Newscast

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Has Labour Just Moved Towards the Right? Sep 07, 2025

Show notes

Today, we look at whether the government’s leadership changes point to a turn to the right after a series of personnel changes after Angela Rayner’s resignation.

The new home secretary Shabana Mahmood is said to be taking up a harder stance on immigration and is looking at moving asylum seekers onto military sites as an alternative to hotels, as confirmed by defence secretary John Healey in an interview with Laura today.

Political correspondent joins Laura and Paddy to look at the latest ins and out and what we can read into them when it comes to what direction Keir Starmer’s government is going in.

And we discuss Reform’s readiness for government after Nigel Farage admitted his party is short of experience in government.

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://tinyurl.com/newscastcommunityhere

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 Laura Kuenssberg and Paddy O’Connell. It was made by Chris Flynn and Grace Reeve. The social producer was Grace Braddock. The technical producer was Jonny Hall. The weekend series producer is Chris Flynn. The assistant editor is Chris Gray. The senior news editor is Sam Bonham.

Angela Rayner: How Much Could Her Resignation Damage Keir Starmer? Sep 06, 2025

Show notes

Today, we look at the damage done to Keir Starmer and his government after he lost his deputy prime minister.

Angela Rayner resigned after the prime minister's ethics adviser found that she had breached the ministerial code over failing to pay enough tax on her flat in East Sussex.

But does that mean Keir Starmer’s lost one of his most valuable cabinet members?

Paddy and Laura reunite after the summer to discuss.

And they look at the latest ins and outs as part of the reshuffle that has followed.

They also bring you Mayor of Greater Lincolnshire Andrea Jenkyns singing at the Reform conference.

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 Laura Kuenssberg and Paddy O’Connell. It was made by Chris Flynn and Grace Reeve. The social producer was Grace Braddock. The technical producer was Rohan Maddison. The weekend series producer is Chris Flynn. The assistant editor is Chris Gray. The senior news editor is Sam Bonham.

Angela Rayner: Resignationcast AND a Reshuffle! Sep 05, 2025

Show notes

Today, Angela Rayner resigned after an investigation concluded she breached the ministerial code by underpaying stamp duty on a flat in Hove.

The report into Rayner’s conduct concluded she had ‘acted with integrity’ but had failed to meet the standards of the ministerial code by not looking for expert tax advice. Her resignation triggered a major cabinet reshuffle. James Cook is joined by Chris Mason and Laura Kuenssberg, to chat who’s in, who’s out, and how ‘Phase Two’ is shaping up for the Government. 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://tinyurl.com/newscastcommunityhere 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 James Cook. It was made by Miranda Slade with Anna Harris and Adriana Urbano. 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.

Angela Rayner: The Tax Tangle Continues! Sep 04, 2025

Show notes

Today, we look at the continuing row over Angela Rayner not paying enough tax on her second home.

James is joined in Glasgow by Chris who’s been travelling with Sir Keir Starmer. Earlier today, the Prime Minister refused to tell Chris if he’d sack Angela Rayner if she is found to have broken the ministerial code. With a judgment from the independent adviser expected before the end of the week; Chris and James discuss what could happen next.

Plus James and Alex speak to new leader of the Green Party of England and Wales Zack Polanski about his victory in the leadership election, his views on economic growth and whether or not he’d team up with Jeremy Corbyn and Zarah Sultana.

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 and Shiler Mahmoudi. The social producers was Joe Wilkinson. The technical producer was Riccardo McCarthy. The assistant editor is Chris Gray. The senior news editor is Sam Bonham.

Angela Rayner: The Deputy Prime Minister Admits Underpaying Tax Sep 03, 2025

Show notes

Today, Angela Rayner admitted to underpaying stamp duty on her £800,000 flat in Hove and referred herself for investigation by the PM's standards adviser.

James is joined by Faisal Islam, Economics Editor, and Chris Mason, Political Editor, to discuss the deputy prime minister’s explanation of her family and tax arrangements, the reaction in parliament, and the inquiry she now faces.

Plus, Rachel Reeves has revealed the date of the Autumn Budget. But the ‘kite-flying’ about what levers the Chancellor could pull is taking place in tricky economic weather - so what themes will emerge over the next twelve weeks of Budget speculation?

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 James Cook. It was made by Miranda Slade with Gabriel May, Shiler Mahmoudi and Kris Jalowiecki. The social producer was Sophie Millward. The technical producer was James Piper. The assistant editor is Chris Gray. The senior news editor is Sam Bonham.

The Big Putin, Xi and Kim Jong Un Meeting Sep 02, 2025

Show notes

Today, we look ahead to the unprecedented meeting between Xi Jinping, Vladimir Putin and Kim Jong Un happening on Wednesday, the first time the three of them have ever met in public.

It’s happening off the back of a summit in China, where Beijing hosted leaders from over 20 non-Western countries. Why are they meeting and what does it mean for the West? James speaks to BBC diplomatic correspondent James Landale, and geopolitical analyst Sophie Gaston from King’s College.

James also speaks to BBC Scotland social affairs correspondent Chris Clements about the number of drug deaths in Scotland remaining highest in Europe, despite falling in comparison to last year.

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 James Cook. It was made by Jack Maclaren with Anna Harris and Shiler Mahmoudi. The social producers were Sophie Millward and Joe Wilkinson. The technical producer was Rohan Madison. The assistant editor is Chris Gray. The senior news editor is Sam Bonham.

The Downing Street Shake-Up Sep 01, 2025

Show notes

Today, as parliament returns Keir Starmer has reshuffled his Downing Street team once again.

What has prompted another change at Number 10? What does this mean for Rachel Reeves as Chancellor? And, why are so many people talking about flags?

James and Chris are joined by 5 Live presenter Matt Chorley after he interviewed the Prime Minister, to discuss all this, plus, new changes to the asylum system.

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. The social producers were Gabriel Purcell-Davis. The technical producer was Stephen Bailey. The assistant editor is Chris Gray. The senior news editor is Sam Bonham.

Old Newscast: Margaret Thatcher Announces Her Resignation, 1990 (Part 2) Aug 30, 2025

Show notes

On this episode of Old Newscast, we look at how the downfall of Margaret Thatcher as prime minister changed British politics.

Jim Naughtie, BBC special correspondent, joins Adam with Caroline Slocock, who was Thatcher’s private secretary.

They talk about how it affected the Conservative government that followed, how she might have influenced Tony Blair, and the toll the episode took on her.

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. The presenter was Adam Fleming. It was made by Rufus Gray and Miranda Slade. The technical producer was Michael Regaard. The assistant editor is Chris Gray. The senior news editor is Sam Bonham.

Old Newscast: Margaret Thatcher Announces Her Resignation, 1990 (Part 1) Aug 30, 2025

Show notes

On this episode of Old Newscast, we look at the day that Margaret Thatcher announced she would stand down as prime minister, 22 November 1990.

Jim Naughtie, BBC special correspondent joins Adam with Caroline Slocock, who was Thatcher’s private secretary.

They go through how the day unfolded publicly and behind the scenes, and what led to the decision.

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. The presenter was Adam Fleming. It was made by Rufus Gray and Chris Flynn. The technical producer was Michael Regaard. The assistant editor is Chris Gray. The senior news editor is Sam Bonham.

The Newscast Guide to the New Parliamentary Term Aug 29, 2025

Show notes

With politicians returning to Westminster on Monday we look back at the summer and ahead to the challenges awaiting them.

Adam is joined by political correspondent Joe Pike, and director of the Institute for Government Hannah White, to discuss Reform UK’s attempt to fill the summer recess void, the prime minister’s latest reshuffle of his top advisers and the fiscal challenges facing Rachel Reeves after the welfare rebellion left her with less cash to spare.

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 and Chris Flynn with Anna Harris and Julia Webster. The social producers were Joe Wilkinson. The technical producer was Mike Regaard. The assistant editor is Chris Gray. The senior news editor is Sam Bonham.

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