Newscast

Today, President Trump says he knows where Iran's supreme leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei is but "we" won't kill him - "at least not for now". In a series of posts on social media, he went on to demand an 'unconditional surrender', as Iran and Israel fire missiles for a fifth day. Is regime change likely, or a goal of the US and Israel? Caitriona Perry -chief presenter for BBC News and Lyse Doucet chief international correspondent are both in the studio with Adam. 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 Adam Fleming. It was made by Jack Maclaren with Shiler Mahmoudi and Julia Webster. The technical producer was Mike Regaard. The assistant editor is Chris Gray. The senior news editor is Sam Bonham.

Today, a report into sexual abuse carried out by grooming gangs says there was a “collective failure to address questions about the ethnicity of grooming gangs”. The audit, led by Baroness Louise Casey, said the ethnicity of grooming gangs is shied away from and is still not recorded for two-thirds of perpetrators. Adam is joined by Alison Holt, social affairs editor and Judith Moritz, special correspondent. Plus, Iran and Israel continue to exchange missile strikes as world leaders gather for the G7 in Canada. Adam and Chris discuss if a meeting of President Trump, Prime Minister Starmer, President Macron and others will make any difference to the tensions. 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 Adam Fleming. It was made by Jack Maclaren with Julia Webster. The technical producer was Mike Regaard. The assistant editor is Chris Gray. The senior news editor is Sam Bonham.

Today, we look at the announcement that there will be full national statutory inquiry into grooming gangs. Sir Keir Starmer said he had accepted the recommendations of an audit by Baroness Louise Casey into the data and evidence on the nature and scale of group-based child sexual abuse. And as the conflict between Israel and Iran continues, Laura, Paddy and Henry Zeffman, look at what the UK is doing in response. 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 Paddy O’Connell and Laura Kuenssberg. It was made by Chris Flynn and Josh Jenkins. The technical producer was James Piper. The assistant editor is Chris Gray. The senior news editor is Sam Bonham.

Today we’re looking at how Iran has retaliated to Israel’s strikes which targeted Iran's nuclear programme on Friday. The two countries have been exchanging fire. And, state media reports say Iran has warned the UK, US and France it will target their bases and ships in the region if they help stop the strikes on Israel. We look at how the world is reacting to the conflict. Shashank Joshi, The Economist’s defence editor joins Laura and Paddy to go through 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://tinyurl.com/newscastcommunityhere 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 Adam Chowdhury. The technical producer was Dafydd Evans. The assistant editor is Chris Gray. The editor is Sam Bonham.

Today, Israel has carried out strikes in Iran targeting nuclear sites and military commanders in a major escalation of tensions. Israel say they targeted the “heart” of Iran’s nuclear programme, whilst also killing Hossein Salami, chief of Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guards. Civilians, including children, were also among those killed, state media reported. In response the Israeli military said Iran launched about 100 drones towards Israel on Friday morning, with Israeli media reporting all the drones were intercepted. Adam is joined by Americast host Justin Webb and the Economist's defence editor Shashank Joshi. 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 Adam Fleming. It was made by Jack Maclaren. The technical producer was Jonny Hall. The assistant editor is Chris Gray. The senior news editor is Sam Bonham.

Today, at least 200 people have been killed when a London-bound Air India plane carrying 242 people crashed shortly after take-off in Ahmedabad, western India. Adam speaks to BBC Correspondent Archana Shukla in Mumbai about the scenes in Ahmedabad, the news of one British passenger surviving the crash, and the official response to the crash. He is also joined by Ben Katz, Aviation Reporter for the Wall Street Journal, about the Boeing 787-8 Dreamline plane and how the crash will be investigated. And, Ireland Correspondent Sara Girvin reports on the violent disorder that has taken place in Ballymena in County Antrim, Northern Ireland. 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 Adam Fleming. It was made by Miranda Slade with Julia Webster and Josh Jenkins. The technical producers were Jonny Hall and James Piper. The assistant editor is Chris Gray. The senior news editor is Sam Bonham.

Today, Chancellor Rachel Reeves set out the government spending plans until the end of the decade. She says spending on the NHS will rise by 3% a year after inflation. And also confirmed £39bn for social and affordable housing, an end to "costly" asylum hotels by 2029, and an extension of the £3 bus fare cap in England to 2027. You an read the Spending Review here! https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/media/6849171796e63bce58e4e705/E03349913_HMT_Spending_Review_June_2025_Elay.pdf 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 Adam Fleming. It was made by Chris Gray with Josh Jenkins and Julia Webster. The technical producer was Hannah Montgomery. The assistant editor is Chris Gray. The senior news editor is Sam Bonham.

Today, the clash between Governor Newsom and President Trump escalates as LA protests enter day four. A defence official has told the BBC's US partner CBS that approximately 2,100 members of the California National Guard are now on location in the greater Los Angeles area, with 700 Marines also in and around the city. Newsom called it “the deranged fantasy of a dictatorial president,” while Trump claimed LA “would be burning to the ground” without his intervention. Adam is joined by chief anchor for BBC News Sumi Somaskanda, and host of the Coming Storm Gabriel Gatehouse. And, The prime minister has said he is "not writing a blank cheque" to pay for a new UK nuclear power plant, after the government announced it would commit £14.2bn to the project. Sir Keir Starmer told the BBC the development of Sizewell C on the Suffolk coastline would create 10,000 jobs over the next decade, and provide energy security and independence for the country. Adam is joined by Adam Bell, the former head of energy strategy at the Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy. 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 Adam Fleming. It was made by Jack Maclaren with Adam Chowdhury and Julia Webster. The technical producer was Hannah Montgomery. The assistant editor is Chris Gray. The senior news editor is Sam Bonham.

Today, Labour confirms 75% of pensioners will keep their winter fuel payments, reversing a widely criticised policy. Nine million pensioners in England and Wales with an annual income of £35,000 or less will now be eligible. The payment, worth up to £300 to help with energy bills during the coldest months, was paid only to those on pension credit last year. Alex and Chris discuss the chain of events that have led to this moment, and what it says about the Chancellor, Rachel Reeves. Also, a yacht carrying 12 pro-Palestinian activists, including Greta Thunberg, was intercepted by the Israeli navy while sailing toward Gaza with aid. Alex speaks to the BBC’s Jeremy Bowen about what happened and the state of humanitarian aid in Gaza. 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 Alex Forsyth. It was made by Jack Maclaren with Julia Webster and Adam Chowdhury. The technical producer was Hannah Montgomery and James Piper. The assistant editor is Chris Gray. The senior news editor is Sam Bonham.

Today, we’re looking at what’s going on in the Treasury as the final decisions are being made ahead of the government’s Spending Review on Wednesday. The home secretary and deputy prime minister are both still in dispute with the department over the amount of cash they'll have to spend. Business editor Simon Jack and Paul Johnson, director of the Institute For Fiscal Studies join Laura to look at the numbers and the politics. And we look at Zia Yusuf’s return to Reform just two days after quitting. 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. It was made by Chris Flynn and Rufus Gray. The technical producer was Antonio Fernandes. The assistant editor is Chris Gray. The editor is Sam Bonham.

Today we hear from the woman who was the UK’s only transgender judge. Laura speaks to Victoria McCloud, who stepped down from the job last year, about her challenge to overturn the Supreme Court unanimous ruling that a woman is defined by biological sex under equalities law. In an extended interview, Victoria talks about why she thinks she could succeed, and about the ruling’s consequences. 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. It was made by Chris Flynn and Rufus Gray. The technical producer was Daffyd Evans. The assistant editor is Chris Gray. The editor is Sam Bonham.

How did one of the most powerful alliances in American politics blow up? The falling out between Donald Trump and Elon Musk has been playing out very publicly on social media, with back and forth insults and threats. Sarah Smith, Marianna Spring, Justin Webb and Anthony Zurcher unpack how the row intensified with Trump threatening to revoke Musk’s government contracts and Musk claiming, without evidence, that Trump appeared in the unreleased Epstein files. Musk also suggested that Trump should be impeached. But why does a row between the world’s richest person and one of the most powerful, the US president, matter to America and the rest of the world? And what impact could it have on the 2026 midterms? HOSTS: * Justin Webb, Radio 4 presenter * Sarah Smith, North America Editor * Anthony Zurcher, North America Correspondent * Marianna Spring, Social Media Investigations Senior Correspondent GET IN TOUCH: * Join our online community: https://discord.gg/qSrxqNcmRB * Send us a message or voice note via WhatsApp to +44 330 123 9480 * Email Americast@bbc.co.uk * Or use #Americast This episode was made by Purvee Pattni, Alix Picikles, Rufus Gray, Grace Reeve and Tom Gillett. The technical producer was Mike Regaard. The series producer is Purvee Pattni. The senior news editor is Sam Bonham. If you want to be notified every time we publish a new episode, please subscribe to us on BBC Sounds by hitting the subscribe button on the app. You can now listen to Americast on a smart speaker. If you want to listen, just say "Ask BBC Sounds to play Americast”. It works on most smart speakers. US Election Unspun: Sign up for Anthony’s BBC newsletter: https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-us-canada-68093155 Americast is part of the BBC News Podcasts family of podcasts. The team that makes Americast also makes lots of other podcasts, including Newscast and Ukrainecast. If you enjoy Americast (and if you're reading this then you hopefully do), then we think that you will enjoy some of our other pods too. See links below. Newscast: https://www.bbc.co.uk/sounds/series/p05299nl Ukrainecast: https://www.bbc.co.uk/sounds/brand/p0bqztzm

The Spending Review looms large - with Chancellor Rachel Reeves facing some difficult choices in the upcoming Spending Review, which sets the budgets for all government departments over the next few years. Adam, Chris, Alex and Faisal discuss that and what next for Reform UK after Zia Yusuf quit as party Chairman. This episode was recorded on Thursday evening. 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 Adam Fleming. It was made by Chris Gray with Joe Wilkinson and Miranda Slade. The technical producer was Hannah Montgomery. The assistant editor is Chris Gray. The editor is Sam Bonham.

Today, Zia Yusuf has resigned as the chairman of Reform UK, posting on X: "I no longer believe working to get a Reform government elected is a good use of my time". What does that mean for Nigel Farage and the future of his party? Adam and Alex discuss. And former Conservative Chancellor Jeremy Hunt joins Adam to discuss his new book, Mel Stride distancing the Tories from Liz Truss’ Mini Budget and his reaction to the breaking news about Zia Yusuf's resignation. 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 Adam Fleming. It was made by Miranda Slade with Julia Webster and Sophie Millward. The technical producer was Hannah Montgomery. The assistant editor is Chris Gray. The editor is Sam Bonham.

Today, Rachel Reeves has announced a multi billion pound investment for transport projects across the country. The money will be spent on tram, train and bus projects in mayoral authorities across the Midlands, the North and the West Country. But how different is this to money previously announced under the last Conservative government? Adam is joined by the Mayor of the North East of England Kim McGuinness. Meanwhile, the Chancellor Rachel Reeves has confirmed more people will get the winter fuel payment ?this winter?. Adam, Chris and Faisal discuss that, and more tariff turmoil. 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 Adam Fleming. It was made by Jack Maclaren with Julia Webster and Adam Chowdhury. The technical producer was Philip Bull. The assistant editor is Chris Gray. The editor is Sam Bonham.

Today, authorities start a new search for Madeleine McCann in Portugal, nearly two decades after her disappearance. On Monday, Portuguese police confirmed the search is taking place across 21 different plots of land between the resort where Madeleine went missing, and where the German investigators' prime suspect had been staying at the time. Adam speaks to BBC home affairs correspondent Daniel Sandford and Jane Hill, the 6 and 10 presenter who has covered the case extensively. And, Katya reunites with Adam to discuss the collapse of the Dutch government after the far-right Freedom Party pulled out of the governing coalition. Plus, the election of Poland’s new right-wing president. 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 Adam Fleming. It was made by Jack Maclaren with Julia Webster and Adam Chowdhury. The technical producer was Philip Bull. The assistant editor is Chris Gray. The editor is Sam Bonham.

Today, the Prime Minister says the UK military is moving to “war-fighting readiness”. The government is setting out the aims of its strategic defence review, or more simply how Britain should get ready for war. Starmer told the BBC that the world has changed and "if you want to deter conflict, then the best way to do that is to prepare for conflict." Adam speaks to Chris, and goes over the details of the plan with co-author Dr Fiona Hill. Plus, James Waterhouse, the BBC’s Ukraine correspondent, discusses a massive drone attack in Russia. 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 Adam Fleming. It was made by Jack Maclaren with Julia Webster and Josh Jenkins. The technical producer was Philip Bull. The assistant editor is Chris Gray. The editor is Sam Bonham.

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.

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. 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.

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? 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 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.