Newscast

The writer and comedian shares his experiences of anti-semitism on the football stands and on Twitter. Adam is joined by the BBC's James Gallagher and economist Stephanie Flanders to talk healthcare and the health of the economy. And also, the legendary BBC Radio 4 Newsreader, Neil Sleat (who is leaving the BBC), has one final bulletin... just for us! Producers: Alix Pickles, Ben Weisz, Danny Wittenberg, Jack Suddaby Assistant Editor: Sam Bonham Editor: Dino Sofos

If you choose not to get a vaccine, the risk is on you and the government shouldn't leave restrictions in place to protect anti-vaxxers. That's what Mark Harper, the Conservative chairman of the 'Covid Recovery Group' thinks. He joins us to tell us why his group is putting pressure on the government to lift lockdown. And you may have noticed that it’s rather chilly outside. So we thought we’d head up to Braemar in The Highlands to find out what it’s like to fix a hydro-electric generator at minus 23C. Chilly! Studio Director: Emma Crowe Producers: Rick Kelsey, Alix Pickles Editor: Dino Sofos

It looks like we're going to have to understand new variants of the virus for a long time. Adam and Laura hear from the Cambridge scientist in charge of tracking them, Professor Sharon Peacock. And as quarantine hotels prepare to open up in the UK, we catch up with Rebecca in New Zealand as she leaves 14 days isolation.Studio manager: Emma Crowe Producers: Danny Wittenberg, Alix Pickles, Kameron Virk, Jack Suddaby Senior Producer: Rick Kelsey Assistant Editor: Emma Close Editor: Dino Sofos

An app to prove your vaccination status when you fly abroad could be on its way. We hear from Alexandre de Juniac, the head of the international airline trade body IATA, on whether the concept of vaccine passports could become reality. Also Greg James and Bella Mackie tell us how they’re loving going back to school for their new podcast. Studio Manager: Emma Crowe Producers: Natalie Ktena, Alix Pickles, Georgia Coen Senior Producer: Rick Kelsey Deputy Editor: Emma Close Editor: Dino Sofos

Adam speaks to James Gallagher and Dr Vanessa Apea for the latest on vaccines, variations and how to ensure higher take-up among those in ethnic minorities.And we are joined by Love Island’s Dr Alex, who’s just been appointed the government's youth mental health adviser.Studio Director: Russell Newlove Producers: Cristina Criddle, Georgia Coan, Jack Suddaby, Kameron Virk and Alix Pickles Episode editor: Ben Weisz Editor: Dino Sofos

Did you see the Handforth Parish Council virtual meeting? Everyone else did! Adam is joined by Mathamatician, Hannah Fry, and Medical Historian, Mark Honigsbaum, to talk about how pandemics actually end. And Radio 4’s Melvyn Bragg pops in to explain How to... Melvyn Bragg. It’s a bumper podcast for your locked down weekend.Producers: Alix Pickles, Ben Weisz, Danny Wittenberg, Georgia Coan, Kameron Virk, Rick Kelsey Assistant Editor: Sam Bonham Editor: Dino Sofos

Teachers have been sent messages inviting them to book appointments for vaccinations, against official priority rules. Our very own Newscast Reporter, Daniel Wittenberg, explains what’s going on. And North America Tech Reporter, James Clayton, walks Adam through the History of Amazon, after Jeff Bezos announces he'll step down as CEO of the e-commerce giant.Producers: Kameron Virk, Georgia Coan, Frankie Tobi Senior Producer: Rick Kelsey Assistant Editor: Sam Bonham Editor: Dino Sofos

The Health Secretary talks about Contagion the movie, as hospital admissions and deaths caused by Covid-19 are now on a “downward slope”. Our Health Editor Hugh, goes through the numbers. And elsewhere, Brexit tensions over the Irish border keep bubbling up, Laura and Katya join Adam to explain what’s next.Studio Manager: Michael Regaard Producers: Frankie Tobi, Georgia Coen and Jack Suddaby Output Editor: Rick Kelsey Editor: Dino Sofos

How is England clamping down on the new variant? Professor Robin Shattock from Imperial College joins us to tell us about the new variant and how to vaccinate against it. And Sarah Smith gives us the latest lockdown news from Scotland. Also, the Russian opposition leader Alexei Navalny is jailed. We discuss golden toilet brushes with Sarah Rainsford in Moscow. Studio Director: Russell Newlove Producers: Cristina Criddle, Georgia Coan and Jack Suddaby Assistant Editor: Sam Bonham Editor: Dino Sofos

As MPs debate the cladding crisis, Adam and Laura are joined by Sarah Corker and Newscaster Jenni Garratt to discuss how leasholders' woes could destabilise the housing market. And as the military seizes control in Myanmar, Fergal Keane explains how its detained State Counsellor Aung San Suu Kyi can be seen as both hero and villain. Studio Director: Russell Newlove Producers: Jack Suddaby, Georgia Coan, Natalie Ktena, Rick Kelsey Episode Editor: Ben Weisz Assistant Editor: Sam Bonham Editor: Dino Sofos

The AstraZeneca vaccine has been signed off by the EU today, but there's still a row about when they'll get their doses. Fergus and Vicki join Adam to make sense of the latest, as the bloc threatens to restrict vaccines crossing the border to Northern Ireland - overriding part of the Brexit deal. Also, are you sleeping well? If not - Dr Guy Meadows has some great advice for you.Studio Director: Emma Crowe Producers: Jack Suddaby, Daniel Wittenberg, Kameron Virk, Rick Kelsey, Georgia Coan Episode Editor: Ben Weisz Assistant Editor: Sam Bonham Editor: Dino Sofos

A row erupts between the EU and drugs company AstraZeneca over vaccine shortages.Adam, Laura and Katya talk to German MEP, Dr Peter Liese, who is not happy at all. And we're joined by Tom O'Hara from Janus Henderson Investors to find out why GameStop shares have caused such a frenzy.Studio Director: Michael Regaard Producers: Daniel Wittenberg and Georgia Coan Editor: Dino Sofos

There’s no back to school until at least 8th March in England, on the day we finally hear about hotel quarantine. We hear from Rebecca who's stuck in a one of them in New Zealand. Adam, Laura and Hugh talk about the UK's latest travel restrictions and how we might come out of them.Track listing in the student special: Aya Anne - Better (featuring King Marino) Cole LC - Grip N Slide H33RA - I DON'T MIND Kastro - outside The Mirror Ball Test - Amuse Bouche THEO - Jealous YazMean - AVENUE YourBoyWonder - DIFFERENTStudio Director: Emma Crowe Producers: Jack Suddaby, Kameron Virk, Georgia Coan, Ben Weisz Reporter: De'Graft Mensah Senior Producer: Rick Kelsey Assistant Editor: Sam Bonham Editor: Dino Sofos

The tech entrepreneur talks to us about moving people away from university and his dad's tech skills. It's also the sad day the UK went over 100,000 Covid deaths; Adam, Laura and Fergus process the moment with psychotherapist Julia Samuel.Studio Director: Emma Crowe Producers: Alix Pickles, Daniel Wittenberg, Ben Weisz Senior Producer: Rick Kelsey Editor: Dino Sofos

What should you do if you find yourself checking the bulletins at bedtime? Fiona Bruce is the subject of the latest “Dear Deidre”. And BBC Scotland’s new Political Editor, Glenn Campbell, joins Adam and Laura to celebrate Burns Night… by talking about the future of the United Kingdom.Studio Director: Emma Crowe Producers: Alix Pickles, Daniel Wittenberg Assistant Editor: Sam Bonham Editor: Dino Sofos

Ruby Wax gives us her thoughts for looking after your mental health in a pandemic. And, we hear from Vicki and Hugh after the government warned that the new coronavirus variant could be more deadly than the last.Studio Director: Emma Crowe Producers: Cristina Criddle, Georgia Coan, Rick Kelsey, Alix Pickles Assistant Editor: Sam Bonham Editor: Dino Sofos

The Brexitcast band has come together again and this time they've got Midge Ure from Ultravox with them! Three weeks since the end of the Brexit transition, Adam, Laura, Chris and Katya come together to talk about what the impact of Brexit has been for business owners, lorry drivers and touring musicians. Studio Director: Mike Regaard Producer: Georgia Coan Assistant Editor: Sam Bonham Editor: Dino Sofos

Biden, what you gonna do? Adam and Laura go transatlantic with the BBC’s Nick Bryant in Washington and a former US Deputy Ambassador to the UK, Lewis Luken. What could the impact of a Biden presidency be on life in the UK? Studio Director: Emma Crowe Producers: Georgia Coen, Rick Kelsey, Ben Weisz Assistant Editor: Sam Bonham Editor: Dino Sofos

Large backlogs in criminal courts means some crimes from last year, will not go before a jury until 2022. Barrister Alexandra Wilson drops in, to tell us she’s frustrated to see some courts being used to film dramas, rather than hear real cases, that are piling up because of the pandemic.And we ask: how do you make smart motorways smarter?Studio Director: Emma Crowe Producers: Alix Pickles, Georgia Coen Episode Editor: Rick Kelsey Editor: Dino Sofos

Sea shanties are flooding social media, so we wrote our own for Newscast. More than four million people have now had Covid vaccines - but why is the rollout 'lumpy'? Laura Kuenssberg and Hugh Pym give us the latest. We also hear from Moscow, where President Putin's fiercest critic has been arrested. And as influencers come under fire for trips to Dubai, we speak to the man who links them up with advertising opportunities. Studio Manager: Emma Crowe Producers: Georgia Coan and Cristina Criddle Episode Editor: Ben Weisz Assistant Editor: Sam Bonham Editor: Dino Sofos

Two men's journey through the snow. Newscaster Paul describes how he felt walking his 82-year-old neighbour, Henry, through the snow to get vaccinated. And the BBC's Sima Kotecha (with her her mum, Hansa Kotecha) join Adam to talk through why fake news could be causing people from British South Asian communities to reject the vaccine. Producer: Alix Pickles Assistant Editor: Sam Bonham Editor: Dino Sofos

How worried should we be about the Brazilian Covid variant? Well, the government is concerned enough to ban travel to the UK from South America and Portugal. But there's some good news on immunity if you’ve had Covid, and evidence that the vaccine may also stop you passing it on to others. And the new boss of Unison, Christina McAnea, drops in for a chat.Studio Director: Michael Regaard Producers: Alix Pickles, Rick Kelsey Editor: Dino Sofos

On the day that hundreds of alleged members of Italy's most powerful mafia group go on trial, Adam is joined by documentary filmmaker, Tobias Jones, to explain how the mobsters may be taking advantage of the pandemic. And we talk to Marcel Levi, Chief Executive of University College London Hospitals, about the mental health of NHS workers at the moment. Studio Director: Emma Crowe Producers: Alix Pickles, Rick Kelsey, Ben Weisz Assistant Editor: Sam Bonham Editor: Dino Sofos

Hugh, Vicki and Adam are joined by the charismatic Bishop of Liverpool, Paul Bayes, after many churches close to prevent the transmission of the virus during group worship. And head teacher at St. George’s Community Primary School in Gainsborough, Katie Barry, explains how free school meals are being provided with more children now at home. Studio Director: Emma Crowe Producers: Alix Pickles, Georgia Coen Senior Producer: Rick Kelsey Assistant Editor: Emma Close Editor: Dino Sofos

Adam is joined by Happy Mondays star, Bez, who’s planning on launching his own “buzzin’” online fitness classes. Laura and Fergus discuss vaccines, restrictions, and a controversial Boris bike ride. And the BBC’s Zoe Kleinman explains what’s going on with the social media platform, Parler. Studio Director: Emma Crowe Producer: Alix Pickles Episode Editor: Ben Weisz Assistant Editor: Sam Bonham Editor: Dino Sofos

Adam is joined by Nathaniel Popper, author of the book Digital Gold, to explain Bitcoin's latest boom. And on the day the UK reported the biggest daily death toll since the pandemic began, Fergus tells us about the latest vaccine to be approved and we hear how the new "Test and Fly" scheme will work for travellers, with John Holland-Kaye, the Heathrow Airport boss. Studio Director: Emma Crowe Producer: Rick Kelsey Assistant Editor: Sam Bonham Editor: Dino Sofos

James and Adam hear dramatic tales from GP Silvana McCaffrey about her part in delivering the Covid-19 vaccine. And after a troubling week for America we speak with Republican Congresswoman Nancy Mace about the future of her party following the Washington riots.Studio Direction: Emma Crowe Producers: Ben Weisz, Rick Kelsey and Georgia Coan Assistant Editor: Emma Close Editor: Dino Sofos

Fergus takes us inside the intensive care unit at University College Hospital in London for the third time since the pandemic started. With three times as many critically ill patients in the hospital as normal, how much longer can staff keep going like this? And the BBC's Branwen Jeffreys explains why teacher grades are going to be used to replace cancelled GCSEs and A-levels in England this summer.Studio Director: Emma Crowe Producer: Georgia Coan Episode Editor: Rick Kelsey Assistant Editor: Sam Bonham Editor: Dino Sofos

As the UK’s Covid cases top 60,000 for the first time, and Professor Whitty says one in 50 people now have the virus, our Health Editor Hugh Pym joins us to go through the latest numbers. Our Business Editor Simon Jack fills us in on the latest business grants announced by the Chancellor, Rishi Sunak, and our Asia Correspondent Karishma Vaswani tells us the story of Jack Ma, a Chinese tycoon who has gone missing without a trace. Studio Director: Emma Crowe Producers: Georgia Coan, Ben Weisz Editor: Dino Sofos

As Boris Johnson announces another national lockdown for England, Laura, Adam and Fergus discuss the latest measures, the impact on schools, and the new vaccine. And we hear from Dr Coralie Carle about the current pressure on NHS hospitals. Studio Director: Emma Crowe Producers: Georgia Coan, Alix Pickles Episode Editor: Ben Weisz Assistant Editor: Sam Bonham Editor: Dino Sofos

Adam, Chris, Laura and Katya weigh up the UK's post-Brexit trade deal after MPs approve it in a parliamentary vote. And Fergus joins us, on the day the UK approves the vaccine developed by the University of Oxford.Producer: Rick Kelsey Assistant Editor: Emma Close Editor: Dino Sofos

In January this year, Brexitcasters packed out the BBC's Radio Theatre as Britain left the EU. Who'd have thought that eleven months later, we'd all be Newscasters, experts in the R number, PCR testing and Tiers?It's also been the year of Black Lives Matter, long drives to Barnard Castle and Hugh Bonneville dramatically reading out Girls Aloud lyrics. So join Adam, Fergus and Laura as we take one last look - and bid good riddance - to 2020. Thank you for listening, and we wish you all a Happy New Year! Studio Director: Emma Crowe Episode producer: Ben Weisz Newscast production team: Sej Asar, Georgia Coan. Jo Deahl, Rick Kelsey, Natalie Ktena, Harriet Noble, Alix Pickles, Frankie Tobi, Ione Wells Assistant Editors: Sam Bonham and Emma Close Editor: Dino Sofos

1,645 days after the UK voted to leave the EU and 328 days after we actually departed, a post-Brexit trade deal between the UK and EU has finally been agreed. Adam, Laura, Chris and Katya gather on the night before Christmas to talk through how the months of disagreements over fishing rights and future business rules ended.By the way… there’s still so much we don’t know. We’ll be back. Merry Brexmas!Studio Director: Mike Regaard Assistant Editor: Sam Bonham Editor: Dino Sofos

Our studio might be in Tier 4 but no one can stop us having a virtual Newscast Christmas party! Emily Maitlis and Nigella Lawson are here to help with Christmas dinner for one and Radio 1’s Nick Grimshaw joins us to share his favourite Covid-secure party songs of 2020. BYO // Christmas hats compulsory // RSVP to [email protected] Studio Director: Emma Crowe Producer: Alix Pickles Assistant Editor: Sam Bonham Editor: Dino Sofos

As lorry drivers learn they'll be allowed to cross the Channel into France with a negative Covid test, the gang asks if lateral flow tests are fit for that purpose. Professor Jon Deeks is on hand to explain the evidence. And Dr Adler drops in with an update on Brexit talks - will they ever end?Studio Director: Emma Crowe Producer: Ben Weisz Editor: Dino Sofos

More than 40 countries have banned flights from the UK as we learn more about the new variant of coronavirus that's spreading. There's disruption at Dover, and yes, somebody mentioned the B-word... Thank goodness for the BBC’s Laura Kuenssberg, James Gallagher and Simon Jack who’ve joined Adam to talk it all through. Studio Director: Emma Crowe Producers: Alix Pickles, Ben Weisz Assistant Editor: Sam Bonham Editor: Dino Sofos

Christmas rules are tightened in England, Scotland and Wales - and a new tier four will be introduced in areas including London, Kent, Essex and Bedfordshire. Boris Johnson announced the changes for England at a Downing Street briefing as scientists warn that a new coronavirus variant is spreading more rapidly. Chris, Laura and Fergus get together for this emergency episode.

On the day new long Covid advice comes out, we talk with Dr. Elizabeth Kendrick, who runs a specialist clinic. As Northern Ireland heads into the strictest UK lockdown yet, Stephen Nolan explains what’s different. And it’s Jon and Jan giving their favourite impressions of 2020.Studio Director: Emma Crowe Producers: Georgia Coen, Alix Pickles Output Editor: Rick Kelsey Editor: Dino Sofos

As the Home Secretary Priti Patel tells us to not to travel for Christmas, Welsh First Minister Mark Drakeford joins us for a frank conversation about the difficulties Wales is having getting Coronavirus under control. And of course there's another Brexit update...and no, this one isn't decisive, either.Studio Director: Ged Sudlow Producers: Ben Weisz, Lucy Boast, Frankie Tobi, Georgia Coan Editor: Dino Sofos

On the day that Boris Johnson called for a shorter and smaller Christmas, Laura and Fergus explain why the government's message is both the same and also different to what they said before. And we dispel some anti-vax myths after one Newscaster got in touch about a leaflet she got through her door.Studio Director: Russell Newlove Producers: Georgia Coan, Rick Kelsey Assistant Editor: Sam Bonham Editor: Dino Sofos

With calls for tighter coronavirus restrictions over Christmas, plans for the UK’s four nations to allow three households to meet are coming under strain. BBC Wales’s political editor Felicity Evans explains why there’s pressure in both directions. Branwen Jeffreys is back to tell us about the row over schools staying open before the holidays. And John Sudworth talks us through his latest investigation, which raises the worrying prospect that clothes in our shops could contain cotton picked by forced labour in China.Studio Director: Jonathan Greer Producers: Ben Weisz, Georgia Coan Output Editor: Rick Kelsey Editor: Dino Sofos

Adam is joined by Laura Kuenssberg and Hugh Pym to chat the ins and outs of London's move into England’s highest Covid tier this Wednesday. Dr Naomi Forrester-Soto assures us we probably don't need to worry about the “new variant” of coronavirus. And as blood donation rules for gay and bisexual men are to be relaxed across the UK, Dr Joseph Heskin explains why this is a big moment - both as a doctor, and as a new potential LGBT donor. Studio Director: Emma Crowe Producers: Ben Weisz, Georgia Coan Assistant Editor: Sam Bonham Editor: Dino Sofos

It’s been a year where many of us have lost a loved one. How do you deal with grief, or start to talk about it? Griefcast’s Cariad Lloyd joins Adam to guide us through.Meanwhile, James drops by with new tier rumours, vaccine news, and the truth about whether Russians are being asked to choose their shots.Studio director: Emma Crowe Producers: Georgia Coan, Ben Weisz Output Editor: Rick Kelsey Editor: Dino Sofos

Boris Johnson says there is now a "strong possibility" of a no-deal. The Brexitcasters are back AGAIN, this time joined by former International Trade Secretary, Dr.Liam Fox.Studio Director: Ged Sudlow Producers: Rick Kelsey and Georgia Coan Editor: Dino Sofos

As Boris Johnson's dinner with Ursula von der Leyen risks turning into a Last Supper for UK-EU trade talks, the Brexitcast gang reunite to discuss whether a deal is salvageable.And as the vaccine rollout continues with new warnings for those suffering severe allergies, Sir Bob Geldof drops in to explain why he's an evangelist for the jabs.Studio Director: Emma Crowe Producers: Alix Pickles, Ben Weisz and Natalie Ktena Assistant Editor: Emma Close Editor: Dino Sofos

A great day for science, a bad day for Covid-19. As the first Pfizer vaccines are given to patients in the UK, the Oxford-AstraZeneca vaccine publishes its data. Adam and Fergus chat to virologist Dr Elisabetta Groppelli about how the rollout might go - and learn some Italian while they're at it. Jenny Hill has the latest from the prosecutors in Berlin trying to build a case against the suspect in the case of Madeleine McCann. And in honour of William Shakespeare, whose namesake got the vaccine today, we've rewritten one of his great monologues for the Covid age.Studio director: Emma Crowe Producers: Rick Kelsey, Ben Weisz, Alix Pickles Editor: Dino Sofos

Boris Johnson will head to Brussels this week to meet European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen in a last ditch effort to salvage a post-Brexit trade deal. But is a breakthrough possible? Activate Brexitcast! And could snowy UK winters could become a thing of the past? Justin Rowlatt tells us how the UK’s climate could change where you live.Studio Director: Emma Crowe Producers: Harriet Noble and Alix Pickles Editor: Dino Sofos

The BBC's Dan Roan joins Adam to discuss the return of football fans to professional games in England as well as the Premier League rescue package for clubs in lower divisions. And James Gallagher provides the latest on testing. Where can people get a test and are rapid lateral flow tests all they’re cracked up to be? Producers: Alix Pickles, Ben Weisz Assistant Editor: Sam Bonham Editor: Dino Sofos

The chances of a breakthrough in the post-Brexit trade negotiations are “receding” according to Laura’s secret squirrel source - so we’ve sounded the Brexitcast klaxon!And Tony Blair joins us to talk Brexit, vaccines and why he doesn’t watch political dramas on TV - especially ones featuring Tony Blair.Studio Director: William Allott Producers: Rick Kelsey; Ben Weisz, Frankie Tobi Editor: Dino Sofos

The Pfizer/BioNTech vaccine has been judged safe for use in the UK, and will start to be rolled out next week. Adam is joined by BBC Health Editor Hugh Pym, Professor of Immunology Deborah Dunn-Walters and GP Dr Amir Khan to answer Newscasters’ questions.Studio Director: Emma Crowe Producers: Sej Asar and Harriet Noble Episode Editor: Rick Kelsey Editor: Dino Sofos