Newscast

Today, we look at a major intervention into the debate on the assisted dying bill from former Prime Minister Gordon Brown. Writing in the Guardian, Brown says the death of his first daughter Jennifer aged only 11 days strengthened his belief that "this is not the right time to make such a profound decision". Laura and Paddy discuss whether this could impact how MPs vote, as well as looking at new polling into how the public feel about the legislation. Plus, the French Foreign Minister has spoken exclusively to Laura about the war in Ukraine, and suggests that they will allow their long-range missiles to be fired into Russia. You can now listen to Newscast on a smart speaker. If you want to listen, just say "Ask BBC Sounds to play Newscast”. It works on most smart speakers. 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 Jack Maclaren with Adam Chowdhury. The technical producer was Jonny Hall. The assistant editor is Chris Gray. The editor is Sam Bonham.

Today, Adam, Alex, Chris and Henry discuss Ukraine firing British and US missiles on Russia, what the International Criminal Court’s arrest warrant for Benjamin Netanyahu means for Britian’s relationship with Israel, and Newscast remembers John Prescott who has died at the age of 86. You can now listen to Newscast on a smart speaker. If you want to listen, just say "Ask BBC Sounds to play Newscast”. It works on most smart speakers. 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, Chris Mason, Alex Forsyth and Henry Zeffman. It was made by Chris Gray with Anna Harris. The technical producer was Mike Regaard. The editor is Sam Bonham.

Today, we look back on the life and career of former Deputy Prime Minister John Prescott. Lord Prescott died aged 86 on Wednesday in his care home, where he had been living with Alzheimer's, his family have said. Adam speaks to former Labour Director of Communications Lord Peter Mandelson about his memories of working with Lord Prescott. And, Adam talks to Joe Pike, Political Investigations Correspondent, about the Charity Commission’s inquiry into the Captain Tom Foundation, the charity set up by the family of Sir Captain Tom Moore. The Charity Commission said his daughter and son-in-law displayed a "pattern of behaviour" in which they benefited personally from the Captain Tom Foundation and people "would understandably feel misled". You can now listen to Newscast on a smart speaker. If you want to listen, just say "Ask BBC Sounds to play Newscast”. It works on most smart speakers. 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 Miranda Slade with Gemma Roper. The technical producers were Jack Graysmark and Mike Regaard. The assistant editor Chris Gray. The senior News editor is Sam Bonham.

Today, the BBC believes Ukraine has fired UK-made Storm Shadow long-range missiles into Russia by Ukraine for the first time. Adam speaks to former UK defence attaché to Moscow and Kyiv John Foreman, who describes the Defence Secretary John Healey’s remarks to the House of Commons about Storm Shadow missiles as “clear as mud”. And, BBC News Chief Presenter Sumi Somaskanda discusses why President Biden has changed direction on Ukraine plus the latest on President-elect Trump’s well-known nominees for top roles in his team. You can now listen to Newscast on a smart speaker. If you want to listen, just say "Ask BBC Sounds to play Newscast”. It works on most smart speakers. 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 Miranda Slade with Gemma Roper and Anna Harris. The technical producer was Philip Bull. The assistant editor Chris Gray. The senior News editor is Sam Bonham.

Today, we look at a protest in Westminster by farmers over inheritance tax changes announced in the Budget. Around 10,000 people are believed to have attended a rally in Whitehall today protesting changes to inheritance tax. From April 2026, inherited agricultural assets worth more than £1m will be liable to tax. Prime Minister Keir Starmer says he understands the concerns, but says the “vast majority” of farms will be unaffected. Plus, Ukraine has fired US-supplied long range missiles at a target inside Russian territory for the first time. Adam is joined by Ukraine Correspondent James Waterhouse. You can now listen to Newscast on a smart speaker. If you want to listen, just say "Ask BBC Sounds to play Newscast”. It works on most smart speakers. 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 Jack Maclaren with Gemma Roper. The technical producer was Michael Regaard. The assistant editor Chris Gray. The senior News editor is Sam Bonham.