Newscast

Today, we’re looking at what the government is doing to deal with overcrowding in prisons in England and Wales.

It’s responding to an independent report into the issue by former justice secretary, David Gauke, who’s on the podcast.

We’re also looking at a pay rise for the public sector, with teachers and doctors getting 4%. Health editor Hugh Pym and education editor Branwen Jeffreys talk it through.

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.

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

Today, we look at a U-turn from the government, after the Prime Minister Keir Starmer announced plans to ease cuts to winter fuel payments.

More than 10 million pensioners lost out on the payments, worth up to £300, when the pension top-up became means-tested last year.

Adam and Chris Mason discuss with Starmer’s former political director Luke Sullivan.

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.

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

Today, we discuss the Foreign Secretary suspending trade negotiations with Israel over its “cruel and indefensible” blockade of Gaza.

The UK, France and Canada previously said they’d “take further concrete actions” if Israel doesn’t stop its latest offensive and allow aid in, as Palestinians face more strikes and starvation. The BBC’s international editor Jeremy Bowen joins Adam in the studio.

And after 28 years at the BBC, the legendary Jo Coburn is stepping down from presenting Politics Live. She joins on Adam and Chris to reflect on her career.

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.

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

Today, the UK and EU have come to a deal that covers fishing, trade, defence, energy and more.

Adam and Chris, in true Brexitcast style, go through the detail as the Prime Minister says it is time to move on from “political fights” about Brexit.

Plus, Adam sits down with Rachel Reeves, Chancellor of the Exchequer, as she explains the benefits of the deal. They also discuss possible changes to ISAs, winter fuel and whether Elton John is off her music playlist.

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.

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

Today, we’re looking at more details of what could be in a deal between the UK and the EU, set to be revealed tomorrow.

Laura’s been talking to the lead negotiator from the UK side, the European relations minister Nick Thomas-Symonds. He says he’s pushing for UK passport holders to be able to use EU e-gates at airports, and that he’s "confident" about changes to lower food prices.

Paddy’s been talking to Reform UK leader Nigel Farage.

And, Elton John has told Laura the government are handling a row over AI like “losers”. There are plans to exempt technology firms from copyright laws for use in AI tech, but he says that’d be theft. Nick Thomas-Symonds reacts.

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.

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

Today we’re looking at what could be in a deal between the UK and European Union expected to be announced at a summit on Monday.

Keir Starmer’s former chief of staff Sam White is on to give an insight into what the PM really thinks about Europe.

And, Eurovision expert Paddy tells Laura what to watch out for in the final on Saturday night.

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.

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

Today, the UK is in talks with other countries to set up overseas “return hubs” for failed asylum seekers.

Adam and Chris are joined by Caitriona Perry chief presenter for BBC News and diplomatic correspondent James Landale. They also discuss the will they, won’t they of the last 24 hours over a meeting between Putin, Trump and Zelensky.

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.

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

Today, we look at talks between world leaders and their officials in Turkey, where a breakthrough on peace in Ukraine was hoped for.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky met with Turkish leader Recep Tayyip Erdoğan in the country's capital Ankara, but Russian President Vladimir Putin stayed away despite having proposed talks.

Russia editor Steve Rosenberg joins to discuss what Putin’s thinking is, as does former MI6 officer Christopher Steele.

And - positive news for the UK’s economy. It’s grew more than expected at the start of the year. Deputy economics editor Dharshini David tells Adam whether it’s expected to continue to grow.

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.

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

Today, what is President Trump achieving with his tour of the Middle East?

On Wednesday President Trump met with the leaders of Syria and Qatar on his first major foreign trip as President. James is joined by the BBC’s diplomatic correspondent James Landale and BBC’s chief presenter in Washington Caitriona Perry to discuss

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.

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

Today, we’re looking at a cyber attack on Marks and Spencer, which started three weeks ago.

The retailer said today that some personal customer information has been taken.

To understand what has been going on, James speaks to Joe Tidy, BBC’s cyber correspondent, and to Ciaran Martin, the founding Chief Executive of the National Cyber Security Centre.

Also, Donald Trump gave a speech in Riyadh where he announced the US-Saudi bond is ‘more powerful than ever’. They’ve signed a $142 billion arms deal. Sarah Smith, North America editor and Americast is there to talk the trip through.

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.

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