s surprise cabinet reshuffle at the end of last week, triggered by the resignation of his Deputy Angela Rayner, who paid an incorrect amount of stamp duty on a property. The Labour NEC has announced the timeline for a deputy leader election campaign.

Adam and Chris unpack the Home Secretary’s plans, and ask — who could be the next deputy PM?

Adam also speaks to the new Scotland Secretary Douglas Alexander about his new brief. They discuss the upcoming deputy leadership election and how the reshuffle may impact the direction of the party.

Complete the Newscast survey here - https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSdAIIJ1_9S8yY2gkpMQLtuyxYwZrURlB-QnmZ5nQ3ssQIH0mA/viewform

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://bit.ly/3ENLcS1 Newscast brings you daily analysis of the latest political news stories from the BBC. It was presented by Adam Fleming. It was made by Chris Gray with Shiler Mahmoudi. The social producers was Joe Wilkinson. The technical producer was Mike Regaard. The assistant editor is Chris Gray. The senior news editor is Sam Bonham.

Old Newscast:

Nelson Mandela

https://open.spotify.com/episode/1EKNiGlqGbulwQTNnsQIrf

https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/old-newscast-nelson-mandela-is-released-from-prison/id1234185718?i=1000725551537

Expenses Scandal

https://open.spotify.com/episode/0aNP4ZQWG7tGXwUvEjdXyV

https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/old-newscast-the-expenses-scandal-2009-part-2/id1234185718?i=1000725551590

Putin Election

https://open.spotify.com/episode/29dGTJ7gp8FWaad7UMiHKz

https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/old-newscast-vladimir-putin-elected-russian-president/id1234185718?i=1000725553589

Oslo Accords

https://open.spotify.com/episode/6Z7zsxzStgFpHK6vKvjh9Q