Newscast

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Why Is Diana’s Brother Making Claims About The King Now? Sep 19, 2026

Show notes

Laura has interviewed Princess Diana’s brother, Earl Spencer, who has defended his claims about a phone call with King Charles.

He says the then-Prince of Wales said "we'll forget her soon enough" during an argument over whether Princes William and Harry should walk in Diana's funeral procession.

The Palace released a statement questioning his version of events, saying “grief can cloud reason, affect judgment and colour memory.”

So, what does the Earl Spencer say to that? And has this row become about integrity, and the right to tell Princess Diana’s story?

Laura takes us behind the scenes of the interview. We will publish the full version at 16:00 on Sunday, as well as an analysis episode.

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 with Eleanor Harrison-Dengate. 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.

The Week: Is The Economic Pain Still To Come? Sep 18, 2026

Show notes

Today, are we in for a winter of financial hope or pain?

The Bank of England has held interest rates at 3.75% in a move which might come as some relief for mortgage holders. However the Bank’s governor has warned about high energy costs coming down the line.

The move comes in contrast to the US Federal Reserve increased interest rates for the first time in more than three years. So what does this say about the UK economy? And, for the impact on the cost of living in Winter?

Adam, Chris and Faisal are joined by Stephanie Flanders, head of Economics and Government at Bloomberg.

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

Buckingham Palace Hits Back Over Diana Book Sep 17, 2026

Show notes

Today, Princess Diana’s brother, Earl Spencer, has claimed in a new memoir that King Charles said “we’ll forget her soon enough” in the wake of her death nearly 30 years ago. The Palace has pushed back unusually strongly, saying “ grief can cloud reason, affect judgment and colour memory”.

The book ‘Swan Song: Diana, My Sister’ is due to be published next week and is expected to be highly critical of the Royal Family. Adam is joined by Daniela Relph to unpack what we already know about the claims being made in the book, and what might unfold next week.

It’s not the only Royal news in recent days. After Meghan and Harry had to change their children’s schools two days after the start of term, we look at what lead to that decision.

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 Cordelia Hemming and 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.

Is Energy About To Get Even More Expensive? Sep 16, 2026

Show notes

An oil pipeline in Saudi Arabia has been temporarily shut down after it was badly damaged in a strike last week. The pipeline is key to minimising the impact of the closure of the Strait of Hormuz on the world’s global oil supply. Combined with Houthi attacks in the Red Sea, experts are concerned the closure could force oil prices even higher. Adam breaks down what happened with diplomatic correspondent Caroline Hawley and what it means for the global economy with business editor Simon Jack.

Plus, Faisal and Adam look at the growing pushback against AI data centres which could pose a key issue at the US midterms. Could similar backlash come to the UK which has the third highest number of data centres in the world?

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 Cordelia Hemming and Gabriel Purcell-Davis. 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.

Is The State Pension Unaffordable? Sep 15, 2026

Show notes

Today, new figures suggest the state pension will rise by 3.9% to up to £13,000 a year. The increase is based on earning figures as dictated by the triple lock, the policy the government uses to guarantee pension growth.

The rise has reignited debates about the long-term affordability and generational fairness of state pensions which have seen costs balloon in recent years.

Alex and James are joined by economics editor Faisal Islam who’s also been speaking to Anthropic co-founder Jack Clark about calls for greater AI safeguarding.

Plus, the Thirlwall inquiry into how Lucy Letby was able to murder babies at the Countess of Chester hospital has delivered its findings, describing a "complete failure" to protect infants from harm. Michael Buchanan, social affairs correspondent, was at the inquiry and has been following the crisis in UK maternity care.

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 Alex Forsyth and James Cook. It was made by Jack Maclaren with Cordelia Hemming and Anna Harris. The social producers were Jem Westgate and Gabriel Purcell-Davis. The technical producer was Phil Bull. The assistant editor is Chris Gray. The senior news editor is Sam Bonham.

Can AI Actually Be Slowed Down? Sep 14, 2026

Show notes

Today, can governments work together to regulate AI, after growing safety fears in the industry?

Donald Trump, has seemingly dismissed calls for government intervention made over the weekend. The President cited the AI race with China, saying “whoever wins AI, wins.” So is there anything the UK government can do?

Meanwhile the calls for a slow down in AI development has led to tech stocks falling in Europe, US and Asia.

Alex and James are joined by Darren Jones Labour MP and former chief secretary to the Prime Minister, who has been calling on the government for the regulation and safe development of superintelligence.

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 Alex Forsyth and James Cook. It was made by Jack Maclaren with Anna Harris and Cordelia Hemming. 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.

Will Reform Have To Give Their Mega Donations Back? Sep 13, 2026

Show notes

After Reform’s £72 million record donations, we’re looking at whether they’ll be allowed to keep the money.

Legislation is going through Parliament that could limit the amount of money foreign donors can give, and be applied restrospectively, but Robert Jenrick has said the recent donations were "entirely in line with the law".

And there’s been a shift in tone from tech bosses since the concerns about AI raised by researchers this week. We look at what a more controlled future for AI might look like.

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 Eleanor Harrison-Dengate. The social producer was Joe Wilkinson. The technical producer was Ben Andrews. The assistant editor is Chris Gray. The senior news editor is Sam Bonham.

How Reform's £72 Million Mega Donations Change UK Politics Sep 12, 2026

Show notes

Today, we look at two record breaking donations to Reform UK of £72 million. The money has been given to the party by two crypto billionaires, Ben Delo and Christopher Harborne.

Laura and Paddy discuss who they are, and why they’ve decided to hand over such a massive amount of cash.

Delo said he wants a "fair fight and a level playing field", before Harborne said his "competitive spirit" inspired him to equal the £36 million.

But what effect will this actually have on UK politics? And could it change the date of the next General Election?

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 with Jem Westgate. 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.

MPs Vote Against Assisted Dying Bill Sep 11, 2026

Show notes

Today, MPs have voted against a fresh move to legalise assisted dying in England and Wales. The bill would have allowed adults with fewer than six months to live to apply to be given help to end their life.

It followed hours of debate and the result was close with 286 against and 270 in favour. Adam is joined by Ailbhe Rea, Political Editor of the New Statesman and Lara Spirit, Deputy Political editor of the Sunday Times to unpack the politics of the result and to reflect on the other big events in Westminster this week.

Including the moment the new Foreign Secretary Ed Miliband announced a fundamental shift on the government’s approach to Israel. Also, they discuss the news that Zack Polanski has been confirmed as the Green Party candidate for the Holborn and St Pancras by-election taking place next month, and whether the greens think they can win.

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 Cordelia Hemming. 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.

Trump's $5,000 Payout Promise Sep 10, 2026

Show notes

Today, US President, Donald Trump, has said he will offer every adult American $5,000 (£3,700) if the Republican party wins the midterms.

President Trump gave no detail on how it would work or how he would fund it. Speaking at the party's first-ever convention in the middle of a US presidential term. He also said that the country’s war with Iran would not end until after the midterms. James is joined by Caitriona Perry and Faisal Islam to unpack these latest statements.

Plus, is there a more than 10% chance AI could kill all humans within a decade? The ‘Godfather of AI’ Geoffrey Hinton says this estimate by some experts isn’t an unreasonable one. The BBC’s Cyber Correspondent Joe Tidy is in the studio to tell us what people working inside AI have to say about the risks associated with it.

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 James Cook. It was made by Jack Maclaren with Anna Harris, Shiler Mahmoudi and Cordelia Hemming. The social producer was Gabriel Purcell-Davis and Joe Wilkinson. The technical producer was Jonny Hall. The assistant editor is Chris Gray. The senior news editor is Sam Bonham.

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