Newscast

Today, the Washington Post is reporting a secret plane swap, which took place as President Trump was leaving the Nato summit in Turkey last month. Adam is joined onstage at the Edinburgh Fringe by Caitriona Perry and James Cook. They discuss the reports of the president’s Air Force One plane-swap in response to a possible Iranian threat.Plus, we’re looking ahead to the mid-terms and asking: who are the rising stars in the Democrats, and what do they tell us about the party’s political direction? 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/newscastdiscordGet 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/4guXgXdNewscast brings you daily analysis of the latest political news stories from the BBC. The presenter was Adam Fleming. It was made by Miranda Slade with 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.

11/08/2026 • 37:34

Today, will Andy Burnham bringing forward a ban on ‘subscription traps’ address people’s concerns about the cost of living?Adam is joined onstage at the Edinburgh Fringe by Caitriona Perry and Joe Pike (plus a live audience of Newscasters!), to discuss Andy Burnham’s nationwide cost of living tour. Plus, how did Foreign Secretary Ed Miliband’s meeting with his counterpart Marco Rubio go? And, how was alleged cartel boss Daniel Kinahan extradited from Dubai to a court in Dublin? 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/newscastdiscordGet 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 with 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.

10/08/2026 • 36:35

Today, we look at the closest General Election of a generation as three party leaders faced their first national test.There had been building speculation about when Labour Prime Minister Gordon would call the election after taking over from Tony Blair in 2007. When he eventually did, he faced the Conservatives’ David Cameron and Liberal Democrats’ Nick Clegg. Adam is joined by Nick Robinson, who was the BBC’s political editor at the time, and Jo Coburn, who was presenting the Daily Politics.In this second episode of two focussing on the campaign, they look at bigotgate - one of the most legendary campaign gaffes of modern times, as well as the first TV leaders debates.It’s the latest of our special Old Newscast series looking back at the moments that shaped the course of modern political history 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/newscastdiscordGet 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/4guXgXdNewscast brings you daily analysis of the latest political news stories from the BBC. The presenter was Adam Fleming. It was made by Chris Flynn with Rosie Merotra. 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.

09/08/2026 • 39:58

Today, we look at the closest General Election of a generation as three party leaders faced their first national test.There had been building speculation about when Labour Prime Minister Gordon would call the election after taking over from Tony Blair in 2007. When he eventually did, he faced the Conservatives’ David Cameron and Liberal Democrats’ Nick Clegg. Adam is joined by Nick Robinson, who was the BBC’s political editor at the time, and Jo Coburn, who was presenting the Daily Politics.In this first of two episodes focussing on the campaign, they look at the fight to win the argument over how to try to help the country recover after the 2008 financial crash, and Nick reveals his scariest moment in the job.It’s the latest of our special Old Newscast series looking back at the moments that shaped the course of modern political history 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/newscastdiscordGet 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/4guXgXdNewscast brings you daily analysis of the latest political news stories from the BBC. The presenter was Adam Fleming. It was made by Chris Flynn with Rosie Merotra. 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.

08/08/2026 • 29:53

Today, after a week of deadly strikes targeting factories and infrastructure is the War in Ukraine entering a new phase of aggression?President Zelensky has appealed for more ballistic missile interceptors after twenty one people were killed in a night in Kyiv. Moscow fired 115 drones and 24 ballistic missiles. Most of the drones were shot down, but Kyiv's depleted air defences did not intercept any of the missiles.In Moscow oil refineries and factories have been targeted by Ukrainian drones. An estimated £750m worth of goods were destroyed after Russia’s biggest online retailer, Wildberries, was hit last month. So has the war entered a new phase?Adam is joined by Russia editor Steve Rosenberg and Ukraine Correspondent Dan Johnson 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/newscastdiscordGet 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 Shiler Mahmoudi and 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.

07/08/2026 • 23:57

Today, are some of the world’s leading AI companies doing enough to stop their models from going rogue?Facebook owner Meta has become the latest tech firm to say one of its AI models hacked another company. Similar breaches by OpenAI and Anthropic models have raised cyber-security concerns and prompted calls for tougher safeguards and more rigorous testing. Adam discusses with Professor Gina Neff, Head of the Minderoo Centre for Technology and Democracy at the University of Cambridge and Ciaran Martin - Former CEO of The National Security Centre. And the majority of England’s rivers and lakes have failed a new environmental review. Data from the Environment Agency shows only around one in seven are classed as being in good ecological condition. Despite a record £22bn earmarked for water company environmental improvements by 2030, the overall picture has changed little since 2019. Adam is joined by Environment Correspondent Matt McGrath.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/newscastdiscordGet 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 and Shiler Mahmoudi. 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.

06/08/2026 • 28:41

Today, we discuss the Conservative Party’s decision to select an ex neo-Nazi as a council election candidate in Somerset.Joshua Bonehill-Paine spent three years in prison for posting antisemitic material ahead of a planned neo-Nazi rally in 2015. While in prison, he was also convicted of racially harassing then-Labour MP Luciana Berger, who is Jewish. Kemi Badenoch has defended the decision, saying he had been rehabilitated and was now "part of the fight against antisemetism". Adam is joined by political correspondent Joe Pike and home affairs correspondent Daniel Sandford to discuss.Adam and Joe also look at the other stories making headlines in UK politics. Andy Burnham‘s appeared on another podcast, Green Party leader Zack Polanski has been speaking about Green issues in a more direct way than we’ve often seen him during his tenure.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/newscastdiscordGet 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 with Shiler Mahmoudi and 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.

05/08/2026 • 28:32

Today, there has been more criticism from victims’ families over plans to release some prisoners early. Under the policy, due to begin in October, thousands of prisoners will be eligible to be released part way through their sentences. Ministers announced last night that prisoners guilty of rape, serious child sex offences and grooming will be excluded. Adam is joined by home and legal affairs correspondent Dominic Casciani and Pia Sinha former prison governor and chief executive of the Prison Reform Trust.And, after a humbling few days for President Trump is he able to reclaim the initiative before the US midterm elections? Adam is joined by Americast’s Anthony Zurcher.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/newscastdiscordGet 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 Gabriel Purcell-Davis. The technical producer was Mike Regaard. The assistant editor is Chris Gray. The senior news editor is Sam Bonham.

04/08/2026 • 34:28

Today, Reform have announced plans to use the Navy to stop small boat crossings. They suggest, that if they are elected, military personnel would accompany migrants back across the English channel, overriding French objections if necessary.Their opponents have said the plans are unworkable and come at a time when the party has been under pressure. Nigel Farage has been facing questions about his handling of donations and the party’s finances have been under wider scrutiny. James and Henry unpack the policy and look at why Reform has had a difficult summer. Plus, what happened when around 60,000 migrants tried to cross into Spanish territory from Morocco in one go? James is joined by Aitor Hernández-Morales, senior reporter at Politico and Greg Holyoke, Middle East North Africa specialist for BBC Monitoring to discuss Thursday’s migration crisis in Ceuta. 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/newscastdiscordGet 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 Shiler Mahmoudi and Anna Harris. The social producer was Gabriel Purcell-Davis. The technical producer was Jonathan Greer. The assistant editor is Chris Gray. The senior news editor is Sam Bonham.

03/08/2026 • 37:55

Today, we look at David Cameron’s rapid rise to Conservative leader in 2005. This is the second of six Old Newscasts looking at the story of 30 years of British politics through six votes.In this two part episode we tell the story of how after another damaging election defeat the Conservatives were once again looking for a new leader. After years in the political wilderness could the Tories elect someone who could end New Labour?Adam is joined by James Landale who was chief political correspondent of BBC News and George Eustice who was head of press for David Cameron.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/newscastdiscordGet 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 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.

02/08/2026 • 33:29

Today, we look at David Cameron’s rapid rise to Conservative leader in 2005. This is the second of six Old Newscasts looking at the story of 30 years of British politics through six votes.In this two part episode we tell the story of how after another damaging election defeat the Conservatives were once again looking for a new leader. After years in the political wilderness could the Tories elect someone who could end New Labour?Adam is joined by James Landale who was chief political correspondent of BBC News and George Eustice who was head of press for David Cameron.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/newscastdiscordGet 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 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.

01/08/2026 • 30:11

Today, an almighty bust up is happening in the world of football between Fifa and Uefa. FIFA, who run the World cup, whose President Gianni Infantino recently announced a proposal to sell stakes in its competitions to private investors. UEFA, the governing body of European football, responded by calling an emergency meeting and the confederation unanimously voted in favour of a boycott should these plans go ahead. Jane Dougall, BBC Sports News Presenter and Simon Jack, Business Editor join Adam to discuss Infantino’s proposal and what might happen next. Plus, Hamas have agreed to President Donald Trump’s plans to disarm in Gaza. However the deal is contingent on Israel ending "all forms of aggression" and withdrawing its forces from Gaza. International Editor Jeremy Bowen joins Adam to discuss the latest developments on this story and what this might mean for the ongoing conflict. 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/newscastdiscordGet 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 Rosie Merotra. 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.

31/07/2026 • 32:19

Today, a major incident has been declared in Suffolk where a wildfire the size of 140 football pitches is burning. The fire is not yet under control, but Suffolk’s chief fire officer says it currently poses no risk to nearby nuclear power station Sizewell B. And, in the rest of the UK, drought has been declared in Wales and more than half of England.Adam is joined by Anna Murgatroyd, lecturer in hydrology at Newcastle University, and Theodore Keeping, climate and wildfire scientist at Imperial College London, to discuss how the fire service are tackling the blaze plus how daily life could be affected by a drought in England and Wales.And, the conflict between the US and Iran has expanded following escalations over the last few weeks. The US has retaliated with strikes across the country after Iran launched attacks on US bases in Jordan earlier this week. Caitríona Perry, chief news presenter, and Parham Ghobadi, senior reporter for BBC Persian, join Adam to explain the latest developments in the conflict. 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/newscastdiscordGet 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 and Rosie Merotra. The social producer was Gabriel Purcell-Davis and Beth Pritchard. The technical producer was Dafydd Evans. The assistant editor is Chris Gray. The senior news editor is Sam Bonham.

30/07/2026 • 34:47

Today, Prime Minister Andy Burnham has said he wants a major reform of the current social care system in England and set out his three-point plan to achieve it.The prime minister has brought forward a review of social care by Baroness Casey, and has asked the Conservatives and the Liberal Democrats to work with him on his reforms. But what does Andy Burnham mean by a ‘National Care Service’? Why have 22 previous reviews into adult social care failed to affect change? And how will he fund the major task of fixing social care in England?Adam is joined by Alison Holt, Social Affairs Editor, Jim Reed, Health Reporter, and Ben Chu, Policy and Analysis Correspondent at BBC Verify, to comb through everything we learned - and everything we didn’t - from the Prime Minister today. 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/newscastdiscordGet 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 Slate with Rosie Merotra and Shiler Mahmoudi. 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.

29/07/2026 • 39:31

Today, secondary school pupils in England will be offered more technical subjects as part of education reforms led by the new Prime Minister.The courses, which will be available from year 10 onwards will be linked to local industries in the hope of giving children a clearer pathway into work.Andy Burnham says he’s keen to strengthen links between education and the workplace and these reforms come alongside a new bursary scheme which aims to remove financial barriers to accessing apprenticeships.Adam discusses the reforms, and whether they can achieve their aims, with Justine Greening, the former education secretary and founder of the Purpose Coalition which aims to improve social mobility and Shane Chowen, editor at FE Week.Plus, Adam catches up with By-Electioncast veterans Sarah Lester, editor of the Manchester Evening News and Kevin Fitzpatrick, political reporter at Radio Manchester to discuss the Manchester mayoral by-election, which goes to the polls on Thursday.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/newscastdiscordGet 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 and Rosie Merotra. The social producer was Gabriel Purcell-Davies. The technical producer was Ben Andrews. The assistant editor is Chris Gray. The senior news editor is Sam Bonham.

28/07/2026 • 41:13

Today, intense and historic wildfires continue to burn in parts of Europe with more than 300,000 people having now been evacuated across France and Spain. Adam is joined by Climate and Wildfire Scientist Theodore Keeping and Aitor Hernandez-Morales - Senior Reporter for Politico to discuss why these wildfires are so hard to control and what the political reaction to them has been. Plus, in a recent interview with Laura, Andy Burnham claimed the ‘NHS will collapse’ if social care is not reformed. Henry joins Adam to unpack these comments and discuss why social care reform is so important to the new PM. 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/newscastdiscordGet 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 Rosie Mertora and Anna Harris. The social producer was Jem Westgate. The technical producer was Rohan Madisoin. The assistant editor is Chris Gray. The senior news editor is Sam Bonham.

27/07/2026 • 37:26

What kind of prime minister will Andy Burnham be? Laura Kuenssberg has been behind the scenes with him during his first week in power. In his first major broadcast interview since taking office, she asks about his plans - and the challenges ahead.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/newscastdiscordGet 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

27/07/2026 • 26:44

Today, Andy Burnham says he would be prepared to call out Donald Trump to defend Britain's "national interest before anything else" if it is the right thing to do, in his first major interview as prime minister.Speaking exclusively to the Laura for the BBC, Burnham said he had had a good first exchange with Trump, finding him to be "really warm".Adam and Laura dissect what the Prime Minister said. You’ll be able to hear that interview in full tomorrow in the newscast feed. 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/newscastdiscordGet 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/4guXgXdNewscast brings you daily analysis of the latest political news stories from the BBC. The presenters were Adam Fleming and Laura Kuenssberg. It was made by Chris Gray. The technical producer was Stephen Murphy. The assistant editor is Chris Gray. The senior news editor is Sam Bonham.

26/07/2026 • 37:12

Today, we start the first of six Old Newscasts looking at the story of 30 years of British Politics through six votes. We start in 1997, when the Prime Minister John Major called an election, hoping to extend 18 years of Conservative rule, and beat Labour’s Tony Blair .To help us, we have two BBC legends who were there at the time. Jeremy Vine was the BBC's political reporter and Kirsty Wark was presenting Newsnight.In this, the first of two 1997 election episodes, we look at what contributed to Blair’s landslide.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/newscastdiscordGet 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. The social producer was Joe Wilkinson. The assistant editor is Chris Gray. The senior news editor is Sam Bonham.

26/07/2026 • 31:54

Today, we start the first of six Old Newscasts looking at the story of 30 years of British Politics through six votes. We start in 1997, when the Prime Minister John Major called an election, hoping to extend 18 years of Conservative rule, and beat Labour’s Tony Blair .To help us, we have two BBC legends who were there at the time. Jeremy Vine was the BBC's political reporter and Kirsty Wark was presenting Newsnight.In this, the first of two 1997 election episodes, we look at the lay of the land in the run up to the vote.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/newscastdiscordGet 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. The social producer was Joe Wilkinson. The assistant editor is Chris Gray. The senior news editor is Sam Bonham.

25/07/2026 • 20:41

Today, Prime Minister Andy Burnham has officially opened up the doors to Number 10 North which he has described as the ‘best day of my life’. Adam is joined by Lucy Fisher - Whitehall editor at the Financial Times and Patrick Maguire Chief Political Commentator at the Times, and they discuss how No 10 North is shaping up and whether it will be more than just a gimmick. Plus, they look back at Andy Burnham’s announcements in his first week in office and whether it sets a precedent for how he will run 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://bbc.in/newscastdiscordGet 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 Rosie Merotra. 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.

24/07/2026 • 37:24

Today, Prime Minister Andy Burnham announced ‘no prisoners will be let out’ under early release scheme until he has conducted an ‘urgent review’. The announcement comes after the widow of PC Andrew Harper described the possible early release of prisoners as ‘deplorable’, following reports that two of his killers could be freed early. Adam is joined by Dominic Casciani, home and legal correspondent, to discuss what this means for the prison system. Plus, in his third policy announcement in as many days, Andy Burnham announced a 20% cut to business rates for pubs, clubs and live music venues in England from April. Director of the Institute for Fiscal Studies Helen Miller and BBC Business Editor Simon Jack join Adam to discuss how the government plans to fund this cut and how ever-changing taxes affect business owners.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/newscastdiscordGet 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 Rosie Merotra. The social producer was Joe Wilkinson. The technical producer was Phil Bull. The assistant editor is Chris Gray. The senior news editor is Sam Bonham.

23/07/2026 • 38:53

Today, Andy Burnham has announced the return of the £2 bus fare cap in most of England - taking effect from January 2027. Bus fares had initially been capped at £2 in 2023 by the Conservatives, and was later increased to £3 by Keir Starmer. Andy Burnham has reversed the Starmer policy, but how will it be funded?And, Scottish Labour leader Anas Sarwar, one of the first and most senior Labour politicians to pubilicly call for Keir Starmer to go, is expected to join Andy Burnham's government. He’ll be joining fellow Starmer dissenters Wes Streeting and John Healey in the cabinet. Adam is joined by Chris Mason and Henry Zeffman to unpack it all.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/newscastdiscordGet 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/4guXgXdNewscast 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 Rosie Merotra and Shiler Mahmoudi. 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.

22/07/2026 • 31:22

Today, on the first full day of his premiership Prime Minister Andy Burnham has laid out plans for scrapping VAT on household electricity bills and has claimed he wants a ‘cost of living government’. Burnham said he would scrap VAT on household electricity bills in October, saving a typical household about £45 a year. This will be paid for by scrapping Keir Starmer's digital ID scheme, No 10 says, but ex-minister Darren Jones argues the ID scheme was "unfunded". Adam, Alex and Faisal discuss.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/newscastdiscordGet 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 Rosie Merota and Shiler Mahmoudi. The social producer was Beth Pritchard . The technical producer was Rohan Madison. The assistant editor is Chris Gray. The senior news editor is Sam Bonham.

21/07/2026 • 32:18

Today, in this extra helping of Newscast, we look at Andy Burnham’s cabinet - who's been called up and who's been sacked - as he assembles his team on his first day as prime minister.Amongst the announcements, Adam and Chris discuss the surprise appointment of John Healey as chancellor – as well as Shabana Mahmood keeping her role at the Home Office and Ed Miliband moving to foreign secretary. 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/newscastdiscordGet 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. The technical producer was Ben Andrews. The assistant editor is Chris Gray. The senior news editor is Sam Bonham.

20/07/2026 • 33:09

Today, Andy Burnham has officially become Prime Minister, after meeting with King Charles this morning. In a speech outside Downing Street, Andy Burnham pledged to end rough sleeping and offer cost of living support as well as a new political and economic model. He promised to soon set out a ten year plan for the country and said politicians needed to be better. Adam is in Downing Street with Chris, Faisal and Laura to unpack the speech. 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/newscastdiscordGet 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 and Rosie Merotra. The social producer was Gabriel Purcell-Davis. The assistant editor is Chris Gray. The senior news editor is Sam Bonham.

20/07/2026 • 39:22

Today we look at what Number 10 has in store for Andy Burnham ahead of his first day as prime minister with two insiders who’ve been there with former prime ministers.Lord Stewart Wood was an advisor to Gordon Brown and Lucia Hodgson was Boris Johnson’s deputy dire of communications.They explain what the first day is like, what they expect from the new PM, and the unexpected quirks of the job.We also look at plans to drop government-issued digital ID for all British adults and what he’ll do with Thames Water.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/newscastdiscordGet 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/4guXgXdNewscast brings you daily analysis of the latest political news stories from the BBC. The presenter was Paddy O'Connell and Laura Kuenssberg. It was made by Chris Flynn. The social producer was Beth Pritchard. The technical producer was Ben Andrews. The assistant editor is Chris Gray. The senior news editor is Sam Bonham.

19/07/2026 • 42:32

Today we look at how Andy Burnham is preparing for government on the weekend before he’s due to move into Number 10.He’s still to make decisions around his cabinet public, but we reveal how he’s actually keeping a lot of Starmer’s staff.Laura, Paddy and Hennry Zeffman discuss his plans for oil and gas after the BBC is told he’s planning to announce new drilling off the coast of Scotland and ask, does that give us a clue as to who the chancellor will 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 join our Newscast online community here: https://bbc.in/newscastdiscordGet 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/4guXgXdNewscast brings you daily analysis of the latest political news stories from the BBC. The presenter was Paddy O'Connell and Laura Kuenssberg. It was made by Chris Flynn with Kris Jalowiecki. The social producer was Jesse Fox. The technical producer was Ben Andrews. The assistant editor is Chris Gray. The senior news editor is Sam Bonham.

18/07/2026 • 41:21

Today, Andy Burnham is set to become Prime Minister - but who is he? And, how did he get here?Adam and Chris are joined by special correspondent Judith Moritz and Burnham’s close friend Steve Rotheram, Liverpool City Region Mayor, to look back at his life and career.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/newscastdiscordGet 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 with Jack Maclaren. 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.

17/07/2026 • 62:16

Today, Adam is joined by legendary broadcaster Andrew Marr, who is one of the very few people to have interviewed Andy Burnham before he goes into number 10.As Burnham prepares to take the reins of government, some things remain unclear about what he will do when he gets there. Who will be in his cabinet? And how will he tackle the economic challenges that faced Keir Starmer’s premiership? 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/newscastdiscordGet 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 Shiler Mahmoudi. The social producer was Beth Pritchard. The technical producer was Ben Andrews. The assistant editor is Chris Gray. The senior news editor is Sam Bonham.

16/07/2026 • 31:41