Season 5

01 Israel-Gaza: Six months of war Episode 17th April 2024 Laura, Paddy, and Jeremy Bowen, chew over the day's news. 02 Iran attacks Israel: How will the world respond? Episode 214th April 2024 Israel says the confrontation is 'not over yet'. 03 Tory MP Suspended! Episode 320th April 2024 A Tory MP has been suspended. And, Josh Widdicombe on how he tried, and failed, to become a journalist. 04 The Art of the US/Ukraine Aid Deal Episode 421st April 2024 Laura, Paddy, and Newsnight political editor Nick Watt discuss the US congress vote and Laura’s interview with Claire Coutinho. 05 Rail Britannia Episode 527th April 2024 Adam and Alex talk to shadow transport secretary Louise Haigh about Labour’s plans to renationalise nearly all passenger rail services. And we hear from comedian Michael Spicer about his new sketch show, No Room. 06 28/04/2024 Episode 628th April 2024 Laura and Paddy, along with Henry Zeffman chew over the week’s political news. 07 05/05/2024 Episode 75th May 2024 08 No Interest to Cut Rates… yet! Episode 810th May 2024 Adam Fleming and Chris Mason look at whether the UK economy has 'turned a corner' and, if so, why interest rates were kept the same. Twenty-four hours on from the shock defection of Natalie Elphicke to Labour, Chris speaks to the former Tory MP. 09 12/05/2024 Episode 912th May 2024 Laura Kuenssberg and Paddy O'Connell, along with Henry Zeffman, chew over the week’s political news. 10 Starmer's Six Steps! Episode 1016th May 2024 Keir Starmer reveals the “first steps” Labour would take if they won the general election. And find out how Rishi Sunak got on when he braved the panel on ITV’s Loose Women. 11 Electioncast: IT’S ON! Episode 1122nd May 2024 Rishi Sunak has called the UK General Election for the 4 July. Adam is joined by Laura Kuenssberg, Faisal Islam and Alex Forsyth to discuss the surprise announcement by the Prime Minister this afternoon. 12 Electioncast: Rwanda... Slogans... and No Farage! Episode 1223rd May 2024 Rishi Sunak confirms that no deportation flights to Rwanda will set off before the general election. Plus Nigel Farage says he will not run to be a MP. 13 Electioncast: Michael Gove Votes to Leave Episode 1324th May 2024 Today, we look at Keir Starmer kicking off his party’s Scottish campaign, and Jeremy Corbyn confirming he will stand as an independent candidate in Islington North. Plus, a surprise announcement from Michael Gove! Adam is joined by Chris from Westminster and James from Scotland. 14 Electioncast: How Many More MPs Will Quit? Episode 1425th May 2024 Laura and Paddy are back in the Newscast studio as the party leaders spend the weekend campaigning. Rishi Sunak met with veterans in his constituency in North Yorkshire as Sir Keir Starmer campaigned in the West Midlands. 15 Electioncast: Labour's Tax Plan + Rishi Wants You Episode 1526th May 2024 Today, Laura, Paddy, and Adam discuss Labour’s tax pledge and the Conservative plan to bring back mandatory national service. Rachel Reeves says there will be no rises in income tax or national insurance if Labour wins the general election - but spending cuts have not been ruled out. James Cleverly says the Tory national service plan would address social fragmentation and get young people 'out of their bubble'. 16 Electioncast: Pebbledash Semis and Dribbling Episode 1627th May 2024 Today, Adam and Chris discuss Keir Starmer’s first major speech of the general election campaign and the latest on Rishi Sunak’s plan to bring back national service for 18-year-olds. The Labour leader delivered a speech which included a detailed account of his upbringing as well as plans for national security. Prime Minister Rishi Sunak showed off his football skills, while he continued his campaign by returning to his plan to bring back national service for teenagers. The Liberal Democrats were on the road with Ed Davey making his way north to Scotland, with the SNP’s John Swinney campaigning in Dumfries. 17 Electioncast: Tory Pension Pledge Episode 1728th May 2024 Today, we look at the economic election battle, with spending announcements from the Tories and Labour. Plus, Labour's deputy leader Angela Rayner will face no police action in the row over her council house sale. Rishi Sunak has today launched his ‘triple lock plus’: a promise to raise the tax-free pension allowance if he wins the general election. Meanwhile, Greater Manchester Police have confirmed that Angela Rayner will not face no further action in the row over her council house sale. Adam and Alex are joined by by chief economics correspondent Dharshini David. And Chris Mason has been to Dover to hear what Nigel Farage, honorary president of Reform UK, has been saying about small boats and the role he will play in the election campaign. 18 Electioncast: What’s Going on with Diane Abbott!? Episode 1829th May 2024 Today, we look at the confusion around whether Diane Abbott can stand as a Labour candidate in the general election. Keir Starmer has denied Diane Abbott has been barred from standing for the party, but Abbott told the BBC she has in fact been stopped from standing. Adam and Alex are joined by Newsnight’s Nick Watt to try and get to the bottom of what has happened with the veteran Labour MP. Meanwhile Chris Mason has been travelling with the prime minister in the south West of England and joins the pod. And, Marianna Spring is in the studio to talk about how the political parties are using social media to target voters on TikTok. 19 Electioncast: Conservative Defects Again (Again!) Episode 1930th May 2024 Adam, Chris, and Laura are joined by Jo Coburn, Politics Live presenter, to discuss the latest defection by a former Conservative MP. They also look at the ongoing argument within the Labour Party about Diane Abbott, and Rishi Sunak’s handling of a question about Partygate. 20 Trump Trumps Over Today’s Campaigning Episode 2031st May 2024 How will Trump impact the UK election? And Diane Abbott is allowed to stand as Labour candidate. 21 Electioncast: What is Labour Doing Abbott Candidate Selection? Episode 211st June 2024 Newscast looks at how fighting within the Labour Party over who should be their general election candidates is only the latest turn in a long-running battle between its different political wings. Laura and Paddy look at what it’s meant for the campaign so far, and they discuss the Lib Dem’s strategy. Plus - the team answer questions from Newscasters including, what do polls actually tell us? Newscast brings you daily analysis of the latest political news stories from the BBC. It is presented by Laura Kuenssberg and Paddy O’Connell. It is made by Chris Flynn with Arsenii Sokolov. The technical producer is Gareth Jones. The assistant editor is Chris Gray. The editor is Sam Bonham. 22 Electioncast: Read My Lips... Migration and the NHS Back on the Agenda Episode 222nd June 2024 Laura Kuenssberg has been talking to the health secretary and the shadow home secretary, as the Conservatives promise more GP surgeries, and Labour promises less immigration. Sir Keir Starmer gave details of the policy to The Sun on Sunday. We also discuss the extent to which newspapers will play a role in this election. We also hear about a Lib Dem NHS pledge. And we discuss the Green party, after an interview with one of its co-leaders, Adrian Ramsay. Newscast brings you daily analysis of the latest political news stories from the BBC. It is presented by Laura Kuenssberg and Henry Zeffman. It is made by Chris Flynn with Arsenii Sokolov. The technical producer is Gareth Jones. The assistant editor is Chris Gray. The editor is Sam Bonham. 23 Electioncast: Farage Runs (Again) Episode 233rd June 2024 Nigel Farage to stand in election, and become leader of Reform UK. 24 Electioncast: Sunak v Starmer (How Do You Win a TV Debate?) Episode 244th June 2024 The Newscast guide to the first debate of the election campaign. 25 Electioncast: Sunak v Starmer (The Debate Unpacked!) Episode 254th June 2024 Adam, Chris, Alex & Dharshini analyse the first TV debate of the campaign. 26 Electioncast: Starmer Uses the L Word Episode 265th June 2024 Starmer says Sunak lied during the TV debate. 27 Electioncast: Argy Bargy in Basildon and Billericay Episode 276th June 2024 Today, the election campaign quietened down as political figures took part in D-Day commemoration events. Adam, Chris and Laura discuss Lord Cameron’s visit to Normandy, how candidate selection works - and the rush to find candidates in some areas, as well as the Green Party’s NHS policy. 28 Electioncast: The Big BBC Debate (Analysis!) Episode 287th June 2024 Today, we look at the first BBC election debate, where leading figures from the seven main parties take part. 29 Electioncast: How did Sunak's D-Day Blunder Happen? Episode 298th June 2024 Adam, Laura, and Henry on Rishi Sunak’s week. 30 Electioncast: Manifesting Manifestos Episode 309th June 2024 ​​Today, Laura is joined by Faisal Islam and James Cook to talk about what we can expect in manifestos this week, and how parties say they’ll pay for policies. ​​They chat about the Conservatives’ announcement on welfare spending, Labour’s plans to build more prisons and Nigel Farage’s response to Rishi Sunak’s D-Day blunder. And we ask why the SNP didn’t mention Scottish independence on Friday’s debate. 31 Electioncast: The Lib Dem Manifesto Episode 3110th June 2024 Today, we look at the Liberal Democrat manifesto launch, and the first of a series of BBC leadership interviews - starting with Rishi Sunak. Speaking at a launch in London Lib Dem leader, Ed Davey, called it a “manifesto to save the NHS” and pledged an £8bn package for health and care services in England. Davey also faced questions on the party’s stance on Europe. Plus, in the first of a series of interviews with party leaders, Nick Robinson speaks to Rishi Sunak. To discuss it all Adam and Chris are joined by Vicki Young, deputy political editor. 32 Electioncast: The Conservative Manifesto Episode 3211th June 2024 Today, we look at the Conservative manifesto launch as Rishi Suank promises a further cut in National Insurance. Unveiling the party’s plans from Silverstone race track, the PM said he would "scrap entirely the main rate of self-employed National Insurance” and that the Conservatives would "keep cutting taxes in the coming years”. Does this all add up? Adam and Chris are joined by BBC Economics Editor Faisal Islam and Newsnight Political Editor Nick Watt. 33 Electioncast: Sunak v Starmer (Part 2) Episode 3312th June 2024 Today, we look at the Sky News leaders’ event where the two main party leaders were quizzed on their plans for government. Rishi Sunak and Keir Starmer were interviewed by Beth Rigby before facing questions from the studio audience. The Labour leader was grilled on tax rises whilst the prime minister faced tough questions on the NHS and immigration. Adam is joined by former Conservative adviser Jo Tanner and former Labour adviser Tom Hamilton. And the Green Party launched their manifesto with a focus on taxing the wealthy to pay for the NHS and housing. 34 Electioncast: The Labour Manifesto Episode 3413th June 2024 Today we look at the Labour Party Manifesto launch and get an update into what the Undercover Voters have been seeing on their social media feeds. Adam speaks to Laura Kuenssberg and Jo Coburn about Labour’s manifesto after it was launched today in Manchester by Keir Starmer. The manifesto promises ‘stability over chaos’ and economic growth - but how do they plan to deliver on those commitments? Adam is also joined by BBC Wales Political reporter Teleri Glyn Jones to talk about the Plaid Cymru manifesto. And Marianna Spring has been investigating the accounts accused of being Vote Reform Bots. 35 Electioncast: Welcome to the Manifestival! Episode 3513th June 2024 Looking at a week of manifesto launches, rounding up what pledges have been made by the parties so far. Plus, what happened when Jason Donovan met Ed Davey? 36 Electioncast: Your Voice Your Vote Q&A Episode 3614th June 2024 Today, we answer your election questions. Laura, Chris and Paddy are together answering questions on housing, boundary changes and much more as part of Your Voice, Your Vote. 37 Electioncast: How SUPER is a Supermajority? Episode 3715th June 2024 Today, we’re looking at warnings from Defence Secretary Grant Shapps about a big Labour majority. Adam, Paddy and Laura also look at Reform UK, which one poll put a point ahead of the Conservatives for the first time. 38 Electioncast: A National Health (Service) Check Episode 3816th June 2024 Today, we look at what the parties are offering for the NHS and social care, and how they’re going to pay for it. Laura’s been speaking to shadow health secretary Wes Streeting about Labour’s plans. We also hear from transport secretary Mark Harper, and the leader of the Liberal Democrats Ed Davey. Plaid Cymru leader Rhun ap Iorwerth is also explains why independence isn’t front and centre of his campaign. And, want to sound like you know about the football while watching England? Mark Pougatch, main presenter of ITV’s tournament coverage, is on hand. 39 Electioncast: Labour Uses the B-Word Episode 3917th June 2024 Today, we look at Labour’s plans for business and the Reform Party’s “contract with voters”. Keir Starmer has been speaking about Brexit and a “National Wealth Fund” on the campaign trail while Rishi Sunak has stressed that the Conservatives “can win”. Adam is joined by Alex Forsyth and Simon Jack. And Nigel Farage and Richard Tice have launched Reform UK’s policy plan calling it a “contract with voters” instead of a manifesto. 40 Electioncast: Billionaire Backs Labour Episode 4018th June 2024 Today, we look at a billionaire former donor to the Conservative Party who has told Chris Mason he will vote Labour for the first time in his life. John Caudwell, the entrepreneur businessman who founded Phones 4U gave the Tories half a million pounds before the last general election. Caudwell has told Chris that Labour have undergone a “transformation” and that Rishi Sunak is an “absolute dud” in an exclusive interview. And Marianna is back in the studio to talk about the UK Undercover Voters and the political ads they’ve been seeing on their social media feeds. 41 Electioncast: The SNP Manifesto & Live in Birmingham Episode 4119th June 2024 Today, we look at the SNP manifesto launch, where John Swinney focuses on future independence talks with the UK government. Adam is in Birmingham with Newsnight’s Victoria Derbyshire and Nick Watt, they are joined by James Cook who’s covering the SNP manifesto launch in Edinburgh. And they discuss Newsnight’s focus on the NHS, plus the news that Rishi Sunak's protection officer has been arrested over alleged election date bets. 42 Electioncast: Election Timing Betting Allegations Episode 4220th June 2024 Adam, Jo and Laura look at the investigation into election timing betting. Also, discussions on the SNP manifesto, which focuses on Brexit and rejoining the EU, and what Nigel Farage has dubbed Reform UK’s 'contract for the people'. 43 Electioncast: Q+A with AF+LK Episode 4321st June 2024 Today, we answer your election questions. Adam and Laura answer your questions on PR, election fatigue and much more as part of Your Voice, Your Vote. 44 What’re the Odds? Alleged Election Betting and Undecided Punters! Episode 4422nd June 2024 Today, in this podcast recorded live on Radio 4, we’re looking at claims about betting on the election date, and Laura’s been given an internal Labour memo to candidates with warnings about undecided voters. Adam, Paddy and Laura also look at the SNP manifesto and what Nigel Farage has called Reform UK’s ‘contract with the people’. 45 Electioncast: Rwanda Policy Is 'Crap’, Says Tory Candidate Episode 4523rd June 2024 Today, Laura, Paddy and Henry discuss how the government is responding to comments from a Tory candidate made at a private event in April, describing the Rwanda policy as ‘crap’. James Sunderland, who’s also a Home Office aide, went on to say the policy will deter migrants from trying to enter the UK by crossing the Channel. Laura’s been talking to the Home Secretary James Cleverly about it on her show. They also discuss an update in the alleged election date betting story. 46 Electioncast: Taxation Trilemmas Episode 4624th June 2024 Today, we look at the Conservative Party’s internal betting inquiry and whether the main parties have “ducked” addressing stark choices over public finances. Adam, Chris and Alex chat about the accusation by the Institute for Fiscal Studies that the Conservatives and Labour are engaging in a “conspiracy of silence” over the state of public finances. Also, Rishi Sunak says the Conservative Party is carrying out internal inquiries “in parallel” with the gambling commission. And BBC Ireland correspondent Sara Girvin speaks to us from Northern Ireland about how the Cost of Living and Brexit are impacting voting. 47 When It Hits the Fan x The Today Podcast x Newscast Episode 4725th June 2024 Three podcasts, one question: How influential is the media on the election? Newscast, The Today Podcast and When It Hits The Fan are coming together for a special election episode. Hosts from all three podcasts will discuss the role of the media in this summer's political campaign. Do newspapers still matter to political campaigns? Do the TV debates change people’s minds? And how much impact is social media really having? The episode features Adam Fleming, Amol Rajan, Alex Forsyth, Marianna Spring, David Yelland and Simon Lewis. This episode was a collaboration between the teams that make Newscast, The Today Podcast and When It Hits the Fan. 48 Electioncast: 27/06/2024 Episode 4827th June 2024 49 Electioncast: 28/06/2024 Episode 4928th June 2024 50 Electioncast: 29/06/2024 Episode 5029th June 2024 51 Electioncast: 30/06/2024 Episode 5130th June 2024 52 Electioncast: 1/7/2024 Episode 521st July 2024 53 Electioncast: 2/7/2024 Episode 532nd July 2024 54 Electioncast: 3/7/2024 Episode 543rd July 2024 55 Electioncast: 4/7/2024 Episode 554th July 2024 56 Electioncast: 6/7/2024 Episode 566th July 2024 57 Electioncast: 7/7/2024 Episode 577th July 2024