Is Starmer Risking Escalation with Putin?

Today, we discuss what’s going on with exploding pagers and walkie-talkies in Lebanon. James Cook is joined by International Editor, Jeremy Bowen, and Security Correspondent, Frank Gardner, to discuss how the devices exploded, why Israel seems to have infiltrated Hezbollah’s communications network, and what this could mean for escalating tensions in the region. Plus, Chris joins James to discuss how a row has broken out in government over Keir Starmer’s top aide, Sue Gray, being paid more than the Prime Minister.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 James Cook. It was made by Miranda Slade with Anna Harris, Reeta Jobanputra, and Kris Jalowiecki. The technical producer was Mike Regaard. The assistant editor is Chris Gray. The editor is Sam Bonham.

Today, we look at new measures that aim to protect teens on Instagram. Social media company, Meta, have announced "built-in protections" to teen accounts as well as greater controls for parents. But will it work? James is joined by the BBC’s technology editor Zoe Kleinman plus disinformation and social media correspondent Marianna Spring.And Munira Wilson, Liberal Democrat MP for Twickenham, joins James from the final day of the Liberal Democrats party conference, where Election Success, the NHS, and… Brexit have all been on the agenda. 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 James Cook. It was made by Jack Maclaren with Reeta Jobanputra and Anna Harris. The technical producer was Ricardo McCarthy. The assistant editor is Chris Gray. The editor is Sam Bonham.

Today, we look at the sentencing of former BBC News presenter Huw Edwards.He’s avoided prison, but has been given a suspended six-month prison sentence for child abuse image offences at Westminster Magistrates' Court.Adam is joined by the BBC’s legal correspondent Dominic Casciani, and media editor Katie Razzall.Support services can be found here https://www.bbc.co.uk/actionline/Plus, there are questions about security around former President Donald Trump, after an apparent second attempt in two months on his life.BBC chief presenter Caitríona Perry joins Adam to go through the details.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 Anna Harris and Reeta Jobanputra. The technical producer was Michael Regaard. The assistant editor is Chris Gray. The editor is Sam Bonham.

Today, at least eight people have died whilst trying to cross the Channel from France to England. Foreign secretary David Lammy spoke to Laura, with Keir Starmer’s upcoming trip to Italy where immigration has also been a key issue for Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni. Laura and Paddy, joined by Newsnight’s Nick Watt, also react to Lammy speaking about the Western allies stance on allowing Ukraine to fire long-range missiles into Russia and his views on former US President Donald Trump and the misinformation he shared during the Presidential debate this week about migrants.Plus, there’s chat about UEFA warning the government that England could be kicked out of Euro 2028 over the independent football regulator and Victoria Starmer’s clothes shopping being paid for by Labour donor Lord Waheed Alli.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/newscastcommunityhereNewscast 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 Chris Gray with Adam Chowdhury. The technical producer was Hannah Montgomery. The senior news editor is Sam Bonham.

Today, we look at what happens now with Ukraine’s use of long-rage missiles after Sir Keir Starmer failed to signal any decision over allowing Kyiv to fire the UK-provided weapons into the Russian territory. Plus, the prime minister says he will do the difficult things, but what are some of the issues that need fixing and are still ‘unsayable’ for the new government? 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/newscastcommunityhereNewscast 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 Chris Gray with Teodora Agarici. The technical producer was Hannah Montgomery. The senior news editor is Sam Bonham.

Today, we discuss the Prime Minister’s visit to the White House to discuss the US and UK’s support for Ukraine. Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer said Russia had started the war in Ukraine and could end it "straight away”. Adam is joined by Chris Mason, who is in Washington with the Prime Minister ahead of his meeting with President Joe Biden.We also speak to Emily Thornberry, the new Chair of the Foreign Affairs Select Committee. In her first interview since becoming Chair, she speaks about how she plans to use her new role, the UK’s support for Ukraine, and why she’d like more MPs to be ‘internationalists’. 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 Sam McLaren. The technical producer was Frank McWeeny. The assistant editor is Chris Gray. The senior news editor is Sam Bonham.

Today, we look at a damning report into the state of the NHS.The Lord Darzi review finds the NHS “is in critical condition”, with “ballooning” waiting times and delays in A&E and cancer care.Speaking after the report, the Prime Minister told reporters the NHS must “reform or die” and there will be no more money without reform. Adam is joined by health correspondent Cath Burns, chief executive of Barking, Havering and Redbridge University Hospitals Trust Matthew Trainer, and chair of the RCGP Council Professor Kamila Hawthorne.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, Anna Harris and Sam Mclaren. The technical producer was Hannah Montgomery. The assistant editor is Chris Gray. The editor is Sam Bonham.

Today, we round up all the latest stories about the UK economy. Adam is joined by BBC Economics Editor Faisal Islam and Chief Economics Correspondent Dharshini David to dig into what the latest GDP figures tell us about the economy, as well as what Chancellor Rachel Reeves told Faisal about the decisions she has taken on Winter Fuel Payments and those still to come in the budget. 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/newscastcommunityhereNewscast 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, Sam McLaren and Anna Harris. The technical producer was Philip Bull. The assistant editor is Chris Gray. The editor is Sam Bonham

And why is "THEY'RE EATING DOGS" trending on X?Kamala Harris and Donald Trump meet for the first time on a debate stage in Philadelphia, sparring over key issues and exchanging deep personal attacks. The momentous meeting was marked by question dodging, finger pointing… and pet-eating!The Americast Team analyses the night from the heart of the action. Who will go viral after tonight? Did Trump stick to his messaging? And will there be a second debate?!HOSTS: * Justin Webb, Radio 4 presenter * Sarah Smith, North America editor * Marianna Spring, Disinformation & social media correspondent * Anthony Zurcher, North America correspondentGET IN TOUCH: * Send us a message or voice note via WhatsApp to +44 330 123 9480 * Email [email protected] * Join our online community: https://discord.gg/qSrxqNcmRB * Or use #AmericastThis episode was made by Chris Flynn with Purvee Pattni and Claire Betzer. The technical producer was Dafydd Evans. The Americast series producer is Purvee Pattni. The senior news editor is Sam Bonham.If you want to be notified every time we publish a new episode, please subscribe to us on BBC Sounds by hitting the subscribe button on the app.You can now listen to Americast on a smart speaker. If you want to listen, just say "Ask BBC Sounds to play Americast”. It works on most smart speakers.US Election Unspun: Sign up for Anthony’s BBC newsletter: https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-us-canada-68093155Americast is part of the BBC News Podcasts family of podcasts. The team that makes Americast also makes lots of other podcasts, including The Global Story, The Today Podcast, and of course Newscast and Ukrainecast. If you enjoy Americast (and if you're reading this then you hopefully do), then we think that you will enjoy some of our other pods too.See links below.... The Global Story: https://www.bbc.co.uk/sounds/brand/w13xtvsd The Today Podcast: https://www.bbc.co.uk/sounds/brand/p0gg4k6r Newscast: https://www.bbc.co.uk/sounds/series/p05299nl Ukrainecast: https://www.bbc.co.uk/sounds/brand/p0bqztzm Read less

Today, we look at what was billed as one of the first big tests for Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer in the House of Commons, the vote over winter fuel. Adam is joined by Chris and Alex to look at the result of the vote in Parliament, and they discuss the next round of voting in the Conservative leadership contest. Plus, around 1700 offenders have been released from prison early to help ease overcrowding. Adam speaks to His Majesty’s Chief Inspector of Prisons Charlie Taylor about the situation in the prison system and his annual report which was published today.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 Anna Harris, Gemma Roper and Sam McLaren. The technical producer was Phil Bull. The assistant editor is Chris Gray. The editor is Sam Bonham.