Newscast

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The UK’s 'Message To Moscow’ Jun 01, 2025

Show notes

Today, we look at what Defence Secretary John Healey has called the UK’s “message to Moscow” as he announces investment in weapons and factories to make them.

Laura, Paddy and Henry also talk about how much it’s going to cost, whether it’s affordable, and whether NATO thinks it’s enough.

They also talk about Robert Jenrick, after a week of the justice secretary making headlines.

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

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 with Rufus Gray. The technical producer was Michael Regaard. The weekend series producer is Chris Flynn. The assistant editor is Chris Gray. The editor is Sam Bonham.

Ex MI6 Chief On The Future of UK Defence May 31, 2025

Show notes

Today, we look at the future of defence for the UK, ahead of a major strategic defence review from the government.

Defence Secretary John Healey has said there is "no doubt" that UK defence spending will rise to 3% of GDP by 2034.

Sir Alex Younger, former head of MI6, joins Laura and Paddy to talk about where the threats are, and what it should be spent on.

The Week: Starmer v Farage, Trump Tariffs and Political Stunts May 30, 2025

Show notes

Today, Adam, Alex, James and Vicki discuss Keir Starmer’s attack on Nigel Farage saying he would “crash the economy”.

And, in light of Shadow Justice Secretary Robert Jenrick filming himself confronting fare evaders on the London Underground, the team compare their most memorable political stunts. Plus, what does legal uncertainty around Trump’s tariffs mean for the UK-US trade agreement?

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 Joe Wilkinson. The technical producer was Mike Regaard. The assistant editor is Chris Gray. The editor is Sam Bonham.

Liverpool Parade Crash Charge + Trump Tariff Chaos May 29, 2025

Show notes

Today, we look at whether President Donald Trump will be allowed to continue with his tariffs plan.

On Wednesday a court put them on hold, saying they’re beyond his power, then another court reinstated them pending an appeal.

Adam is joined by chief presenter in the US, Caitríona Perry, Americast’s Justin Webb, and FT columnist Gillian Tett.

And we find out the identity of the man who has been charged with multiple offences after a car hit fans attending Liverpool's Premier League victory celebration.

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 Rufus Gray with Shiler Mahmoudi. The technical producer was Michael Regaard. The assistant editor is Chris Gray. The editor is Sam Bonham.

Are (Even More Of) Israel’s Allies Turning Against Them? May 28, 2025

Show notes

Today, we discuss the new aid distrubition model in Gaza and why the EU’s top diplomat has gone further in criticising Israeli strikes and aid distribution.

The BBC’s chief international correspondent Lyse Doucet joins Adam in the studio to discuss the video footage of chaotic scenes at an aid distribution centre in Rafah. They discuss the controversial Gaza Humanitarian Foundation, and vice president of the European Commission Kaja Kallas’ criticism of Israel.

And there’s a fortnight to go until the spending review. Sir Mark Rowley, head of the Metropolitan Police, has been on the radio lobbying the Chancellor for more cash. BBC political correspondent Alex Forsyth is on the line with a politics wrap-up.

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 Shiler Mahmoudi. The technical producer was Mike Regaard. The assistant editor is Chris Gray. The editor is Sam Bonham.

Everything We Know About The Liverpool Crash, So Far May 27, 2025

Show notes

Today, a man has been arrested on suspicion of attempted murder after a car crashed into fans during a parade to celebrate Liverpool’s title victory.

The 53 year old from West Derby, in Liverpool, has also been arrested on suspicion of driving while unfit through drugs and dangerous driving offences.

50 people were treated in hospital after the incident - but police say those remaining in hospital are all in a stable condition.

How was this able to happen? Adam speaks to BBC Breakfast presenter Sally Nugent and long time home affairs correspondent Tom Symonds.

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 Shiler Mahmoudi. The technical producer was Jonny Hall. The assistant editor is Chris Gray. The editor is Sam Bonham.

The Newscast Summer Tour May 26, 2025

Show notes

Recorded live at Hay Festival, Adam and Alex look at whether President Trump has changed his mind about President Putin and how politician’s use statistics. Plus, Newscast continues trying to work out if the goverment’s change of policy on winter fuel allowance counts as a U-Turn.

They are joined by Anne Applebaum, journalist, historian and author of Autocracy Inc, Professor Sir David Spiegelhalter statistician and author of The Art of Uncertainty, and comedian and broadcaster Marcus Brigstocke.

If you want to come and see an episode of Newscast recorded live you can find us at Crossed Wires on the 4th July, Latitude on the 24th July, and at the Edinburgh Fringe from the 4th August!

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 and Alex Forsyth. It was made by Anna Harris. The assistant editor is Chris Gray. The senior news editor is Sam Bonham.

Huge thanks to the BBC team at Hay, as well as Chris the festival organisers.

Will Starmer Scrap the Two-Child Benefit Cap? May 25, 2025

Show notes

Today we look at whether the government is about to row back on another policy - the two-child benefit cap.

It prevents parents from claiming universal credit or child tax credit for a third child, with a few exemptions.

Speaking to Laura this morning, the Deputy Prime Minister Angela Rayner refused to confirm whether it was going to be scrapped.

Rayner also responded to a story in The Telegraph this week, after the paper got hold of a document that suggests she’s is at odds with the chancellor over economic policy.

And Laura, Paddy and Henry discuss how safe Kemi Badenoch is as leader of the opposition.

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://discord.gg/m3YPUGv9

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 with Rufus Gray. The technical producer was Phil Bull. The weekend series producer is Chris Flynn. The assistant editor is Chris Gray. The editor is Sam Bonham.

Could More Government U-Turns Be On The Way? May 24, 2025

Show notes

Today, we look at whether this week’s winter fuel U-turn could lead to the government changing course on other spending cuts.

Paddy’s taken to the streets of Camden to find out what the public think of their local MP, Keir Starmer.

And we hear from some of the 18 year old Newscasters who have got in touch to tell us what they think about the current state of UK/EU relationship.

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://discord.gg/m3YPUGv9

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 with Rufus Gray. The technical producer was Rohan Madison. The weekend series producer is Chris Flynn. The assistant editor is Chris Gray. The editor is Sam Bonham.

The Week: Migration Falls, Winter Fuel Changed And Chagos Deal Done May 23, 2025

Show notes

Today, the government are claiming credit for a fall in migration numbers - but should they?

Adam and Chris are joined by economics editor Faisal Islam and political correspondent Leila Nathoo to discuss that + the controversial Chagos deal.

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 Joe Wilkinson. The technical producer was James Piper. The assistant editor is Chris Gray. The editor is Sam Bonham.

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