Brexitcast

Today, James and Chris are joined by Lucy Fisher from the FT and Stephanie Flanders from Bloomberg to discuss; whether the Prime Minister can convince the public that an increase in defence spending is needed, how the benefit cuts are being received and what to expect from the spring statement. 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/m3YPUGv9New episodes released every day. If you're in the UK, for more News and Current Affairs podcasts from the BBC, listen on BBC Sounds: https://bit.ly/3ENLcS1 Newscast brings you daily analysis of the latest political news stories from the BBC. It was presented by James Cook. It was made by Jack Maclaren with Anna Harris. The technical producer was Mike Regaard. The assistant editor is Chris Gray. The editor is Sam Bonham.

Today, we look at why Israel has "resumed combat in full force" against Hamas in the Gaza Strip.Israeli aircraft launched massive airstrikes against what the military said were Hamas targets in Gaza, and ground operations have started again.International editor Jeremy Bowen explains how domestic politics could be a factor in Israeli Prime Minister’s Benjamin Netanyahu decisions.And as European leaders meet to discuss a plan for a potential ceasefire in Ukraine, Europe editor Katya Adler is on to talk about what NATO is already doing on the Russian border.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/m3YPUGv9New 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 fro

Today, we look at the challenges being faced by young men and boys after the former England manager Sir Gareth Southgate said he fears they are spending too much time gaming, gambling and watching pornography.James and Alex are joined by Ed Davies, Policy Director of the think tank the Centre for Social Justice, and Ceylon Andi Hickman, director at Football Beyond Borders.They discuss what’s driving the problem, which Southgate and the Centre for Social Justice says is a ‘crisis’.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/m3YPUGv9New 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/3ENLcS1Newscast brings you daily analysis of the latest political news stories from the BBC. It was presented by James Cook and Alex Forsyth. It was made by Chris Fl

Today, we look at big changes to the benefits system which the government say aim to save £5bn a year by 2030. They were announced in the House of Commons by Work and Pensions Secretary Liz Kendall who said the changes would create a more “pro-work system”. However, charities and some Labour MPs are worried benefit cuts will push disabled people into poverty. Alex and James talk through the changes with Chris, and then are joined by the pensions minister Torsten Bell. And, President Putin has agreed to halt strikes on Ukraine energy targets for 30 days after a call with President Trump. The two men spoke for around 90 minutes, and fresh Ukraine peace talks will also begin in the Middle East immediately, the White House says. Alex and James are joined by Chief International Correspondent Lyse Doucet. 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://di

Today, President Trump has been speaking to journalists ahead of his phone call with Russia’s President Putin on Tuesday. Trump told reporters that the two men will discuss land and powerplants. James and Alex speak to BBC diplomatic correspondent James Landale in Kyiv where Ukrainian officials will be waiting to hear if the phone call brings Russia any closer to agreeing to a 30 day ceasefire deal outlined with the US last week.Plus, as the government prepares to announce changes to the welfare system, James and Alex speak to Faisal Islam, BBC Economics editor about the underlying causes driving up welfare claims and what it has meant for the economy. 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/m3YPUGv9New episodes released every day. If you're in the UK, for more News and Current Affairs podcasts from the BBC, listen on BBC Sounds:

Today, we look at the news that ministers could abandon plans to freeze some disability benefits.Paddy, Laura and Henry discuss where the news came from, and what the plans were in the first place.And, after a week in which Health Secretary Wes Streeting announced that he was getting rid of NHS England, they look at how he might be changing other parts of the health service.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/m3YPUGv9New 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/3ENLcS1Newscast 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 Jonny Hall. The assistant editor is Chris Gray.

Today, Laura and Paddy discuss UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer’s virtual summit with the ‘coalition of the willing’.Downing Street say representatives from 26 countries joined the Prime Minister this morning to discuss bolstering support for Ukraine by moving military planning to an “operational phase”. But is Russia any closer to agreeing a ceasefire deal? And how strong is a coalition with no US backstop? And, can Keir Starmer succeed in building coalition within his own party? Laura’s been looking at different Labour factions - and potential cabinet fall-outs - ahead of cuts to welfare spending to be announced next week. 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/m3YPUGv9New 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/3ENLcS1Newscast bri

Today, Adam, Vicki, Faisal and Nick discuss Starmer’s attempts to speed up government, a possible fight over benefit changes and whether the PM is going to push back more on President Trump. 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/m3YPUGv9New 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 Anna Harris. The technical producer was Mike Regaard. The assistant editor is Chris Gray. The editor is Sam Bonham.

Today, Adam and Henry discuss Starmer’s announcement to abolish NHS England, which handles the day to day running of the health service and has been described by the government as the “world’s largest quango”.Health Secretary Wes Streeting is also on to talk about the plans and what they mean for healthcare 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://discord.gg/m3YPUGv9New 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 Flynn with Shiler Mahmoudi and Nancy Geddes. The technical producer was Michael Regaard. The assistant editor is Chris Gray. The editor is Sam Bonham.

Today, we look at responses and retaliations to President Trump’s universal tariffs on steel and aluminium. Adam is joined by Caitríona Perry, Chief Presenter BBC News in Washington, and Dharshini David, chief economics correspondent to discuss retaliatory tariffs from the EU and Canada, as well as Keir Starmer’s response. Plus, Russia is “studying” the proposed plan for a 30-day ceasefire with Ukraine. Chris Steele, former head of the Russia Desk at MI6, discusses how the Kremlin will approach any negotiation.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/m3YPUGv9New 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.

Today, we look at Ukraine saying it is ready to accept a US proposal for an initial 30-day ceasefire. The decision comes after US and Ukrainian officials met in Saudi Arabia for talks. Washington will also immediately restore intelligence sharing and “security assistance” to Ukraine. Adam is joined by Lord Kim Darroch - Former British Ambassador to the US and Former UK National Security.Plus, President Trump has ordered 50% tariffs on Canadian steel. It comes after the worst day of 2025 for US financial markets. Adam is joined by Faisal Islam, BBC economics editor to examine how the markets are reacting to the trade war, and why President Trump might be happy to take the risk. 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/m3YPUGv9New episodes released every day. If you're in the UK, for more News and Current Affairs podcasts from the BB

Today, we look at the new Prime Minister of Canada, Mark Carney, who has vowed to win a trade war with President Trump. Mark Carney, the former Governor of the Bank of England, will become the next Prime Minister of Canada after winning his party’s leadership contest. Carney will be sworn in, in the coming days and has vowed to win the trade war with US President Donald Trump. Adam speaks to Chris Giles, Economics Commentator at the FT and Jayme Poisson host of CBC’s Front Burner podcast.And, Adam is joined by Alex to discuss more changes to the planning system being announced by the government. Plus, news of a first by-election for Keir Starmer to face after former Labour MP, now independent, Mike Amesbury announced he will resign at the “earliest opportunity”.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/NbuxWnmYNew episodes released

Today, we hear from Ukrainians as their leader gets ready for another big week of peace talks and diplomacy.Laura, Paddy and Henry also discuss government plans to overhaul the civil service. Plus, they assess Reform UK’s “infighting” following the suspension of an MP.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/NbuxWnmYNew 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, Paddy O’Connell and Henry Zeffman. It was made by Ben Mundy and Nancy Geddes. The technical producer was Ben Andrews. The assistant editor is Chris Gray. The editor is Sam Bonham.

Today, Laura and Paddy answer your questions about the war in Ukraine, President Trump’s tactics, and the possibilities of a peace deal. We also discuss Keir Starmer’s approach to global politics, and whether his "statesman-like" appearances on the global stage have helped him back home.You can now listen to Newscast on your 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/NbuxWnmYNew episodes are 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 Ben Mundy and Nancy Geddes. The technical producer was Gareth Jones. The assistant editor is Chris Gray. The editor is Sam Bonham.

Today, Adam, Chris, Caitríona and James discuss if Sir Keir Starmer’s strategy for President Trump is working? Plus, can the Prime Minister reconcile his international agenda with his domestic one?”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/NbuxWnmYNew 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 Anna Harris. The technical producer was Mike Regaard. The assistant editor is Chris Gray. The editor is Sam Bonham.

Today, we discuss the emergency EU summit taking place in Brussels. Adam catches up with Europe editor Katya Adler about the discussions taking place about how the EU can bolster their defence spending, as well as supporting Ukraine in the face of uncertainty with the US. And Ukraine correspondent James Waterhouse dials in to discuss how Zelensky is approaching the summit, and how Ukrainians are feeling a week on from the heated exchange in the Oval Office. And Chris Mason drops in to discuss the Justice Secretary Shabana Mahmood taking on the independent Sentencing Council over new guidance which would make the ethnicity or faith of an offender a bigger factor when deciding whether to jail them.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/NbuxWnmYNew episodes released every day. If you're in the UK, for more News and Current Affairs podca

Today, we discuss the Chancellor Rachel Reeves looking at making spending cuts worth billions to the government’s welfare budget. The Treasury will put the proposed cuts to the Office for Budget Responsibility (OBR) on Wednesday amid expectations the chancellor's financial headroom has disappeared. Adam is joined by economics editor Faisal Islam to unpack what we know about the proposed cuts, and the chancellor’s Spring Statement later this month.And, former Prime Minister Rishi Sunak has spoken to the Nick Robinson in his first wide-ranging interview since leaving Downing Street. Nick and Adam unpack what Rishi had to say, including why he regrets the ‘Stop the Boats’ slogan, how he felt about a podcast questioning his Englishness and what his political philosophy boils down to. 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/NbuxWnmYNew epi

Today, we discuss President Zelensky saying that Ukraine is "ready to work under President Trump's strong leadership" to negotiate a peace deal. This comes after the US announced it would pause military aid to Ukraine, which has caused alarm across Europe. Adam speaks to the BBC’s chief presenter, Caitriona Perry and BBC international editor, Jeremy Bowen. And, the US and European stock markets fell after President Trump's 25% tariffs on imports from Canada and Mexico began. Canadian PM Justin Trudeau said the tariffs are "a very dumb thing to do". We speak to the BBC’s economics editor, Faisal Islam.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/NbuxWnmY - 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

Today, we look at possible plans for a Franco-UK peace deal in Ukraine. French President Emmanuel Macron floated the idea of a partial month-long truce between Russia and Ukraine in a interview on Sunday. But the UK government has played down the idea as just a suggestion, and say that lots of proposals are still on the table. Meanwhile President Trump has criticised President Zelensky online again. Adam and Chris are joined by Marion Solletty, POLITICO’s editor at large in France.Plus, Israel have blocked the flow of aid into Gaza, after phase one of it’s ceasefire deal with Hamas expired on Saturday night without a plan for phase two agreed. Adam speaks to BBC World Affairs correspondent, Paul Adams to find out why a plan has yet to be agreed. 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/NbuxWnmYNew episodes released every day. If yo

Today, in this extra episode, Laura and Paddy get back together to talk after Laura met President Zelensky.He told her, and a group of other journalists, that he is still "ready to sign" a US-Ukraine minerals deal after leaving the White House without it being agreed.Laura explains what it was like to be in the room as he also explained he wants “the Ukrainian position to be heard."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/NbuxWnmYNew 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. The technical producer was Stephen Bailey. The assistant editor is Chris Gray.