Newscast

The plot thickens for the PM. Adam, Laura and Chris sketch out the Westminster characters, subplots and potential sequels, as talk of rats and flats continues. Also, how does it feel to pick up Hollywood’s most prestigious award? We speak to our very own Oscar winner!Today’s Newscast was made by Sam Bonham with Danny Wittenberg and Alix Pickles. The Studio Director was Mike Regaard. Dino Sofos is the Editor.

As India has recorded the highest one-day Covid-19 tally anywhere in the world, friends of the podcast Sima Kotecha and Rajini Vaidyanathan join Adam to explain the crisis. And top chef Tom Kerridge talks about chicken pie and how his new project with Marcus Rashford will get kids cooking. Today's Newscast was made by Emma Close with Natalie Ktena, Alix Pickles, Danny Wittenberg and Ben Cooper. The studio director was Emma Crowe. Our editor is Dino Sofos.

Some juicy Westminster office gossip, courtesy of retired Tory minister Sir Alan Duncan and his newly published diaries. And as US President Joe Biden plays virtual host to a major climate summit, we speak to the diplomat behind the game-changing Paris agreement, Christiana Figueres, who tells us why saving the planet doesn’t have to be expensive.Today’s Newscast was made by our editor, Dino Sofos, with Daniel Wittenberg, Ben Cooper and Alix Pickles. The Studio Director was Richard Townsend.

The texts between the prime minister and businessman, Sir James Dyson, have caused a political row. Laura is here to explain why. And now Coronavirus Newscast is nominated for an award, DJ and BAFTA awards ceremony host, Edith Bowman, gives Adam some advice for attending a virtual ceremony. Today’s Newscast was made by Emma Close with Georgia Coan, Alix Pickles and Ben Cooper. The Studio Manager was Emma Crowe. Dino Sofos is the Editor.

It looked like a sporting revolution – but the Super League is already on the verge of collapse. After threatening to form a breakaway league that would turn football upside down, some big clubs are backing down. Meanwhile, the Government is pushing ahead with its carbon cutting targets. Its latest commitments will set the UK on course to reduce emissions by 78%, so where will we feel the effects? The BBC’s environment analyst Roger Harrabin and Diane Gilpin, CEO of the Smart Green Shipping Alliance, join Adam to talk through the latest changes and what they mean long-term. Today’s Newscast was made by Emma Close, with Daniel Wittenberg and Georgia Coan. The Studio Director was Emma Crowe. Our editor is Dino Sofos.

A dozen of the richest clubs in football want to break away from the rest to create a 'European Super League'.Fans, pundits and even politicians are fuming... but is it all over? BBC Sport’s Gabby Logan and the boss of the Football Supporters’ Association talk Adam through a massive day off the pitch. There’s also an update on foreign travel during the pandemic as India goes on the UK’s “red list” while Australia and New Zealand go flying again.Today’s Newscast was made by our editor, Dino Sofos, with Daniel Wittenberg, Georgia Coan, Emma Close and Alix Pickles. The Studio Director was Emma Crowe.

After hearing the awful news that Helen McCrory has died from cancer at the age of 52, we wanted to share the interview we recorded with her this time last year. Helen and her husband, Damian Lewis, were on Newscast to tell us about their scheme to provide free meals to frontline NHS workers. They were such good sports when they came on the podcast. Their kindness, warmth, humour and generosity came is so clear to hear in this interview. They even played along with Adam's rubbish quiz! Everyone at Newscast is thinking about her, Damian her friends and family.

The BBC's Royal Correspondent Nick Witchell tells us about the funeral arrangements for the Duke of Edinburgh and how the Royals have handled the build-up to the day.And as the US commits to withdrawing troops from Afghanistan, our correspondent Secunder Kermani joins us from Kabul. He's had rare access to the Taliban and tells us what lies ahead in the country’s future.Today’s Newscast was made by our editor, Dino Sofos, with Natalie Ktena and Emma Close. The Studio Director was Emma Crowe.

The latest developments in the lobbying story.Laura and Adam discuss the latest developments in the lobbying story as Lord Pickles gives evidence to the Commons public administration committee. They speak to Sir Michael Barber, the man tasked with reviewing government delivery about Boris Johnson's priorities. And Health Editor Hugh Pym tells Adam how one hospital’s efforts to keep services running through the second wave of COVID could be the key to tackling the growing NHS waiting lists.Today’s Newscast was made by Emma Close with Ben Cooper, Alix Pickles and Sam Bonham. The Studio Director was Emma Crowe. Dino Sofos is the Editor.

Was the most expensive painting in the world really painted by Leonardo da Vinci? Adam speaks to the person who’s been following the incredible story of the Salvator Mundi all over the world (from a small auction house in America to a huge boat in Saudi Arabia... via France). And Rose Gottemoeller, former Deputy Secretary-General of NATO, gives the odds on how likely it is that Russia will start a nuclear war and what it's like being on phone calls with global leaders.Today’s Newscast was made by Sam Bonham with Danny Wittenberg and Ben Cooper. The Studio Director was Russell Newlove. Dino Sofos is the Editor.Credit: University Challenge / ITV Studios

A vaccine gets paused over rare blood clots. Fergus dives into the studio (and dives out of his local indoor pool) to explain what’s going on with the Johnson & Johnson jab. And Adam chats to James May about driving tests, driving programmes and driving out Covid-19! Today’s Newscast was made by Sam Bonham with Danny Wittenberg and Ben Cooper. The Studio Manager was Russell Newlove. Dino Sofos is the Editor.

Pub-lic serving broadcasting from Adam’s local. On the day that lockdown eases in England, Adam and Laura recap what the latest measures mean for our daily lives. We also talk to a travel boss who answers our questions about when we might be reunited with our relatives and/or sun loungers overseas. Today’s Newscast was made by Sam Bonham with Danny Wittenberg and Ben Cooper. The Studio Director was Weidong Lin. Dino Sofos is the Editor.

Buckingham Palace has announced the death of the Queen's "beloved husband". Our royal correspondent Nicholas Witchell look backs on Prince Philip's life and we listen to the tributes paid to him today.

Kris Mason and ko tell all. We get into a lot of different questions on Newscast today... What were Rishi Sunak and David Cameron texting about? What can the Kardashians tell us about the modern world? And what is really happening in Northern Ireland? Sara Canning, whose partner Lyra McKee was killed in riots in Derry two years ago, explains how she sees things. Today’s Newscast was made by Sam Bonham and Emma Close with Cristina Criddle and Alix Pickles. The Studio Director was Emma Crowe. Dino Sofos is the Editor.

Looks like under-30s will be offered an alternative to the AstraZeneca jab. But if the risks are so low, should we be worried? Fergus is back with all the answers and (right on cue) the Moderna jab arrives in Wales. Today’s Newscast was made by Sam Bonham with Danny Wittenberg and Ben Cooper. The Studio Director was Emma Crowe. Dino Sofos is the Editor.

An AstraZeneca vaccine trial on children gets put on pause while a possible link with rare blood clots is investigated. And former Bank of England governor, Mark Carney, talks climate change, fintech and... should Adam sell his Bitcoin? Today’s Newscast was made by Sam Bonham with Danny Wittenberg and Ben Cooper. The Studio Director was Emma Crowe. Dino Sofos is the Editor.

It's been three months since the end of the Brexit transition period - so the gang is back together to wang on about its impact on trade, the Irish border and relations between the UK and the EU.Studio Director: Gerard Sudlow Producer: James Mallet Editor: Dino Sofos

Two stories, one issue. Sima Kotecha speaks to one of the co-authors of a government-commissioned report which says the UK "no longer" has a system rigged against minorities. And we also hear what's happened in the first few days of the George Floyd trial, with the BBC's Lebo Diseko. Today’s Newscast was made by Sam Bonham with Georgia Coan and Ben Cooper. The Studio Director was Emma Crowe. Dino Sofos is the Editor.

Katya and Fergus go on a (pretend/imaginary/studio-based) tour to hear what's going on in France, Germany, Spain and elsewhere around the continent. It's all planes, trains and staycations...Today’s Newscast was made by Sam Bonham with Natalie Higgins, Danny Wittenberg, Alix Pickles and Ben Cooper. The Studio Director was Emma Crowe. Dino Sofos is the Editor.

Jane Garvey is back and, fortunately, the Suez Canal has reopened too! Chris Mason joins Jane for a chat outside Westminster to talk about the easing of lockdown restrictions in England. And we talk through what's happening in UK sex education classes, in light of recent claims of sexual abuse in schools.Today’s Newscast was made by Ben Weisz with Danny Wittenberg, Alix Pickles and Ben Cooper. The Studio Director was Emma Crowe. Sam Bonham was the Assistant Editor and Dino Sofos was the Editor.

Arts Editor Will Gompertz looks back at some big celebrity moments as he leaves the BBC. What will the office look like when we return? Adam speaks to a project designer about the future of the work place. And, as China imposes sanctions on some UK MPs for spreading “misinformation”, China correspondent Robin Brant tells us why it’s happening. Today’s Newscast was made by Rick Kelsey with producers Georgia Coan, Ben Cooper and Ben Weisz. The studio director is Emma Crowe. Dino Sofos is the editor.

Ford is waving farewell to its Mondeo as Adam and Business Editor Simon Jack remember the good old days. And will you be allowed in a pub without a vaccine passport? Adam and Chris chat to a pub landlord about how she's preparing. Also today, Victoria Derbyshire and producer Frankie Tobi bring us an exclusive investigation into those fleeing domestic violence being housed in unsafe refuges. Today's Newscast was made by Rick Kelsey with producers Cristina Criddle, Ben Cooper and Frankie Tobi. The studio director is Emma Crowe. Emma Close was the assistant editor and Dino Sofos is the editor.

On the day the Suez Canal gets blocked by a massive container ship, Adam decides to call up his favourite shipping expert, Michelle Wiese Bockmann. And Phil Prentice, from the High Streets Task Force, talks through what might happen to the UK hughstreet after John Lewis announces that a load of its shops have permanently closed.Today’s Newscast was made by Sam Bonham with Ben Cooper producing. The Studio Director is Emma Crowe. Dino Sofos is the Editor.

One year on, the team look back at the week that sent the nation into lockdown. Adam, Laura and Fergus talk through political regrets, and how far from normal things still are. Newscasters share sounds of what they were up to right before lockdown. The sounds of freedom they look forward to hearing again. Today’s Newscast was made by Rick Kelsey with producers Ben Weisz, Georgia Coan and Ben Cooper. The studio director is Emma Crowe. Emma Close was the assistant editor and Dino Sofos is the editor.

Boris Johnson warns that a third wave will “wash up on our shores” from Europe. Adam, Laura and Fergus get together to talk through all the big Covid stories of the day, including, when can we book our summer holidays? Also, Radio 1’s Ali Plumb explains why the most recent superhero blockbuster film is in a (Justice) League of it’s own…Studio Director: Emma Crowe Producers: Ben Cooper, Georgia Coen Assistant Editor: Sam Bonham Editor: Dino Sofos

There are some chunky virus figures out. We look at the effect of the vaccine rollout and the return of schools with our Health Correspondent James Gallagher. We also chat with Jamie L. Manson, the President of Catholics for Choice, and the first LGBTQ person to lead a Catholic organisation in the United States on the Pope’s approach to same-sex marriage – and what she hopes will change.Studio Manager: Emma Crowe Producers: Natalie Ktena, Daniel Wittenberg, Georgia Coan and Ben Weisz Episode Editor: Rick Kelsey Assistant Editor: Emma Close Editor: Dino Sofos

The Holyrood cross-party committee has said the First Minister Nicola Sturgeon misled the inquiry into complaints against former SNP leader Alex Salmond. And we get to grips with the exciting world of vaccine global supply chains.Studio Director: Emma Crowe Producers: Cristina Criddle and Daniel Wittenberg Output Editor: Rick Kelsey Assistant Editor Emma Close Editor: Dino Sofos

The prime minister's former aide is ready to talk... and Laura and Adam are ready to listen. On today's Newscast we unpick some of the “blockbuster” Dominic Cummings moments from the Science and Technology Committee. And James Gallagher explains why people (himself included) are getting side effects after taking the Covid-19 vaccine. Studio Director: Emma Crowe Producers: Danny Wittenberg, Georgia Coan Assistant Editor: Sam Bonham Editor: Dino Sofos

The UK sets out its foreign policy plans. Newsnight’s Mark Urban takes us through Britain’s new aims for defence and foreign policy. And Fergus and Katya are back to try and understand why Europe is divided over the AstraZeneca jab. Studio Manager: Emma Crowe Producers: Alix Pickles, Daniel Wittenberg Episode Editor: Rick Kelsey Assistant Editor: Emma Close Editor: Dino Sofos

What's the best way to tackle violence against women? After a weekend of controversy around how a Sarah Everard vigil was policed, that national conversation continues. Laura and Adam chat to former prosecutor, Nazir Afzal about what difference changing the laws could make. And also, Newscast waits around all episode for someone to discuss the Government's new bus strategy... and then two people come along at once.Studio Director: Emma Crowe Producers: Georgia Coan, Alix Pickles, Daniel Wittenberg Episode Editor: Ben Weisz Assistant Editors: Emma Close, Sam Bonham Editor: Dino SofosIf you've been affected by the issues raised, you can find support at https://www.bbc.co.uk/actionline/

The census 2021 drops on doorsteps. Mathematician Dr Hannah Fry tells us why it’s so important. And it’s Pym’s o’clock on Newscast as our health editor Hugh Pym, and his art teacher brother Will Pym, come together to talk through the first week back at school.Studio Director: Emma Crowe Producers: Alix Pickles, Natalie Ktena Episode Editor: Rick Kelsey Deputy Editor: Emma Close Editor: Dino Sofos

Looks like the police are going to get more powers to shut down protests. We chat with former police Superintendent Leroy Logan, the real person behind John Boyega’s character, in BBC drama Small Axe. Fergus is also here to let us know about a vaccine production boost.Studio Director: Emma Crowe Producers: Alix Pickles, Georgia Coen, Cristina Criddle Episode Editor: Rick Kelsey Assistant Editor: Sam Bonham Editor: Dino Sofos

How safe do women feel walking alone? The BBC’s Sima Kotecha and Journalist, Helena Wadia, talk through some of reasons why why so many women are speaking out about their personal safety on social media right now. And Adam catches up with BBC Health Editor, Hugh Pym, and Professor Alan McNally about what’s going on with NHS Test and Trace. If you have been affected by any of the issues raised in this episode, please visit the BBC’s Action Line: www.bbc.co.uk/actionline.Studio Director: Emma Crowe Producers: Danny Wittenberg, Alix Pickles Assistant Editor: Sam Bonham Editor: Dino Sofos

As the Royal fallout rumbles on, we’ve had a response from the Palace and a strop from a TV presenter. Andrea Thompson, editor-in-chief of Marie Claire UK, talks us through some of the issues raised in Meghan and Harry’s interview. And we find out if it's worth bringing your own pencil to the polling station for May’s elections.Studio Manager: Russell Newlove Producers: Georgia Coan, Daniel Wittenberg, Alix Pickles and Ben Weisz Episode Editor: Rick Kelsey Editor: Dino Sofos

The night after Meghan and Harry’s interview with Oprah Winfrey, the BBC’s Royal Correspondent Jonny Dymond breaks it down. And it’s back to school in England - but all classroom tests involve swabs up your nose...Studio director: Russell NewloveProducers: Georgia Coan, Daniel Wittenberg, Alix Pickles, Louis CoanEpisode Editor: Ben WeiszAssistant Editor: Sam BonhamEditor: Dino SofosGet in touch: [email protected]

Adam chats to Liz Truss about why it’s such a whisky business being the Secretary of State for International Trade. And the BBC's Orla Guerin talks through what impact Yemen’s ongoing civil war has had on children in the country. Studio Director: Emma Crowe Producers: Georgia Coan, Rick Kelsey, Danny Wittenberg Assistant Editor: Sam Bonham Editor: Dino Sofos

Our podcasting rival (and shadow business secretary) Ed Miliband gives us his take on the Budget and the outlook for Labour.And the latest on the drama of Buckingham Palace vs Meghan and Harry with our Royal Correspondent, Jonny Dymond. Studio Director: Emma Crowe Producers: Cristina Criddle, Georgia Coan and Ben Weisz Editor: Dino Sofos

On the day the chancellor defends his budget plans, we are joined by Radio 4’s Evan Davis and Laura to help us pick through the detail. And we bring back Sarah Smith and Nick Eardley as Nicola Sturgeon gives evidence at the inquiry into her government's unlawful handling of harassment complaints against Alex Salmond. Producer: Georgia Coan Episode Editor: Rick Kelsey Assistant Editor: Emma Close Editor: Dino Sofos

We’re getting new details about Rishi Sunak’s Budget – and his personal habits. We ask how long before all cars are electric and speak to Eurovision’s executive supervisor about staging a contest during the pandemic.Studio Manager: Emma Crowe Producers: Alix Pickles and Daniel Wittenberg Episode Editor: Rick Kelsey Assistant Editor: Sam Bonham Editor: Dino Sofos

How strong is the force in the new coronavirus variants? Adam, Laura and Fergus unite to answer some of the biggest questions of the universe (like how worried should we be that Test and Trace can't seem to find a sixth person infected with the Brazilian strain of Covid-19)? And Paul Johnson, from the Institute of Fiscal Studies, tells us what we should be looking out for to seem smarter on budget day later this week.Studio Director: Michael Regaard Producer: Alix Pickles Episode Editor: Ben Weisz Assistant Editor: Sam Bonham Editor: Dino Sofos

Former First Minister Alex Salmond gives evidence to the committee investigating the Scottish government's mishandling of complaints against him. It’s a complicated story, but luckily our Scotland editor, Sarah Smith and political correspondent Nick Eardley are on hand to talk us through the events of the day. And James Gallagher explains how the government is deciding who should be vaccinated next.Studio Director: Emma Crowe Producers: Rick Kelsey and Alix Pickles Episode Editor: Rick Kelsey Assistant Editor: Emma Close Editor: Dino Sofos

Even with limited supply, Belgium's biggest vaccine hub can jab 1000 patients a day. So why is it only managing 200? Adam and Fergus chat to Europe Correspondent Jean Mackenzie to discuss how public perceptions of the 'Aldi vaccine' could be hampering the rollout. And Oldham headteacher Glyn Potts drops in to discuss plans for teachers, not algorithms, to grade students this summer. Studio Director: Emma Crowe Producers: Ben Weisz, Alix Pickles Editor: Dino Sofos

Fergus gives us the latest on the vaccine priority list, with everyone on the GP learning disability register now getting their turn. And Adam talks Tiger Woods with BBC Breakfast presenter – and proper golfer – Naga Munchetty.Studio Manager: Emma Crowe Producers: Alix Pickles, Daniel Wittenberg Episode Editor: Rick Kelsey Assistant Editor: Emma Close Editor: Dino Sofos

The BBC's Scotland Editor Sarah Smith explains the unlocking plan north of the border and we hear from Dr Marc Baguelin, from Imperial College London who worked on the modelling that informed the UK government’s plans. Also, Radio 1's Nick Grimshaw and Newscaster Hannah share the tunes they want to hear in late June, when the clubs might open.Studio Manager: Emma Crowe Producers Georgia Coen and Daniel Wittenburg Senior Producer: Rick Kelsey Deputy Editor: Emma Close Editor: Dino Sofos

As Boris Johnson lays out his ‘cautious' and 'irreversible’ plan for lifting England’s lockdown, Adam, Laura, Fergus and Branwen talk you through the steps: from schools to stadia and beyond. Studio Director: Emma Crowe Producers: Natalie Ktena and Georgia Coan Episode Editor: Ben Weisz Editor: Dino Sofos

No return for Harry and Meghan... The BBC's royal correspondent, Jonny Dymond, explains what's going on with the Duke and Duchess of Sussex. We also try to figure out how poorer countries are going to get their vaccines, with Dr Robin Nandy, chief of immunisation at UNICEF. And astrophysicist, Dr Maggie Lieu, tells us exactly why landing on Mars is such a big deal.Studio manager: Ashley Taylor Producers: Rick Kelsey, Georgia Coan, Kameron Virk, Jack Suddaby Assistant Editor: Sam Bonham Editor: Dino Sofos

Keir Starmer wants savers to help pay for the Covid recovery. But will it work? We find out if economist Miatta Fahnbulleh, and former Labour party adviser Ayesha Hazarika, buy the bond idea. Also, our North America technology reporter James Clayton explains why Facebook is blocking news feeds to users in Australia. Studio Director: Emma Crowe. Producers: Rick Kelsey, Kameron Virk and Jack Suddaby Editor: Dino Sofos

What’s the latest from the Grenfell Tower Inquiry? The BBC's Tom Symonds explains all. Adam chats to global health policy expert (and friend of the pod), Clare Wenham, about the possibility of a worldwide pandemic treaty. And the BBC's Freya Cole explains why Myanmar's biggest city is currently gridlocked. Studio Director: Emma Crowe Producers: Georgia Coan, Kameron Virk, Jack Suddaby Assistant Editor: Emma Close Editor: Dino Sofos

Princess Latifa, the daughter of Dubai's ruler, goes missing. We hear the incredible story and the diplomatic knock-on, with James Landale and Panorama reporter Nawal Al-Maghafi. Producers: Kameron Virk, Alix Pickles and Jack Suddaby Episode Editor: Rick Kelsey Editor: Dino Sofos

How do you actually pronounce "tocilizumab"? Fergus Walsh has got the secret! Well, that, and all the info on the government's next vaccine rollout sprint. Also, after a video of a large (rule-breaking) Orthodox Jewish wedding in North London was shared last month, Adam is joined by the BBC's Harry Farley to find out how the community has reacted.Studio director: Emma Crowe Producers: Alix Pickles, Kameron Virk, Natalie Ktena, Daniel Wittenberg, Jack Suddaby Episode editor: Ben Weisz Assistant editor: Sam Bonham Editor: Dino Sofos