Newscast

Boris Johnson faces challenging questions from MPs and the government announces a test and trace system in England. Also Adam hears a romantic tale from a couple separated by coronavirus and the high seas.

Producers: Seren Jones, Nat Ktena, Frankie Tobi, Harriet Noble

As a government minister resigns and more Conservative MPs speak out over the prime minister’s top adviser Dominic Cummings, will Boris Johnson carry on standing by his man? We hear from Rev. Martin Poole, whose question over family lockdown fines seemed like it might prompt the government to look again at the issue.

And what are immunity passports? The founder of Transferwise and first Skype employee Taavet Hinrikus tells us about his next venture - an app he hopes will let those who have tested positive for Coronavirus antibodies have more freedom.

Producers: Frankie Tobi, Natalie Ktena, Seren Jones

Adam, Laura, Fergus and Chris discuss Dominic Cummings’s rose garden moment in Downing Street. Did he do enough to deal with the criticism? Plus, good news for shops (and shoppers?)

Producer: Ben Weisz

The PM backs Dominic Cummings but this is far from over… Laura, Adam and Fergus discuss the fallout from the row about whether Boris Johnson’s key adviser broke the lockdown rules.

Studio Director: Emma Crowe


When can we go to gigs again? How are bands recording new music in lockdown? Can emerging artists get signed through their livestreams?

Adam is joined by Dan Smith from Bastille, Beverley Whitrick of the Music Venues Trust, and Will Grant from Domino Records to look at how the coronavirus pandemic is changing the music industry.

Producers: Natalie Ktena, Frankie Tobi, Georgia Coan, Seren Jones

Key Sage member Professor Sir Ian Boyd takes your questions.

Should the Government have placed the country in lockdown earlier? Sir Ian thinks they should have. He also talks us through how the influential group advises government, and answers your questions.

And how is Facebook handling misinformation during the pandemic? Mark Zuckerberg has been speaking to the BBC’s Simon Jack.

Producers: Frankie Tobi, Harriet Noble, Georgia Coan

The author Catherine Mayer is investigating whether her late husband and Gang of Four founder, Andy Gill, contracted coronavirus on tour in China last year. She spoke to Adam, Laura and Professor Tom Solomon.

Producer: Harriet Noble

The chancellor says we’re facing “a severe recession, the likes of which we haven’t seen”, and today saw some bleak numbers on jobs and benefits. We talk to two people whose careers have been badly affected by the pandemic, including a drag queen who has become a security guard!

Producers: Harriet Noble, Frankie Tobi, Natalie Ktena and Georgia Coan.

The Greek minister for tourism talks to Chris, Laura and Fergus about the ways the country is planning on welcoming tourists this summer. Is it possible to socially distance on the beach?

Producers: Georgia Coan, Nat Ktena, Harriet Noble

Will coronavirus permanently change the film industry? And when can we go to the cinema again? In this blockbuster episode, Simon Mayo, Mark Kermode, and actor and director, Chris Addison, join us to talk movies.

And 'Brexitcast Strikes Back'! Dr Katya Adler is back for a Brexit update.

Studio Manager: Emma Crowe