Newshour
BBC World Service
The world's newsroom — breaking news, expert analysis, and authoritative reporting from BBC.
Recent episodes
Russian hybrid attacks against Europe intensifying, says Macron
Sep 18, 2026French President Emmanuel Macron has warned that the threat of hybrid attacks by Russia against Europe and France has intensified. At a news conference at the Elysee Palace, Macron said he had ordered a plan to protect critical infrastructure and defence industry sites in the face of this threat. Also in the programme: Nigeria's president promises a full investigation into the deaths in detention of dozens of suspected illegal miners; and in the UK, after King Charles disputes a startling claim
45m 3s
Femicide in South Africa: what can the government do?
Sep 18, 2026Is the South African government doing enough to address the scourge of femicide? We ask the country's minister for women. Also in the programme: Russia's parliamentary election begins. The result's not in doubt - so what can we learn? A deadly mosque attack hits Friday prayers in Pakistan; and how autonomous drones are being upgraded - with whiskers. (IMAGE: Participants carry placards during a memorial run held in honour of Elizabeth Tsontso Moselakgomo, one of several women killed in a series
45m 4s
Fear and rage over femicide in South Africa
Sep 17, 2026Fear and rage over femicide in South Africa after the body of a ninth woman was found in Ekurhuleni in east Johannesburg since July. Also in the programme: A prized artwork, drawn by Aztecs, goes back home to Mexico. It's a rare critique of the Spanish conquerors, and King Charles and his former brother-in-law go head-to-head over what's alleged to have been said about the death of Princess Diana. (Photograph: Police officers at the site of the ninth woman murdered in Ekurhuleni, east Johannesbu
47m 30s
Canada's PM say EU ‘associate member’ would be positive move
Sep 17, 2026Canada's Prime Minister Mark Carney has told the European Parliament he welcomes ambitions for associate EU membership, in a speech containing thinly veiled criticism of Donald Trump's America. He proposed deep cooperation in areas including trade, defence and technology, adding that Canada could help meet Europe's energy needs. We speak to Canada's Federal Industry Minister Mélanie Joly. Also in the programme: The head of Microsoft's artificial intelligence division has told the BBC that everyo
47m 26s
EU backs plan for Canada to become 'associate member'
Sep 16, 2026The European Commission president has announced proposals for Canada to become an associate EU member as the country's rift with the United States deepens. Also on the programme: The US federal reserve's just put up interest rates for the first time in three years; are the warnings about AI posing an existential threat a deliberate distraction? And we'll confront the really big issues with the owner of the pizzeria just voted the best in the world. (Photo: European Commission President, Ursula v
47m 15s
Ed Sheeran's support acts quit tour in support of Macklemore's 'Free Palestine' comments
Sep 16, 2026One of the world's biggest music stars - Ed Sheeran faces the biggest controversy of his career, as his support acts on his tour quit when fellow musician Macklemore was dropped from the line up following his speech in support of a 'Free Palestine'. The speech drew controversy when his comments led to a petition from the Israeli American Council demanding his removal from the tour. It was successful, and other musicians dropped out in solidarity. Also on the programme: Ursula von der Leyen has b
47m 11s
Lithuanian minister: “Nato is effectively at war with Russia”
Sep 15, 2026As Lithuania investigates a drone incursion, the country's defence minister tells us Nato is effectively at war with Russia. Also in the programme: President Trump lashes out at the judges he appointed to the US Supreme Court; the renewed civil war in Yemen causes huge numbers to flee, including over the sea to north Africa; and how an actor from Wales conquered US TV. (IMAGE: An Italian Air Force Eurofighter Typhoon fighter jet of the kind that shot down a drone that crossed the border from Bel
42m 49s
US confirms for first time it has deployed space weapons
Sep 15, 2026China has urged the United States to "stop preparing for war" in space. Beijing's reaction came hours after the US confirmed it had deployed a space weapon in Earth's orbit which is the first such public acknowledgement from Washington. Also in the programme: President Trump's son confirms part of his wedding in May was paid for by a Russian oligarch with close ties to President Putin; and why the British musician Johnny Marr is selling most of his guitars. (Photo: The US Space Command Joint Ope
43m 17s
Anthropic co-founder calls for regulation now
Sep 14, 2026As Donald Trump hits out again at tech leaders calling for caution over the pace of AI development, we hear from Jack Clark, a co-founder of Anthropic, calling for just that. Also in the programme: should Nato be trying to shoot down Russian drones inside Ukraine? Africa’s biggest ever share sale launches in Nigeria, as billionaire owner Aliko Dangote invites ordinary people to invest in his huge oil refinery; and we hear about medicine's great advances against breast cancer, from an oncologist
47m 28s
Russian train attack has led to calls for Nato to step in and intercept drones
Sep 14, 2026Former UK PM Boris Johnson and former US General David Petraeus were onboard an earlier train on the same route. Ukraine's state railway company believes the target of this drone could have been a diplomatic train. Also on the programme: billionaire art collector Leon Black denies allegations that he operated as a fixer for Jeffry Epstein. Nobel prize winning economist Daron Acemoglu explores why the working classes have fallen out of love with ideas of liberal democracy. And has a Hollywood act
47m 4s
Trump downplays AI risks
Sep 13, 2026US President Donald Trump has said ‘negative forces’ are ‘bringing up things that won’t happen’ in the context of AI risks. It follows a former Anthropic researcher saying ‘there is a strong chance that we could all die in the immediate future’ due to the current speed of development. We hear from US congresswoman Lori Trahan about her push for AI regulation. Also in the programme: Exit polls suggest a neck-and-neck race in Sweden's election; and a look at how Celine Dion’s first full concert in
42m 8s
Industry voices warn of AI 'danger'
Sep 13, 2026An artificial intelligence researcher who recently quit a leading AI firm has told the BBC that people working on the technology were "genuinely frightened" about its advancements and what it could mean for humanity. We'll look at whether there are increasingly urgent problems ahead for the roll-out of the technology. Also in the programme: EU leaders gather to discuss policy towards the Arctic; the Democratic Republic of Congo's government says it might have turned a corner with its Ebola epide
41m 49s
Anthropic boss calls for AI slowdown
Sep 12, 2026The CEO of Anthropic says AI projects should look at slowing down amid internet security concerns. Open AI's Sam Altman, as well as Elon Musk, have agreed that companies like theirs need to pace themselves. We hear analysis from a technology professor. Also in the programme: US President Donald Trump’s support for a united Ireland prompts a mixed political reaction; and following years of battling a neurological disorder, singer Celine Dion takes to the stage once again. (Photo: Dario Amodei. Cr
40m 53s
Trump says united Ireland would be a 'great thing'
Sep 12, 2026US president Donald Trump has said a united Ireland would be a 'great thing' on two-day visit to Dublin and the west of Ireland - a comment likely to inflame tensions over the status of Northern Ireland. The British government responded by saying there was no majority support for a referendum on unification, which is what is outlined in a 1998 peace deal. Also in the programme: Saudi Arabia has shut a key oil pipeline after a drone attack launched from Iraq; we will hear from Ukrainian's oldest
38m 25s
9/11 attacks remembered
Sep 11, 2026Twenty-five years ago today, four planes flew into the Twin Towers of the World Trade Centre in New York, into the Pentagon in Washington DC and into a field in Pennsylvania, after its passengers overpowered the hijackers. Almost 3,000 people died and tens of thousands more were injured. We hear from a survivor. Also on the programme: fighters from the Houthi movement capture more territory, reportedly taking the whole of Yemen's Red Sea Coast; and why El Nino is thought to be suppressing hurric
48m 22s
America marks the 25th anniversary of 9/11
Sep 11, 2026Ceremonies are underway in the United States to mark the 25th anniversary of the 9/11 terror attacks in which nearly 3,000 people were killed. We’ll look back at what happened that day, the intelligence failures and the reverberations still being felt. Also on the programme: how Yemen's Houthi fighters are tightening their grip on a crucial global shipping route; and we'll hear from the founder and face of India's Cockroach Party protests. (Photo: The Tribute in Light installation illuminated ov
47m 25s
UK hits back on Israeli sanctions criticism
Sep 11, 2026The UK's foreign minister Ed Miliband has said his country had to "call out" Israeli settlement activity in the West Bank before it was "too late" to save the two-state solution. In response to UK sanctions, Israel has banned 11 MPs from entering the country, while the UK consulate in Jerusalem is expected to shut in the next 30 days. We look at how the sanctions will work in practice. Also in the programme, concerns raised about the destructive nature of artificial intelligence - from within th
47m 21s
Trump offers voters $5,000 for GOP win
Sep 10, 2026US President Donald Trump says he will offer every adult American a $5,000 payout if Republicans win both chambers of Congress in November's midterm elections – a plan that would cost more than a trillion dollars. Also on the programme: dozens of people are missing after a huge fire on board a ferry in the Philippines; and why so-called wellness treatments may not be just ineffective, but also dangerous. (Photo: President Trump reacts with a broad grin as he speaks at the Republican National Mid
47m 30s
Anthropic researcher warns more than 10% chance AI ‘could kill us all’
Sep 9, 2026A top safety researcher at Anthropic has resigned, warning artificial intelligence is advancing so quickly he believes there is a greater than 10% chance it “could kill all humans” by the end of the decade. Posting on X, Evan Hubinger said the risk from the models which currently exist was “low”, but that the technology might develop into “superhuman systems that can hack anything” and “acquire real power and resources”. We hear from the computer scientist often described as ‘Godfather of AI’. A
46m 24s
Israel announces counter-measures to UK sanctions
Sep 8, 2026Britain is leading a group of twelve countries in banning trade with Israeli settlements in the occupied West Bank. The Israeli foreign minister swiftly hits back - with a series of measures including the closure of the British consulate in Jerusalem We'll hear the arguments and ask what effect the new sanctions may have. Also - has Haiti's international gang suppression force actually suppressed any gangs? And we meet the Ukrainian actor, campaigning against the proposed ban of the Russian lang
47m 28s
UK sanctions Israeli settlements in West Bank
Sep 8, 2026Foreign Secretary Ed Miliband told parliament that there will be an import ban on goods from Jewish settlements in the illegally occupied West Bank, as well as further sanctions. He also told MPs that the UK agrees there is ethnic cleansing in areas of the West Bank. We will get reaction from the US Ambassador to Israel, Mike Huckabee. Also on the programme: Jamaican culture minister Olivia Grange on the quest for reparations for slavery; and a test that can identify brain tumour from teardrops.
47m 26s
Afd win poses challenge for German democracy
Sep 7, 2026Afd win poses challenge for German democracy, we ask could they govern Saxony-Anhalt? Also in the programme: Latvia's foreign minister explains why her country banned Russian books; and the offkey choir that can't sing. (Photo: Anti-AFD protester carrying anti-AfD stickers. Credit: Reuters)
47m 29s
Germany's far-right AfD wins state election
Sep 7, 2026Despite a decisive AfD victory in the eastern state of Saxony-Anhalt, the party appears to have fallen short of an outright majority needed to govern alone. Also on the programme: a BBC investigation into whether the FBI buried evidence of the alleged involvement of Saudi agents in 9/11; and an unlikely hero of the Second World War gets his own movie. (Photo: Candidate of the far-right Alternative for Germany (AfD), Ulrich Siegmund, waves during a press conference the day after the Saxony-Anhalt
47m 16s
Germany's far-right AfD bids for their first taste of power in eastern vote
Sep 6, 2026German voters are heading to the polls in an election in Saxony- Anhalt, which could see the far- right AfD win power at a state level for the first time. The party sees the vote as a potential stepping stone to nationwide success. Also in the programme: The top US envoys, Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner, are in Kyiv for their first talks in Ukraine since Russia's full-scale invasion; the political philosopher Francis Fukuyama worries about the future direction of American democracy; and we will
43m 38s
US envoys arrive in Moscow
Sep 5, 2026Donald Trump's top envoys have arrived in Moscow, as part of a renewed diplomatic push to end Russia's war in Ukraine. Also on the programme, Germany's far-right Alternative für Deutschland party is aiming to secure a majority in the regional parliament of Saxony-Anhalt; people are still being rescued ten days after devastating floods in Nepal; and, the enduring appeal of Fleetwood Mac's most celebrated album, by the man who produced it. (Photo: Jared Kushner and Steve Witkoff, Special Envoy for
39m 21s
Nepal flooding: Two workers rescued from tunnel
Sep 4, 2026Rescue crews in Nepal have freed two workers from a blocked hydropower tunnel, nine days after they were trapped by debris from flash floods that devastated an area on the border with Tibet. Shortly after the two survivors were released, the body of a third person was found. Also in the programme: Germany's far right AfD party looks set to dominate a state election in the east of the country this weekend; a special report from the Spanish enclave of Ceuta where sexual assaults are on the rise; a
46m 20s
Spain's prime minister under pressure over migrant crisis
Sep 3, 2026The Spanish prime minister Pedro Sánchez is under pressure over his government's handling of influx of 72,000 migrants in the exclave of Ceuta. On Wednesday, tens of thousands of people demonstrated in marches backed by opposition parties against the Spanish government's handling of the migrant crisis. Also in the programme: New warnings on the supersized El Nino; a voice from flood-lashed Tibet; and a rare mission to Mercury. (Photo shows Spain's Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez speaks during a ses
47m 30s
Venezuela oil deal: who wins?
Sep 2, 2026Washington and Caracas have signed an agreement which gives a US-led company rights over Venezuelan oilfields amounting to about a fifth of the country's reserves. Also in the programme: growing discontent in Spain at the government's handling of the sudden arrival of tens of thousands of migrants in Ceuta, a Spanish territory in North Africa; and as the British Museum launches its exhibition of the Bayeux Tapestry, why does it still speak to us almost a millennium after it was made? (Photo: Ven
47m 28s
Iran and US trade strikes in the Gulf
Sep 2, 2026Iran and the US trade strikes in the most intense round of attacks in weeks. Iran says the US struck a wedding party killing four people including children, and retaliates with strikes on US bases in the Gulf. The US responded by denying it attacks civilians. Also in the programme: we speak to a friend of Joshua Wong, the face of Hong Kong's pro-democracy movement, who has just pleaded guilty to foreign collusion; and in football, the English Premier League transfer window breaks another spendin
47m 30s
The death toll in Nepal from floods reaches 1,000
Sep 1, 2026The death toll in Nepal from devastating floods on the border with Tibet has crossed 1,000, according to the country's disaster agency. Also on the programme, a special report from within Afghanistan looking at the thousands who have fled since the 2021 Taliban takeover; and we hear from the former girlfriend of Freddy Mercury, who stayed by his side until the end of his life. (Photo: Relatives of Nakul Sharma, 36, who lost his life in the deadly flash floods and a mudslide, mourn during his cre
43m 16s