Newscast

Newscast

The BBC’s daily news podcast with episodes available Monday to Sunday at 5pm. Newscast picks the brains of BBC News experts so you're ready if someone picks yours, covering the latest news, developments in politics in Westminster and beyond. Newscast is hosted by trusted politics and news journalists including Adam Fleming, BBC Political Editor Chris Mason, Laura Kuenssberg and Paddy O'Connell. 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. Catch Newscast seven-days a week.

Watch on BBC One at 23:40 on Thursday night or later on BBC iPlayer: https://bbc.in/3VoD7v. GET IN TOUCH: Send us a message or voicenote via WhatsApp to 03301239480 Email newscast@bbc.co.uk Join our Newscast online community here: https://bbc.in/newscastdiscord Or use the hashtag #BBCNewscast

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Episode's summary

This episode of BBC Newscast investigates the validity of a so-called 'energy ceasefire' between Russia and Ukraine announced by Donald Trump on social media, examining the practical implications of power outages in Kyiv and the skepticism surrounding any formal agreement. The discussion also explores the political and economic pressures facing President Trump regarding energy prices and the U.S. midterms, alongside the escalating Houthi conflict in Yemen and its impact on global security. The program further addresses the difficulties in replenishing missile production for defense and potential US involvement in Saudi Arabia's defense amidst regional tensions. The episode concludes with a philosophical reflection on navigating global instability and finding peace amidst modern anxieties.

Chapters

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Highlights

And there is no text or details or footnotes or printout of this so-called ceasefire because it doesn't seem to exist.

00:01:28 · The presenter highlights the lack of verifiable evidence supporting the ceasefire announced by Donald Trump.

And that noise is diesel generators, which are supplying some of the shops here during one of the pre-planned power outages.

00:02:12 · A correspondent in Kyiv describes the reliance on generators due to ongoing electricity shortages.

Whereas in Kiev, energy is about survival. It's existential.

00:09:51 · The correspondent explains how energy infrastructure is a matter of life and death for the Ukrainian population compared to Russia's economic focus.

the reason that is so critical for President Trump is that he ran on this message of affordability, of bringing prices down.

00:14:11 · The speaker explains how domestic economic concerns regarding fuel prices are driving the administration's energy policies.

I heard one analyst describe them as possibly the most organised, dangerous non-state actor in the world.

00:23:36 · The speaker highlights the growing threat posed by Houthi rebels due to their increased military capabilities.

Episodes

3569-

Does Trump's Energy Ceasefire Actually Exist?

This episode of BBC Newscast investigates the validity of a so-called 'energy ceasefire' between Russia and Ukraine announced by Donald Trump on social media, examining the practical implications of power outages in Kyiv and the skepticism surrounding any formal agreement. The discussion also explores the political and economic pressures facing President Trump regarding energy prices and the U.S. midterms, alongside the escalating Houthi conflict in Yemen and its impact on global security. The program further addresses the difficulties in replenishing missile production for defense and potential US involvement in Saudi Arabia's defense amidst regional tensions. The episode concludes with a philosophical reflection on navigating global instability and finding peace amidst modern anxieties.

12 Oct 2026
3568-

Why Is Trump Calling For Zelensky To Go?

This episode examines the shifting political dynamics between Donald Trump, Volodymyr Zelensky, and Vladimir Putin, specifically focusing on the implications of lifting sanctions on Russian diesel. The discussion explores the UK government's role in mediating international interests amidst concerns over economic stability and the ongoing war in Ukraine. The episode also covers broader geopolitical and domestic issues, including the lack of scrutiny regarding Vladimir Putin's mandate, the impact of global conflicts on UK fuel prices, and the political challenges facing John Swinney regarding Scottish independence and the upcoming SNP conference.

11 Oct 2026
3567-

Can Zack Polanski Control The Green Party?

This episode explores the shifting political and socio-economic landscape of London and the UK. We examine internal tensions within the Green Party following controversial policy votes, alongside an analysis of Conservative strategies targeting wealthy voters in the capital. The discussion further delves into London's complex economic reality, covering wealth disparity, housing affordability for younger generations, and the true legislative power of the Mayoralty. The episode concludes with a debate on London's global identity versus its British roots and a lighthearted comparison of pub culture between London and Northern England.

10 Oct 2026
3566-

Does Zack Polanski Face A Leadership Crisis?

This episode examines the results of the Holborn and St Pancras by-election, noting a Labour victory alongside significant performance from the Green Party. The discussion explores the demographic nature of the constituency and the shared rhetorical strategies regarding national identity used by various political leaders. The conversation further analyzes internal tensions within the Green Party following controversial motions and investigates shifting dynamics on the political right. Specifically, it looks at how the emergence of Restore Britain is impacting Reform UK's vote share and reflects on the broader fragmentation of the UK political landscape.

09 Oct 2026
3565-

Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor Search Warrants Unlawful

This episode explores the legal controversy surrounding Thames Valley Police, where search warrants used against Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor were revealed to have been issued illegally and quashed months prior due to a technical error between Section 8 and Section 9 of the law. The discussion also covers shifting geopolitical dynamics in Europe, focusing on new UK-Germany bilateral agreements aimed at addressing hybrid warfare and Russian threats. The episode examines the instability of the German economic model and concludes with an introduction to an upcoming interview with Facebook whistleblower Frances Haugen.

08 Oct 2026