Newscast

Today we look at the death of Iran’s President Ebrahim Raisi in a helicopter crash.

The hard-line cleric was killed alongside Iran’s foreign minister when a helicopter they were travelling in, crashed in heavy fog in northern Iran. The president was elected in 2021 and was seen as a potential successor to Iran’s Supreme Leader.

Adam is joined by the BBC’s Chief International Correspondent Lyse Doucet to discuss what this means for Iran and the region.

You can join our Newscast online community here: https://tinyurl.com/newscastcommunityhere

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 Gray with Gemma Roper. The technical producer was Ben Andrews. The editor is Sam Bonham.

Today, we heard from the government and the Labour party about the infected blood scandal - ahead of the inquiry’s final report being published tomorrow.

Laura and Henry discuss what defence secretary Grant Shapps had to say about the government’s plan to compensate victims and how much they would be prepared to spend - as well as more on defence spending.

And, after forgetting one of Labour’s six pledges, shadow health secretary Wes Streeting tells Laura more about how he’ll deliver on the pledge to cut NHS waiting times.

Today, Adam and Laura discuss ‘Project Sunak’, and Laura shares some of the insights she’s heard from people who know and have worked with the Prime Minister about what he’s like behind the scenes - as well as the operation to improve his popularity.

And Laura has interviewed Leonid Volkov, a close ally of Alexei Navalny, who was attacked with hammers outside his home in Lithuania last year.

You can read Laura's piece here https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/cy6332vx5n8o

Today, we look at Russian President Vladimir Putin’s state visit to China, where he met with Chinese President Xi Jinping.

Putin, on his first foreign visit since being sworn in for a fifth term as president last week, was greeted with a rare hug from Xi Jinping before the leaders met to discuss trade between their two countries.

Adam discusses the significance of this visit - and its potential ramifications for China’s relations with the West - with Gordon Corera, security correspondent, John Simpson, world affairs editor, and Sophia Gaston, head of foreign policy at Policy Exchange.

You can join our Newscast online community here: https://tinyurl.com/newscastcommunityhere

Today, we look at Keir Starmer revealing the “first steps” Labour would take if they won the general election.

Adam, Chris and Alex are joined by Steve Reed, the Shadow Environment Secretary.

And find out how Rishi Sunak got on when he braved the panel on ITV’s Loose Women.

You can join our Newscast online community here: https://tinyurl.com/newscastcommunityhere

Today, we look at what we know about the assassination attempt on Slovak PM Robert Fico.

The alleged assailant has been detained by the police and ministers have told reporters it was a politically-motivated attack.

Europe editor Katya Adler is on to explain what we know about what happened, and who Robert Fico is.

Today, we look a new study which suggests obesity jabs, such as Wegovy and Ozempic, could also cut the risk of heart attacks and strokes.

The drug semaglutide, which suppresses the appetite, is prescribed by the NHS and now has growing use as a “skinny jab”. Researchers have said that weekly shots could benefit the cardiovascular health of millions of adults, but the results have not yet been fully reviewed. Adam is joined by David Aaronovitch, Presenter of Radio 4’s Briefing Room, and Dr Ellie Cannon, GP and author.

And, after three weeks of delays, cancellations and chaos behind the scenes, the new Co-op Live arena is set to open for a gig. What caused the problems? And what does the venue tell us about the music industry of today? Adam speaks to Matt Everitt from Radio 6 music and Anna Foster, BBC news presenter.

Today, we look at Rishi Sunak’s claim that the election would be a choice “between past and future”, as Labour accused him of rebranding again.

In a wide-ranging speech, the PM said that Keir Starmer would make the UK less safe and that the Tories are “the only party really talking about the future.” But Labour responded by claiming this was Rishi Sunak’s “7th reset” during his time in office. Are the battlegrounds for the election being drawn? Adam is joined by Chris who questioned Sunak after the speech.

And the Birth Trauma Inquiry was presented to parliament, finding that there was “shockingly poor services” in maternity care. It contained harrowing evidence of medical negligence from more than 1,300 women. Adam speaks to Theo Clarke, the Conservative MP who led the inquiry, and Suzanne White, Head of the Medical Negligence team at Leigh Day.

Today we take a look at accusations that former Conservative MP Natalie Elphicke lobbied former Lord Chancellor, Sir Robert Buckland, over her then-husband Charlie’s sexual assault case.

A spokesman for Ms Elphicke, said the claims were "nonsense".

Laura, Paddy and Henry discuss how big a problem it is for the party, and how the story came to light.

And Laura’s been speaking to the foreign secretary, Lord David Cameron, as Israel expands its military operation in Rafah.

Paddy also reveals what it’s like to be behind the scenes with Terry Wogan at Eurovision.

You can join our Newscast online community here: https://tinyurl.com/newscastcommunityhere

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 with Joe Wilkinson. The technical producer was Jonny Baker. The assistant editor is Chris Gray. The senior news editor is Sam Bonham.

Today we take a look at Keir Starmer’s election plan with a man who was once one of his closest colleagues.

Former chief of staff to the Labour leader, Sam White, joins Laura and Paddy to talk about what he thinks his old boss needs to do to avoid throwing away his lead.

He also reveals details about their conversations about defections, and his own sacking.

And there’s controversy at Eurovision where Dutch contestant, Joost Klein, has been banned, and the and Irish contestant, Bambie Thug withdrew from a dress rehearsal.

You can join our Newscast online community here: https://tinyurl.com/newscastcommunityhere

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 with Joe Wilkinson. The technical producer was Philip Bull. The assistant editor is Chris Gray. The senior news editor is Sam Bonham.