Brexitcast

Today we look at the latest in claims of briefings coming out of Number 10.The prime minister's chief of staff Morgan McSweeney was not involved "directly or indirectly" in briefings against cabinet ministers and will not be leaving his job, sources have told the BBC.Some in government have blamed McSweeney for being the source of the briefings.McSweeney has not responded to calls for comment but people who have spoken to him have told the BBC: "He's done absolutely nothing wrong. He's not going anywhere."To discuss it, Adam is joined by chief political correspondent, Henry Zeffman and Tom Baldwin, former senior Labour adviser and author of ‘Keir Starmer: The Biography’.This episode of Newscast was recorded as part of our 25-hour Podcast-a-thon for Children in Need.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 Shiler Mahmoudi. The social producer was Grace Braddock. The technical pr

Today, there has been extensive speculation about the extent to which Sir Keir Starmer was aware of the anonymous briefings attacking potential leadership challengers in his own party. Sir Keir Starmer has insisted he has "never authorised" attacks on his cabinet ministers, calling briefings against them "unacceptable".Adam and Chris are joined by Alex Forsyth to discuss why this could be a sign of deeper problems for the Labour government, rather than just Westminster bubble gossip.Plus Adam and Alex give an update on Donald Trump’s threat of legal action against the BBC, after Ed Davey questioned Keir Starmer on the matter at PMQs. 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 th

Today, will the BBC actually end up in court against President Trump?Where would a potential lawsuit by President Trump against the BBC take place? Is $1 billion dollars a realistic figure? What are the calculations both sides are making? Adam discusses with BBC home and legal correspondent Dominic Casciani. And, the rate of UK employment has risen to 5%, the highest level since the pandemic. Meanwhile, Keir Starmer has dropped the biggest hint yet he is about to scrap the two child benefit cap. Adam is joined by Henry and Dharshini. 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/4guXg

Today, President Trump has threatened to sue the BBC for $1bn. In a latter to the corporation Trump’s legal team demands the BBC “immediately retract” a Panorama programme which edited a speech he made calling it “false and defamatory”.It comes as BBC chair Samir Shah apologised for an "error of judgement" over the edit, and said the BBC was considering how to respond to Trump.BBC director general Tim Davie and CEO of BBC news Deborah Turness resigned on Sunday night, after a leaked memo criticised a 2024 Panorama programme about the US president.Adam and Chris are joined by Chief Washington Presenter Caitriona Perry and Media and Culture Editor Katie Razzall. 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 ev

Today, Laura spoke to the Culture Secretary Lisa Nandy, who has said she retains confidence in the BBC’s leadership, as the corporation prepares to apologise over the way it edited a Donald Trump speech.Adam and Henry discuss the political ramifications of that interview, as well as other accusations made in the letter by Michael Prescott, a former independent external adviser to the BBC’s editorial guidelines and standards committee.BBC chair Samir Shah will provide a response to the Culture, Media and Sport Committee on Monday. Plus, we learned today that UK military personnel and equipment are being sent to Belgium to help it bolster its defences after drones were spotted near the main airport, Zavantem. But how much do we know about the drones and their origin?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 Ne

​​Today, the BBC announced that Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood is to unveil a major shake-up of the immigration and asylum system modelled on the Danish system, which is seen as one of the toughest in Europe. ​​ ​​Political correspondent Iain Watson joins Laura and Adam in the studio to tell them about his trip to Denmark where he’s been speaking to the people responsible for, and affected by, those reforms. ​​ ​​Also, Laura has interviewed the mother who is taking legal action against the company behind a chat bot which, she says, encouraged her 14 year old son to take his own life. We discuss some of the implications that AI could have for vulnerable people in the future, and how politicians might handle it. ​​ ​​You can now listen to Newscast on a smart speaker. If you want to listen, just say "Ask BBC Sounds to play Newscast”. It works on most smart speakers. ​​ ​​You can join our Newscast online community here: https://bbc.in/newscastdiscord ​​ ​​Get in touch with Newscast by emailing newscast@bbc.co.u

Today, after another two prisoners were mistakenly released from prison - why is the justice system failing and who is to blame?Justice Secretary David Lammy is under increasing pressure after details have emerged that two more prisoners have been wrongly released. Why didn’t Mr Lammy explain the situation when he was speaking during PMQs? And what has gone wrong?Plus, after a week where it has become increasingly clear more tax rises are expected at the budget - what is the chancellor’s plan?Adam and Chris are joined by the head of the Institute for Fiscal Studies Helen Miller and Luke Tryl from More in Common. 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 C

Today, Adam is joined by the BBC’s climate editor Justin Rowlatt, and Daniela Relph senior royal correspondent, to discuss Keir Starmer and Prince William’s speeches at COP30.The Prince and the Prime Minister gave speeches that were slightly at odds with each other as Prince William called upon “the power of urgent optimism” whilst the PM warned that the “consensus is gone” on climate change. Plus Adam is joined by Alex who’s been deep diving into Reform led local councils and what their first six months of governance can tell us about what a Reform led UK government could look like.You can now listen to Newscast on a smart speaker. If you want to listen, just say "Ask BBC Sounds to play Newscast”. It works on most smart speakers. You can join our Newscast online community here: https://bbc.in/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 fro

Today, news that two prisoners were wrongly freed broke after the Conservatives' James Cartlidge pressed deputy PM David Lammy in the Commons on whether any asylum seekers had been mistakenly released since Hadush Kebatu last month.Adam and Chris chat to home affairs commentator Danny Shaw on what we know about the release, the individuals involved and the political ramifications.Then Adam speaks to Sir Charlie Mayfield, lead of the 'Keep Britain Working' review and former Chairman of the John Lewis Partnership to discuss his report into ill-health and employment.We talk about his plans to get employees, employers and the Government working together to prevent economic inactivity due to people not working for health reasons.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

Today, Rachel Reeves has refused to rule out tax rises in a speech laying the groundwork ahead of the budget. The Chancellor told gathered journalists “the world has thrown even more challenges our way” in a speech which seemed to confirm tax rises on 26th November. Labour had previously pledged not to hike income tax, VAT or National Insurance in it’s general election manifesto. Adam and Chris are joined by deputy economic editor Dharshini David. 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

Today, Kemi Badenoch joins Newscast to mark 1 year since she became Conservative Party leader. What has she made of her first year? Has she had to re think her approach to PMQs? Is Reform an existential threat to her party? And, will she stay on as leader regardless of the results in May’s elections? 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 booking producer was Miranda Slade. The soci

Today, Alex joins Laura to discuss what we know about a stabbing attack that took place on board a Doncaster-London train on Saturday evening. The police have said "there's nothing to suggest" it was a terrorist incident. Two British nationals are being held in custody on suspicion of murder.Plus we continue yesterday’s conversation about politicians weighing into royal affairs, as the Defence Secretary, John Healey, tells Laura that the King wants Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor to lose his military titles.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 analy

Today, we discuss how the saga the led to Prince Andrew becoming Andrew Mountbatten Windsor might have led to a shift in the relationship between politicians and the Palace.Pressure is also mounting on Andrew from politicians in the US as members of a congressional committee investigating the Jeffrey Epstein case have intensified their calls for Andrew to answer questions about his links to the late sex offender.Alex steps in for Paddy who’s away.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

Today, why did the King choose now to strip Andrew of his titles?Adam, Alex, Ben Chu of BBC Verify and Matthew Doyle the former Downing Street communications director react to the news that Prince Andrew will now be known as Andrew Mountbatten Windsor. Will we see him in public life again?The panel also discuss the possibility of tax rises in the upcoming budget. And whether the labour government have backed themselves into a corner with their tax promises. 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

Today, Buckingham Palace has announced it has stripped Andrew of his title of “Prince”. He will be now known as Andrew Mountbatten Windsor - effective immediately. He will also have to leave his official residence, Royal Lodge.Adam is joined by Victoria Derbyshire, Newsnight Presenter and BBC Royal Correspondent Daniela Relph. 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 Kris Jalowiecki and Adriana Urbano. The social produce

Today, Rachel Reeves rental arrangements came into question, after it emerged her rental property didn’t have the correct licence required by the local council. Adam is joined by Newsnight’s Nick Watt to discuss how the story about the Chancellor’s rental property has unfolded throughout the day. Later on Thursday, Rachel Reeves's letting agent released a statement apologising for not getting the necessary licence for her property - but does the Chancellor still have questions to answer? Adam and Nick pick through the statements and emails that have emerged. Plus, Adam is joined by BBC China Correspondent Laura Bicker, and Economics Editor Faisal Islam to discuss Thursday morning’s bilateral trade meeting between President Trump and Xi Jinping in Korea. What’s the relationship between the superpowers now, what was secured, for how long, and what will the economic impact 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 sma

Today, President Trump has arrived in South Korea ahead of his meeting with President Xi Jinping at APEC. The two are set to discuss a possible trade deal which could bring the US and China back from the brink of a global trade war. Adam is joined by China correspondent Laura Bicker and Americast host Anthony Zurcher, both in South Korea, to discuss TikTok, tariffs and soybeans, as they analyse how the two countries might finalise a deal. Plus, climate editor Justin Rowlatt joins Adam to explore the role climate change is playing in making extreme weather events worse as Hurricane Melissa continues it’s path through the Caribbean. 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 la

Today, hundreds of asylum seekers could be housed in two military sites in Inverness and East Sussex as the government seeks to end the use of hotels.Ministers are considering housing 900 men in the Cameron Barracks in Inverness and Crowborough army training camp in East Sussex. There are around 32,000 asylum seekers currently being housed in hotels. Adam and Chris discuss whether this will help with government’s pledge to end the use of asylum hotels by 2029.And, there are fears of mass killings as Sudan’s civil war appears to have reached a significant turning point. More than 150,000 people have died in the conflict across the country, and about 14 million have fled their homes. Adam is joined by chief international correspondent Lyse Doucet and Kholood Khair a Sudanese political analyst and director of Khartoum think tank Confluence Advisory.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

Today, the government has announced an independent investigation into how a migrant sex offender was released from prison.Speaking in the House of Commons the Justice Secretary David Lammy told mps that the release appears to have been “human error”. The Conservatives have called the mistake a “national embarrassment”. Adam and Chris are joined by HM Inspectorate of Prisons. 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 Adria

Today, we look at the rearrest of migrant sex offender Hadush Kebatu, and discuss what his mistaken release means for confidence in the government.Kebatu had been mistakenly released on Friday from HMP Chelmsford, where he was serving a 12-month sentence for sexually assaulting a 14-year-old girl and a woman in Epping, Essex.We also discuss an apology from Reform UK MP Sarah Pochin, after she said: “it drives me mad when I see adverts full of black people, full of Asian people”.Labour cabinet minister Wes Streeting has called the comment racist. Pochin says “My comments were phrased poorly and I apologise for any offence caused, which was not my intention.”And we look at Laura’s interview with Former US Vice-President Kamala Harris, in which said said she was 'concerned' she did not ask Biden to quit the presidential race. 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