Newscast

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

England's national lockdown was, in the end, replaced with the Government's tougher tier system of local restrictions. Restrictions called "stupid" and poorly-targeted by some of its own backbenchers. Vicki and Adam discuss why those rebels spoke up. Some of those politicians have been throwing around bed occupancy figures - but there are better ways to talk about how full a hospital is. Dr Coralie Carle explains.And as the BBC reveals that people in deprived parts of England were almost twice as likely to die during the height of lockdown than people in richer areas, Ed Thomas and Father Alex Frost join us to reflect on how those pressures are being felt in Burnley.If you've been affected by any of what you hear in this edition, help is available. Find out more at bbc.co.uk/actionlineStudio director: Emma Crowe Producers: Natalie Ktena, Ben Weisz, Rick Kelsey Editor: Dino Sofos

On the day that Arcadia, the owner of Topshop and Dorothy Perkins, goes into administration, the BBC's Simon Jack discusses what went wrong. And with SNP leader Nicola Sturgeon addressing her party conference, the BBC's Sarah Smith joins Adam to talk about what 2021 could hold for the prospect of Scottish independence. Studio Director: Emma Crowe Producers: Harriet Noble, Ben Weisz Assistant Editor: Sam Bonham Editor: Dino Sofos

Elbow frontman Guy Garvey pops in to explain why artists want a fairer slice of the streaming pie - and to discuss whether festivals are back for 2021. After exciting vaccine news earlier this week, some people had questions about the data from the Oxford-AstraZeneca study. Adam and Fergus try to answer some of them with help from Professor Jennifer Rogers. And legendary LGBT venue G-A-Y explains why it’s partnering up with McDonalds to keep its doors open in Tier 2. Studio Manager: Mike Reggard Producers: Rick Kelsey, Ben Weisz, Frankie Tobi Assistant Editor: Sam Bonham Editor: Dino Sofos

More than 23 million people in England will be placed in the highest tier 3 category of coronavirus restrictions, when the national lockdown ends next Wednesday. Adam, Laura and Chris talk through the new tougher tier system, and the government’s methods for choosing which areas move up and down the scale. And, former Conservative Education and International Development Secretary Justine Greening joins tells us why she believes not enough is being done to “level-up” the country, both at home and abroad.Producers: Patrick Baker, Georgia Coan, Frankie Tobi, Ben Weisz Assistant Editor: Emma Close Editor: Dino Sofos

The economic battle after the Covid shock has only just begun. Richard Hughes from the Office for Budget Responsibility joins Laura and Adam to discuss the Spending Review. And after the death of Diego Maradona, we mourn the footballing legend with Mark Chapman and ex-England international Trevor Steven. Studio Manager: Emma Close Producers: Rick Kelsey, Ben Weisz, Sej Asar, Jo Deahl Assistant Editor: Sam Bonham Editor: Dino Sofos

The news we've all been waiting for... three households can mix over Christmas in the UK. Adam, Vicki and Fergus take us through the festive yules... I mean rules.And Sacha Lord, the Night Time Economy Adviser for Greater Manchester, tells us why he thinks the stricter tiers system is a disaster for pubs, and why you might need a 'vaccine passport' to get into a festival next summer.Studio Director: Emma Crowe Producer: Rick Kelsey (new boy!), Jo Deahl, Georgia Coan Editor: Dino Sofos

The vaccine developed by the University of Oxford is highly effective at stopping people developing Covid-19 symptoms, a large trial shows. And the Prime Minister announces that gyms and non-essential shops in all parts of England will be allowed to reopen when lockdown ends next month. Adam is joined by Laura and Fergus to discuss the latest. Studio Director: Emma Crowe Producers: Jo Deahl, Frankie Tobi, Ben Weisz, Sej Asar Assistant Editor: Sam Bonham Editor: Dino SofosGot a question? Email [email protected]...

Adam is joined by the BBC's Sinéad Garvan to discuss the latest in the "Wagatha Christie" row. And Paul Johnson, from the Institute of Fiscal Studies, decodes next week's government spending review so you don't have to... Studio Director: Emma Crowe Producer: Ben Weisz Assistant Editor: Sam Bonham Editor: Dino Sofos

As Laura learns that Home Secretary Priti Patel appears to have been found in breach of the ministerial code - usually enough to quit Government - what will the Prime Minister do? Fergus is back - and while he might not be able to promise Adam and Chris the festivities they were hoping for this Christmas - he can bring more exciting vaccine news, this time about the Oxford-AstraZeneca study. And the gang are joined by former Labour deputy leader Tom Watson, to talk leadership, lawsuits, and Christmas card lists.Studio director:

Adam is joined by Chris Stark, from the UK's Climate Change Committee, to discuss the government's green plan. Can it actually be delivered? Studio Director: Emma Crowe Producers: Georgia Coan, Jo Deahl Assistant Editor: Sam Bonham Editor: Dino Sofos

Jeremy Corbyn has been readmitted to the Labour Party he led until April. Iain Watson brings us up to speed with reaction from all sides. In other political news - time for a civics lesson for Laura and Adam from Scotland Editor Sarah Smith. The Prime Minister’s walked into another row over devolution - but what is it, exactly? And as the Government launches its post-Grenfell plan to make sure social housing residents don’t feel ignored again, Inside Housing’s Nathaniel Barker explains what it does and doesn’t achieve. Studio Director: Emma Crowe Producers: Alix Pickles, Jo Deahl and Ben Weisz Editor: Dino SofosGet in touch: [email protected]

Adam, Laura and James discuss the news that the Moderna vaccine has a nearly 95% efficacy rate. Nick Timothy, former joint Chief of Staff to Theresa May, joins us to dissect the latest Cummings and goings at 10 Downing Street. And get your shoulder pads at the ready! We talk the latest 80s-tastic season of The Crown with broadcasting legends Jennie Bond and Simon McCoy.Studio Director: Emma Crowe Producers: Harriet Noble and Jo Deahl Episode Editor: Frankie Tobi Editor: Dino Sofos

Peter Sutcliffe, the serial killer who was serving a whole life term for murdering 13 women across Yorkshire and north-west England, has died. Adam is joined by Ex-police officer Bob Bridgestock, who worked on the Sutcliffe case. And the BBC's Sima Kotecha explains why Diwali celebrations may be difficult this year. Studio Director: Emma Crowe Producers: Jo Deahl, Alix Pickles, Georgia Coan, Frankie Tobi Assistant Editor: Sam Bonham Editor: Dino Sofos

With a deadline looming for a deal with the EU, Adam is stalking Michel Barnier, Laura and Chris are avidly following the pandemonium in Downing St, while Katya is getting popcorn emojis from officials in Brussels...it’s just like old times!Brexitcast is back to explain what lies in the way of a post-Brexit trade deal, whether Joe Biden’s election makes it more or less likely to happen, and whether the pandemic is helping or hindering its chances of getting signed off. Studio Director: Gerard Sudlow Producers: Ben Weisz, Frankie Tobi, Patrick Baker Editor: Dino Sofos

Laura explains what's happening inside Downing Street on the day Boris Johnson's director of communications, Lee Cain, resigns. And Adam is joined by the Vice Chancellor of the University of Sussex to talk about how he is preparing to roll out government’s plan to mass test students. Studio Director: Emma Crowe Producers: Frankie Tobi, Jo Deahl, Ben Weisz Assistant Editor: Sam Bonham Editor: Dino Sofos

Adam and Fergus are joined by Professor Sir John Bell, regius professor of medicine at the University of Oxford, to talk about distribution and regulation of the coronavirus vaccine. Studio Director: Emma Crowe Producers: Ben Weisz, Jo Deahl Assistant Editor: Sam Bonham Editor: Dino Sofos

Preliminary analysis shows the first effective coronavirus vaccine can prevent more than 90% of people from getting the virus. Fergus brings us his interview with the developers, Pfizer, and Professor of immunology, Peter Openshaw sets the news in context. And as hopes about the vaccine send global markets skyrocketing, Laura and BBC Business reporter Vishala Sri-Pathma help us understand who are the financial winners and losers. Studio Director: Emma Crowe Producers: Frankie Tobi and Jo Deahl Assistant Editor: Emma Close Editor: Dino Sofos

Authorities in Denmark have found a mutated form of coronavirus in the country's mink farms. Should we be concerned? Dr Claire Standley joins James and Adam to explain the science behind mink and coronavirus.Studio Director: Emma Crowe Producers: Ben Weisz, Georgia Coan Assistant Editor: Sam Bonham Editor: Dino Sofos

As counting continues in the US presidential election, former politician and documentary maker Ed Balls shares the insights he learned meeting Trump supporters for his recent series. Chris and Vicki discuss the Government's about turn on the furlough scheme's return - responding to circumstance or last-minute decision? And if, like us, you've an ear for slide sass - you'll LOVE the latest from the Downing St press conference.Studio Director: Gerard Sudlow Producer: Ben Weisz, Patrick Baker, Sej Asar Assistant Editor: Emma Close Editor: Dino SofosGet in touch - [email protected]

The result of the US election will come down to the undeclared battleground states: Arizona, Georgia, Wisconsin, Michigan and Pennsylvania. Adam is joined by the BBC’s Anna Foster from Ohio to discuss the latest in the US election. And Heidi Larson, from the Vaccine Confidence Project, explains how to address concerns people have with the coronavirus vaccine.Studio Director: Emma Crowe Producer: Jo Deahl Output Editor: Frankie Tobi Assistant Editor: Sam Bonham Editor: Dino Sofos

Another terror attack on a major European city. This time it's Vienna, where a suspected islamist extremist opened fire. It's a city Katya Adler knows well - she joins Adam and Frank Gardner to discuss the apparent rise in these incidents, and the challenges facing Europe's leaders in deciding how to respond.Liverpool is to be the test case for mass testing - Mayor Joe Anderson explains how it's going to work, while Adam and Fergus pore through the new lockdown restrictions, hot off the press - and attempt to answer your questions about how they'll work. Studio director: Emma Crowe Producers: Ben Weisz, Jo Deahl Editor: Dino Sofos

Last week Fergus described the "positive" mood in a Newcastle Covid ward. Now, one week on, it’s a very different story in Liverpool as the intensive care units struggle to cope. And Johnny Depp has lost his libel case against the Sun newspaper over an article that called him a "wife beater". The BBC’s Helena Wilkinson talks Adam through the ruling. Studio Director: Emma Crowe Producers: Frankie Tobi, Jo Deahl Assistant Editor: Sam Bonham Editor: Dino Sofos

On the day that the PM announces a four-week lockdown in England, Adam, Laura, Chris and Fergus discuss what we know and what it all means. Studio Director: Danny Cox Assistant Editor: Sam Bonham Editor: Dino Sofos

Adam and James are joined by Dr Emma Hodcroft from the University of Basel to discuss the new coronavirus strain which was discovered in Spain. And the Castermind quiz returns for a second week. Studio Director: Emma Crowe Producers: Ben Weisz, Alix Pickles Assistant Editor: Sam Bonham Editor: Dino Sofos

Labour has suspended Jeremy Corbyn from the party over his reaction to a highly critical report on anti-Semitism. Adam, Vicki Young and Nick Watt discuss what's in the long-awaited EHRC report. How did a party that prides itself on anti-racism ended up breaching the Equality Act? And is this the start of a civil war in the party? And how is France dealing with another grim terrorist attack and impending lockdown?Studio Director: Emma Crowe Producers: Ben Weisz and Frankie Tobi Editor: Dino Sofos

France and Germany have announced today they will both reintroduce national restrictions to curb the spread of Covid-19. Katya joins Adam to talk through the situation on the continent. And, will a second wave in the UK be worse than the first? James Gallagher explains the concerns of some senior scientific advisers. And as the five migrants who drowned trying to cross the Channel are all named as members of the same family, BBC Persia’s Jiyar Gol tells us what we know about them, and others trying to make the same journey.Studio Director: Emma Crowe Producers: Frankie Tobi, Ben Weisz Assistant Editor: Emma Close Editor: Dino Sofos

Adam is joined by Professor Dame Anne Johnson, who’s about to take over as president of the Academy of Medical Sciences. She joins our Health Editor Hugh Pym to discuss the latest pandemic figures, and whether the public are getting the message about social distancing. And as the inquiry into the Scottish Government’s handling of allegations against Alex Salmond heats up, Sarah Smith puts it in context, and explains why it could prove tricky for the First Minister.Studio Director: Frank McWeeny Producers: Ben Weisz, Sej Asar, Jo Deahl Assistant Editor: Sam Bonham Editor: Dino Sofos

Back in April, there were fears the NHS would be overwhelmed by the number of people needing treatment for Covid-19. Six months on, Fergus Walsh is back in an intensive care unit speaking to staff and patients. How is everyone coping this time round? And, will the government to change its policy on free school meals? As pressure mounts from both the public and some Conservative MPs, the BBC’s Jessica Parker talks us through the latest. Studio Director: Emma Crowe Producers: Frankie Tobi, Jo Deahl Assistant Editor: Sam Bonham Editor: Dino SofosGet in touch: [email protected]

Newscaster JR is the first contestant in the first ever Newscast quiz. And why is Beyonce posting about the Nigeria Sars protests? The BBC's Mayeni Jones joins Adam to discuss what is going on in Lagos.Studio Director: Emma Crowe Producers: Ben Weisz, Sej Asar, Alix Pickles, Frankie Tobi Assistant Editor: Sam Bonham Editor: Dino SofosGet in touch: [email protected]

The former Chancellor tells us that Boris Johnson should be more "realistic" about the pandemic and that the government is guilty of "optimism bias". Also, former doctor, bestselling author and comedian, Adam Kay, talks to Adam, Laura and Chris about his new West End show. Producers: Frankie Tobi, Ben Weisz Editor: Dino Sofos

Adam is joined by the BBC's James Vincent to discuss the reaction in South Yorkshire on the day that tier three restrictions are announced. And Laura helps translate her interview with Lord Mark Sedwill, the ex-head of the civil service. How surprised should we be with what he said? Studio Director: Emma Crowe Producers: Ben Weisz, Frankie Tobi Assistant Editor: Sam Bonham Editor: Dino SofosGet in touch: [email protected]

Tier 3 rules will be imposed on Greater Manchester from Friday, the prime minister has announced. Adam is joined by the BBC’s Vicki Young and Kevin Fitzpatrick to discuss the day's events. And Professor Peter Openshaw, from Imperial College London, explains why the UK is pushing ahead to be the first country to carry out “human challenge” studies where up to 90 healthy people will be deliberately exposed to Covid-19. Studio Director: Emma Crowe Producers: Frankie Tobi, Ben Weisz, Jo Deahl Assistant Editor: Sam Bonham Editor: Dino Sofos

The First Minister of Wales, Mark Drakeford, tells us about his 'short, sharp, firebreak' lockdown. Laura and Chris join Adam for some riveting Brexit updates. And Emma Barnett tells us what living with the debilitating condition endometriosis is like. Studio Director: Emma Crowe Producers: Jo Deahl and Natalie Ktena Editor: Dino Sofos

As Lancashire becomes the latest area to move into the ‘very-high’ restrictions tier, the Prime Minister has warned that he may ‘intervene’ if new measures for Greater Manchester are not agreed. Adam is joined by Vicki and James to talk through the latest.And, could ‘No Deal’ be on the cards…? We hear the latest on the Brexit negotiations, as the UK say trade talks with the EU are ‘over’. Also on the podcast, Rambler and Broadcaster Stuart Maconie tells us about the joys of a good walk. Studio Director: Michael Regaard Producers: Ben Weisz, Frankie Tobi Assistant Editor: Emma CloseGet in touch at [email protected]

As a row over regional coronavirus restrictions gets heated in England, is it time for a national ‘circuitbreaker’ lockdown? Professor Sir Jeremy Farrar thinks so - he sits on SAGE and directs the Wellcome Trust, and tells Adam and Fergus that without a three week national lockdown, winter could be a bumpy ride. Chris and Laura are back, too, to discuss the fallout in Westminster from these regional rows - and to explain what to make of Dame Louise Casey’s warning about large scale post-pandemic destitution. Katya reunites the Brexitcast crew with the latest on EU trade talks. And Chris Mason’s outro hangs in the balance - as we finally decide whether to ooze it or lose it.Studio Director: Andy Mills Producers: Sej Asar, Frankie Tobi, Ben Weisz, Alix Pickles Editor: Dino Sofos

Adam is joined by Dr Maria Van Kerkhove, the Technical Lead on Covid-19 at the World Health Organization. And the BBC’s Stephen Nolan explains the reaction in Northern Ireland after it’s announced that schools will close from Monday. Studio Director: Emma Crowe Producers: Frankie Tobi, Ben Weisz, Jo Deahl Assistant Editor: Sam Bonham Editor: Dino Sofos

Wipe away your tiers - Newscast is here to answer your questions! Can you still visit others in their support bubbles? Where is the virus spreading? What’s going on with Nightingale Hospitals? Here to answer your corona queries - Deputy Political Editor Vicki Young, Health Editor Hugh Pym, Newscast’s favourite virologist Dr Elisabetta Groppelli and 5 Live’s Nick Garnett.Studio Director: Emma Close Producers: Ben Wesiz and Jo Deahl Editor: Dino Sofos