Newscast

The chancellor Rishi Sunak has announced the government’s new economic measures for when the furlough scheme ends next month. Adam and Laura are joined by Simon Jack to look at the choices now facing businesses, and we’re given a maths lesson on how it could work for you by University Challenge’s Bobby Seagull. Plus, BBC tech correspondent Zoe Kleinman answers your questions on the new Track and Trace app that launched today. Producers: Frankie Tobi, Seren Jones Assistant Editor: Emma Close

Adam is joined by Professor Jim Al-Khalili from BBC Radio 4's The Life Scientific to talk about his recent interviews with Neil Ferguson and Sarah Gilbert. And BBC Scotland Editor Sarah Smith explains the importance of Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer refusing to rule out the possibility of supporting a second referendum on Scottish independence.Studio Director: Emma Crowe Producers: Alix Pickles, Seren Jones Assistant Editor: Sam Bonham

Pubs, restaurants and bars are to close at 10pm, and people are told to work from home if they can again in new measures announced today by the prime minister. And, as Sir Keir Starmer gives his first Labour conference speech as leader virtually from Doncaster, Chris Mason tells us why it wasn't just the livestream that made a change from previous years. Studio Director: Emma Crowe Producers: Frankie Tobi, Natalie Ktena Assistant Editor: Emma Close

The UK's coronavirus alert level is being upgraded from 3 to 4. Adam, Laura, Chris and Fergus talk through what it means for the country. And Teesside University student radio station, TUXtra, stages a Newscast takeover. What will Freshers' Week be like for students?Studio Director: Emma Crowe Producers: Sej Asar, Natalie Ktena Output Editor: Frankie Tobi Assistant Editor: Sam Bonham Editor: Dino Sofos

On the day that Prime Minister Boris Johnson says the UK is now seeing a second wave, we try to figure out what the government means when they say they are considering a "circuit-break" approach for suppressing the spread of coronavirus. Also, we discuss the model Emily Ratajkowski’s viral blog about who owns the rights to her image.Studio Director: Emma Crowe Producers: Harriet Noble, Alix Pickles Assistant Editor: Sam BonhamMany thanks to New York Magazine’s The Cut podcast for the audio of Emily Ratajkowski used in this episode.

As large parts of the north-east of England are put under further restrictions, and figures today reveal only a third of people are receiving their covid test results within 24 hours, what’s going wrong? Adam, Laura and James ask the former Health Secretary Jeremy Hunt about what the backlog could mean for the Winter. And, Samantha Bond reads us extracts of the new book by Lady Sasha Squire that’s got everyone in Westminster talking.Producers: Frankie Tobi, Ben Weisz, Nat Ktena, Alix Pickles Editor: Dino Sofos

Who's who in the shadow cabinet? Newsnight’s Nick Watt has the beginner's guide to the Labour frontbench. And, after yesterday's Newscast raised the possibility of loopholes in the testing system, the BBC’s Rachel Schraer explains what's going on.Studio Director: Emma Crowe Producers: Ben Weisz, Frankie Tobi Assistant Editor: Sam Bonham

Why is there a shortage of covid tests? Adam speaks to epidemiologist Alan McNally who was one of the people involved in setting up the Milton Keynes Lighthouse Lab. And as the unemployment rate continues to increase and finding a job is becoming harder, former winner of The Apprentice, Lee McQueen, offers some handy CV tips.Studio Director: Emma Crowe Lead producer: Frankie Tobi Producers: Ben Weisz and Natalie Ktena Assistant Editor: Emma Close

The Internal Market Bill, giving government the power to override parts of the Brexit agreement with the EU, passed its first hurdle in a late night Commons vote. Adam and Laura digest the details of the dramatic day at Westminster. And is there life on Venus? Studio Director: Michael Regaard Producers: Ben Weisz, Frankie Tobi Output Editor: Harriet Noble Assistant Editor: Sam Bonham Editor: Dino Sofos

Adam is joined by the BBC's Fergus Walsh and Vicki Young to discuss the government's response to the growing infection rate. And the BBC's Mark Lowen tells us what life is like for migrants and refugees after the fire at the Moria camp on the Greek island of Lesbos.Studio Director: Emma Crowe Producer: Harriet Noble, Natalie Ktena Assistant Editor: Sam Bonham Editor: Dino Sofos

In a Brexitcast reunion, Adam, Laura and Katya ask what can be salvaged from negotiations with the EU that appear to have hit the buffers. Michel Barnier is back in town - this time it's Laura who gets to say bonjour. And while wildfires turn the sky orange in California, we ask Justin Rowlatt what he makes of a citizens' assembly plan to tackle climate change - and where snotcicles come from.Studio Director: William Allott Producer: Ben Weisz Assistant Editor: Emma Close Editor: Dino Sofos

Adam, Laura and Fergus walk through the new, 'simpler' coronavirus restrictions in England - dubbed the 'Rule of Six' by Boris Johnson. The government's top scientists warn they might be with us for a while. And where does the 'Rule of Six' leave S Club 7? Bradley McIntosh tells us.Studio Director: Emma Crowe Producer: Ben Weisz Editor: Dino Sofos

Social gatherings of more than six people will be illegal in England from Monday - with some exemptions - after a steep rise in coronavirus cases. Adam is joined by the BBC's Laura Kuenssberg, Fergus Walsh, Branwen Jeffreys and Nick Eardley. Studio director: Emma Crowe Producers: Ben Weisz, Jo Deahl Assistant Editor: Sam Bonham Editor: Dino Sofos

Brexit is back. So we've fired up the klaxon and brought out the binders. Laura, Katya and Adam discuss the government’s plans for a post-Brexit customs bill, and look ahead to another round of talks starting this week. It's like September 2019 all over again.And how worried should we be about the rise in coronavirus cases? Fergus is back to tell us. Studio director: Chris Murphy Producers: Harriet Noble and Ben Weisz Editor: Dino Sofos

Adam is joined by Pano Christou, the CEO of Pret A Manger, to discuss the sandwich chain's plan for pandemic survival. And we speak to a suburban cafe that’s thriving in the new normal. Studio Director: Michael Regaard Producers: Harriet Noble, Alix Pickles Assistant Editor: Sam Bonham Editor: Dino Sofos

Former Prime Minister Tony Blair joins Adam to explain why he’s turned into a testing geek – and how he thinks the international community needs to up its game to tackle Covid-19.Not content with a single Tony, Jo Coburn drops in to update us on the row surrounding Mr Abbott, Australia’s ex-PM, becoming a UK trade envoy. And Amol Rajan on whether the BBC’s new boss Tim Davie can win his battle against bureaucracy.Studio Director: Michael Regaard Producers: Ben Weisz, Lucy Boast Editor: Dino Sofos

Adam is joined by BBC Newsnight's Nick Watt and Network Rail’s Nick King to discuss the Government’s new work placement scheme. Will it create enough long-term jobs for young people? Also, we get a local lockdown lowdown from Eleanor Roaf, Director of Public Health for Trafford.Studio Director: Michael Regaard Producers: Ben Weisz Assistant Editors: Emma Close, Sam Bonham Editor: Dino Sofos

Politics resumes at Westminster today - and Adam is reunited with Chris Mason for a well-needed chat about what they've been up to on their first day back. And what is the former Australian PM Tony Abbott doing in town? The Sydney Morning Herald's Latika Bourke explains, and tells us everything we need to know about the man who once ate a raw onion on camera.Studio Director: Mike Regaard Producer: Ben Weisz Assistant Editor: Emma Close Editor: Dino Sofos

Sir Ed Davey has been named the new leader of the Liberal Democrats. Our guest presenter Jane Garvey asks his former adviser Polly Mackenzie whether he can turn the party's fortunes around. And, will the Bank Holiday weekend bring more illegal raves to towns and cities? We hear from the West Midlands’ Deputy Police and Crime Commissioner on whether the new £10,000 fines for organisers in England go far enough. Plus, Maitlis on Melania - our Americast colleague drops in to discuss the Republican National Convention.Studio Director: Emma Crowe Producer: Ben Weisz Output Editor: Frankie Tobi Assistant Editor: Emma Close Editor: Dino Sofos

In this Newscast, Adam hears how Victoria Derbyshire lifted the lid on lockdown violence, hearing from the women who have escaped domestic abuse during the Coronavirus pandemic. And with unprecedented protests on the streets of Minsk, Steve Rosenberg drops in to explain why the future of President Lukashenko is important beyond the borders of Belarus. Studio Manager: Emma Crowe Producers: Ben Weisz and Frankie Tobi Assistant Editor: Emma Close Editor: Dino Sofos

A-Level and GCSE students in England will now be able to use their teacher-assessed grades, after an algorithm led to tens of thousands of students being marked down. But while the U-turn is being welcomed by many, what does this mean for the availability of University places? Adam catches up with Sue Hannan, Assistant Principal- Curriculum. at a College in Barrow-in-Furness, and speaks to Professor Malcolm Press, Vice Chancellor of Manchester Metropolitan University. Studio Director: Emma Crowe Producers: Ben Weisz, Frankie Tobi Assistant Editor: Emma Close Editor: Dino Sofos

With exams cancelled and schools and colleges closed since March, how have A-level and BTec students’ grades been affected? Adam speaks to some of those left unhappy with their results today and we hear what options there are for students around the country. Also James Gallagher updates us on the latest coronavirus news. Studio Director: Emma Crowe Producers: Ben Weisz, Frankie Tobi Assistant Editor: Sam Bonham Editor: Dino Sofos

On this week's bumper Newscast, Adam asks Jeremy Bowen why the tragic explosion in Beirut could have bigger consequences closer to home. With climate change, coronavirus, and China "feeling its oats", we draw up the Newscast Risk Register of national security concerns - with help from former MI6 chief Sir John Sawers, former Home Secretary Jacqui Smith and BBC Security Correspondent Gordon Corera. Plus - BBC reporters round up the best of the rest of the week's news, and Jamie Bartlett teases us with the return of The Missing Cryptoqueen. Studio Director: Emma Crowe Producers: Ben Weisz, Natalie Ktena and Harriet Noble Editor: Dino Sofos

As Boris Johnson announces a pause to lockdown easing in England, we try and understand what it means and what could be next. We hear some analysis on the rise in cases that triggered new lockdown rules in parts of the north from the director of public health for Trafford, Eleanor Roaf. And your recommendations for the best summer staycation.Studio Director: Emma Crowe Producers: Harriet Noble, Natalie Ktena, Ben Weisz Assistant Editor: Emma Close Editor: Dino Sofos

Adam meets the pharma giants making 2 billion doses of Coronavirus vaccine.The race is still on to find a Coronavirus vaccine - but what will it look like, and how will we get hold of it? Adam finds out from Sir Mene Pangalos and Pam Cheng from pharmaceutical giant AstraZeneca. Studio Director: Emma Crowe Producers: Ben Weiz, Frankie Tobi and Natalie Ktena Assistant Editor: Emma Close Editor: Dino Sofos

On the day that the world's biggest tech companies defend their firms against claims they abuse their power, Adam is joined by the BBC’s Aleem Maqbool and Jessica Lessin from technology business publication, The Information. Studio Directors: Emma Crowe, Mike Addley Producers: Frankie Tobi, Natalie Ktena Assistant Editor: Sam Bonham Editor: Dino Sofos

The government has unveiled a plan to boost cycling with new bike lanes, vouchers for repairs and lessons on offer. But how easy is it to create a cycle-friendly city or town? Adam is joined by Jennifer Keesmaat, former chief city planner of Toronto, and the BBC’s unofficial cycling correspondent Jeremy Vine. Studio Director: Emma Crowe Producers: Frankie Tobi, Ben Weisz Assistant Editor: Sam Bonham Editor: Dino Sofos

Jamie Oliver joins Adam to talk through the government’s obesity strategy. And now that people returning from holidays in Spain have to quarantine for two weeks, can (and should) we still go abroad this summer? Also, how did a cat get coronavirus? Studio director: Michael Regaard Producers: Harriet Noble, Frankie Tobi, Natalie Ktena Assistant editor: Sam Bonham Editor: Dino Sofos

Fortunately for Newscast, Jane Garvey’s in the hotseat. James and Laura discuss the prime minister’s first year in office, England’s first day of compulsory mask wearing in shops, and whether anti-vaxers pose a threat to Covid recovery. Plus Greg James is on hand to bid Coronavirus a firm “up yours!”Studio Director: Michael Regaard Producers: Ben Weiz, Frankie Tobi and Nathalie Ktena Assistant Editor: Emma Close Editor: Dino Sofos

Boris Johnson has been the Prime Minster for one year. And what a year it’s been. Laura and Chris are joined by his former Director of Communications, Will Walden, and former editor, Max Hastings, to look back at how the PM has coped with Brexit, a pandemic, a near death experience and a new baby.Studio Director: Emma Crowe Producers: Harriet Noble, Frankie Tobi, Seren Jones Editor: Dino Sofos

Labour has agreed to pay damages to seven former employees who sued the party in an anti-Semitism row. BBC journalist John Ware, who himself won a payout from the party, joins today's host Naga Munchetty with Laura to talk about what it could mean for the future of the Labour party. Studio Director: Emma Crowe Producers: Frankie Tobi, Nick Rotherham Assistant Editor: Sam Bonham Editor: Dino Sofos

What’s in the long-awaited report on Russian interference in the UK?A delayed report released today by the Intelligence and Security Committee, accused the Government of ‘badly underestimating’ the level of threat. Our guest presenter Clive Myrie weighs up the fallout with Laura Kuenssberg, the BBC’s Russia Correspondent Steve Rosenberg, and financier Bill Browder. CBS reporter Carter Evans explains what's happening with the protests in Portland, Oregon and singer Lola Rae celebrates the new Afrobeats chart. Studio Director: Tom Burchell Producers: Frankie Tobi, Jo Deahl, Natalie Ktena Assistant Editor: Emma Close Editor: Dino Sofos

The Oxford vaccine appears safe and triggers an immune response. But what are the next steps? Our first guest presenter of the week, 5 Live’s Rachel Burden, is joined by Fergus Walsh and Professor Andrew Pollard from the Oxford research group. Studio Director: Tom Burchell Producers: Harriet Noble and Jo Deahl Assistant Editor: Sam Bonham Editor: Dino Sofos

Prime Minister Boris Johnson laid out the next steps in easing lockdown restrictions today. Adam is joined by the BBC’s Vicki Young and James Gallagher to discuss how the UK could start to get life back to ‘significant normality’ in time for Christmas. Producers: Frankie Tobi, Natalie Ktena Assistant Editor: Sam Bonham Editor: Dino Sofos

Why are Russian spies targeting covid-19 research?Author of McMafia and organised crime expert, Misha Glenny and former chair of the British Joint Intelligence Committee, Baroness Neville-Jones explain why Russian spies are targeting covid-19 vaccine research. Leicester MP Liz Kendall tells us how the second lockdown is affecting the city. And Shed Seven’s Rick Witter, gives us a guide to his city, York, in case Parliament moves up there while the Palace is renovated.Studio Manager: William Allot Producers: Seren Jones and Nathalie Ktena Assistant Editor: Emma Close Editor: Dino Sofos

The British socialite has been denied bail and awaits trial in a New York prison on charges of trafficking minors for Jeffrey Epstein. So who is Ghislaine Maxwell? Adam speaks to Andrew Neil, who knew Maxwell and appears in Jeffrey Epstein’s infamous ‘black book’. He’s also joined by the BBC’s Laura Trevelyan in New York and investigative journalist Tara Palmeri, who are both following the case closely. Studio Engineer: Weidong Lin Producers: Natalie Ktena, Ben Weisz, Jo Deahl, Frankie Tobi and Harriet Noble. Assistant Editor: Sam Bonham Editor: Dino Sofos

All Huawei 5G kit must be removed from the UK by 2027. The BBC's Carrie Gracie, Gordon Corera and Rory Cellan-Jones join Adam to discuss the politics, the security issues and the impact on our internet speeds and mobile technology.Studio Director: Emma Crowe Producers: Ben Weisz, Jo Deahl Assistant Editor: Sam Bonham Editor: Dino Sofos

The government reveals more about its immigration plans, we ask if it's right that beauty salons can’t do facial treatments and Nick Baker from The Really Wild Show (remember that?) tells us why we were plagued by flying ants over the weekend.Studio Director: Emma Crowe Producers: Harriet Noble, Ben Weisz and Jo Deahl Editor: Dino Sofos

Our medical and scientific friends leave voicemails for their younger selves. What do they wish they had known about coronavirus back in January? Fergus and Adam chat to Professor Clare Wenham about what we know now and what that means for what comes next.Studio Director: Emma Crowe Producers: Ben Weisz, Natalie Ktena Assistant Editor: Sam Bonham Editor: Dino Sofos

Gyms, beauty salons and outdoor pools are able to open from as early as this weekend in England. Adam, Laura and Fergus look at the small print. And as the government announces that plays and gigs can start happening outdoors again, the comedian Russell Kane tells us he's worried about the future of live comedy. Producers: Frankie Tobi, Seren Jones, Natalie Ktena Editor: Dino Sofos

Chancellor Rishi Sunak outlined the government’s plan for rebuilding the economy today. But will it be enough? Adam and Laura are joined by the economist Stephanie Flanders. And we speak to the chief executives of Burger King and the house-building company Taylor Wimpey about what they think of the announcements.Studio Director: Emma Crowe Producers: Frankie Tobi, Natalie Ktena, Ben Weisz Assistant Editor: Sam Bonham Editor: Dino Sofos

Vicki Young and Frank Gardner join Adam to discuss the Chinese technology firm, Huawei. Who are they and why is everyone talking about them? And also Lizo Mzimba explains what it is like in a socially distanced courtroom watching the start of Johnny Depp’s libel action. Producers: Ben Weisz, Frankie Tobi, Jo Deahl Assistant Editor: Sam Bonham Editor: Dino Sofos Studio Director: Emma Crowe

Will the government's emergency arts funding save live music? And how super was "Super Saturday" for the hospitality industry? In other news, Chris Mason, gets a trim!Studio Director: Emma Crowe Producers: Harriet Noble, Frankie Tobi and Jo Deahl Editor: Dino Sofos

Boris Johnson warns the nation to be responsible when pubs reopen this Saturday, but Radio 1’s Arielle Free tells us why she won’t be one of those going to her local this weekend. We explain the changes in quarantine rules for people arriving back in England after travelling abroad and what that could mean for holidays. And James Gallagher explains some of the context behind new care home death statistics.Studio Director: Tom Burchell Producers: Harriet Noble, Seren Jones and Natalie Ktena Output Editor: Frankie Tobi Assistant Editor: Emma Close Editor: Dino Sofos

As the UK government delays its announcement on 'travel corridors', we speak to the boss of lastminute.com. He's not happy. And neither is the headteacher of St Bede’s R C Comprehensive School in County Durham, who will have to bring all her pupils back in September.Producers: Ben Weisz, Natalie Ktena Editor: Dino Sofos

What data do Local Councils use to help stop a coronavirus outbreak? And (more importantly) what information do they need? Adam and Laura are joined by "Disease Detective" Professor Kate Adern, who is Wigan Council’s Director of Public Health.Producers: Frankie Tobi, Natalie Ktena Studio Director: Emma Crowe Assistant Editor: Sam Bonham Editor: Dino Sofos

Laura, Chris and Adam pick through the prime minister’s ‘Build, Build, Build’ speech with former communities secretary, Lord Pickles.And how does Covid-19 affect the brain? Fergus brings us up to speed on what we know six months on. Producers: Frankie Tobi, Jo Deahl, Natalie Ktena Studio Manager: Emma Crowe Assistant Editor: Emma Close Editor: Dino Sofos

Adam is joined by the Reverend Martin Poole to discuss the government’s latest guidelines on how to have a wedding. And why is Boris Johnson comparing himself to Franklin D Roosevelt?Producers: Harriet Noble, Jo Deahl, Natalie Ktena Studio Director: Emma Crowe Assistant Editor: Sam Bonham Editor: Dino Sofos

DJ and Radio 1 broadcaster Annie Mac joins Adam to talk rave culture and Glastonbury Festival. And Fergus brings us up to date on the race for a vaccine. Studio Director: Emma Crowe Producers: Natalie Ktena, Ben Weisz, Harriet Noble Assistant Editor: Sam Bonham Editor: Dino Sofos

Dame Judi Dench and David Tennant share their thoughts on the future of the theatre industry and give their verdicts on the drama of the daily coronavirus briefings. And Sir Keir Starmer makes his first shadow cabinet sacking.Studio director: William Allott Producers: Natalie Ktena and Nick Rotherham Editor: Dino Sofos