Six O'Clock News

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The latest national and international news from BBC Radio 4

BBC Radio 4


    • Oct 31, 2025 LATEST EPISODE
    • daily NEW EPISODES
    • 26m AVG DURATION
    • 1,800 EPISODES

    Ivy Insights

    The Six O'Clock News podcast is a highly regarded source of news and information that has garnered tremendous praise for its quality reporting and professional delivery. With a team of talented BBC announcers, this podcast provides listeners with a dignified and memorable news experience. The restraint shown by the BBC in their reporting is greatly appreciated, as it adds to the sense of credibility and integrity of the news presented.

    One of the best aspects of The Six O'Clock News podcast is the exceptional delivery by the BBC announcers. Their voices are often compared to that of King Lear, adding a touch of sophistication and gravitas to the news being delivered. The skillful narration engages listeners, making them feel connected and informed about current events. Furthermore, the detailed and impartial reporting ensures that listeners receive accurate information without any bias or sensationalism. This aspect sets The Six O'Clock News apart from other news podcasts and makes it a reliable source for those seeking trustworthy journalism.

    However, there are some aspects of this podcast that may not resonate with all listeners. One criticism is directed towards the use of what some describe as "moronic adolescent American voices" for ad copy readings. It appears that these voices do not align with the overall tone and professionalism displayed throughout the rest of the podcast. This issue can be off-putting for some listeners who expect a consistent level of sophistication in all aspects of the program.

    In conclusion, despite minor issues related to ad copy readings, The Six O'Clock News podcast remains a highly commendable source for daily news updates. Its commitment to restraint and dignified reporting significantly contributes to its appeal among audiences seeking credible information without unnecessary flair or bias. It is particularly praised for its detailed and impartial coverage, ensuring that listeners receive well-rounded perspectives on important events worldwide. For those who appreciate excellent reporting and value a cosy cuppa while staying informed, The Six O'Clock News is certainly worth tuning into on a daily basis.



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    Latest episodes from Six O'Clock News

    Downing Street says there are no plans to remove Andrew Mountbatten Windsor from the line of succession

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 31, 2025 30:34


    The government has said it has no plans to introduce a law to change the line of succession, after the King stripped his brother of all his titles and honours. Also: A former Sergeant-Major is jailed for sexually assaulting a teenaged recruit, who later killed herself. And a charity proposes restorative justice for sub postmasters wronged by the Horizon IT scandal, so they can meet the people responsible.

    Letting agent apologises for not applying for rental licence on behalf of Rachel Reeves

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 30, 2025 30:20


    Rachel Reeves's letting agent has apologised for not applying for a special licence on her behalf, when renting out her home in south London. Also: The UN says there must be accountability for the atrocities being carried out by the RSF militia in Sudan. And scientists make extraordinary discoveries in some of the coldest, deepest and most remote waters on the planet.

    Allegations of killings and abductions in western Sudan

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 29, 2025 30:28


    The World Health Organization has said it is "appalled" at reports that more than 460 civilians have been killed at a hospital in El-Fasher in western Sudan, after the city was seized by paramilitary fighters on Sunday. Also: more than twenty people, including at least ten children, have been killed in Haiti in flooding caused by Hurricane Melissa. And Westminster's youngest ever MP is to become TV's newest detective.

    Israel carries out "powerful strikes" on Gaza

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 28, 2025 30:28


    Israel says it has carried out intense strikes on Gaza, after claiming a coffin handed over by Hamas did not contain the body of another deceased hostage, but further remains of a captive who'd already been returned and buried. Also: the government in Jamaica warns people not to take chances as Hurricane Melissa hits the island. And one of Britain's most popular comedy actresses, Prunella Scales, has died at the age of 93.

    Nigel Farage rejects accusation that Reform MP is "racist"

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 27, 2025 30:33


    The Reform leader, Nigel Farage, has rejected an accusation from the Prime Minister, Sir Keir Starmer, that the MP Sarah Pochin was racist, after she apologised for saying adverts were full of black and Asian people. Also: A protester heckles the King about Prince Andrew. And an academic gets substantial damages for his portrayal in a Steve Coogan film.

    Migrant Sex Offender Caught After Wrongful Jail Release

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 26, 2025 16:42


    A migrant sex offender who was wrongly released from prison and spent two days at large in Essex and London is now back behind bars. Hadush Kebatu - who was jailed for 12 months in September - was freed instead of being sent to an immigration detention centre. In other news, the health secretary Wes Streeting has accused the Reform UK MP, Sarah Pochin, of using "racist" language after she complained that adverts were "full of black and Asian people". And two people have been arrested in connection with the theft of France's crown jewels from the Louvre museum in Paris last weekend.

    The MP Lucy Powell has been elected as Labour's deputy leader

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 25, 2025 16:44


    Lucy Powell has won the election to become Labour's deputy leader, after campaigning for the party to change course. She won 54% of the 161,000 votes that were cast in a ballot of members. Her opponent, the Education Secretary, Bridget Phillipson, polled 46%. Lucy Powell will be free to speak out from the back benches after she was sacked by Sir Keir Starmer in the reshuffle that followed Angela Rayner's resignation.

    The asylum seeker who was jailed for a sexual assault in Epping has been released by mistake

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 24, 2025 30:34


    It's been confirmed that an asylum seeker who was jailed last month for a year for sexually assaulting a 14-year-old girl and a woman in Epping has been released from prison by mistake. Also: Plaid Cymru celebrates a decisive victory in the Senedd by-election in Caerphilly, a stronghold for Labour for a century. And one of England's oldest football clubs, Sheffield Wednesday, goes into administration.

    A former paratrooper is cleared of murder on Bloody Sunday

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 23, 2025 30:33


    A British Army veteran, known only as Soldier F, has been cleared of murdering two people in Londonderry on Bloody Sunday in 1972. Also: Three metropolitan police officers have been sacked for gross misconduct after featuring in an undercover report by the BBC's Panorama. And The hosts of Strictly Come Dancing, Tess Daly and Claudia Winkelman, have announced they are to leave the programme at the end of the current series.

    A second candidate to chair the grooming gang inquiry has withdrawn

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 22, 2025 30:32


    The government's beleaguered inquiry into grooming gangs has run into further difficulty with the final significant candidate to chair it ruling himself out, and a fourth survivor stepping down from the panel. Also: A migrant has returned to the UK on a small boat after being removed to France under the "one in, one out" scheme. And the director of the Louvre blames under-investment in equipment for weaknesses in the museum's security.

    Senior politicians add to the mounting scrutiny of Prince Andrew

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 21, 2025 30:19


    Senior politicians have added to the mounting scrutiny of Prince Andrew, as the discussion around his connection to the late sex offender, Jeffrey Epstein, has thrown the spotlight on his living arrangements. Also: A third abuse survivor resigns from the Government's grooming gang inquiry, because of concerns about its direction. And the British designer, Grace Wales Bonner, becomes the first black woman to lead design at a major fashion house, after signing as creative director of menswear at Hermes.

    Calls grow for Prince Andrew to be permanently stripped of his royal titles

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 20, 2025 30:35


    Buckingham Palace has urged people to focus on the King's royal work and not be distracted by the scandal surrounding his brother Prince Andrew because of his relationship with the sex offender, Jeffrey Epstein. Also: The pilot of a new treatment for a form of blindness that affects a quarter of a million people in the UK has been welcomed by specialists and medical charities. And online access returns after a major outage at Amazon Web Services.

    Thieves steal eight priceless objects from the Louvre Museum

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 19, 2025 16:29


    French police are searching for a gang who stole priceless treasures from the Louvre in Paris this morning .Officers found a damaged nineteenth century crown near the gallery. The item was covered with 1,300 diamonds, and was among several taken when thieves scaled a ladder, broke a window and escaped on motorbikes.

    Prince Andrew drops his royal titles

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 18, 2025 16:44


    The family of Virginia Giuffre - who accused Prince Andrew of sexual abusing her when she was a teenager - have welcomed the announcement that he is to stop using his Royal titles. He has faced continuing revelations about his links to the convicted sex offender, Jeffrey Epstein, and said in a statement that the accusations against him were distracting from the King's work. Andrew again stressed that he vigorously denied all the claims against him. Virginia Giuffre took her own life earlier this year, and her memoir is about to be published.

    Political pressure about the banning of Israeli football fans from a match against Aston Villa

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 17, 2025 30:15


    Ministers have spent the day in discussions about how to reverse a decision to ban supporters of the Israeli football team, Maccabi Tel Aviv, from attending a match in Birmingham next month. Also: The Government fails in its efforts to stop a challenge to its decision to ban Palestine Action as a terror organisation. And King Charles is to become the first British monarch to pray with a Pope since the Reformation 500 years ago.

    Frustration from the head of MI5 over the collapse of the China spying case

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 16, 2025 30:27


    The head of MI5 has said Chinese state operatives present a daily national security threat to the UK and expressed frustration about the collapse of a case into alleged spying on behalf of Beijing in Britain. Also: The Chancellor says she's planning targeted action in her Budget next month to tackle cost of living challenges. And a lucky thirteen for the Guide Dogs for the Blind Association, as it celebrates its biggest litter of pups for three years.

    The blame game over the collapse of the China spying trial boils over in the Commons

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 15, 2025 30:37


    Sir Keir Starmer has said the government will publish key evidence at the centre of a row about the collapse of a case involving two men accused of spying for China. Also: A former funeral director in Hull admits 35 counts of fraud linked to his running of the business. And vets insist they're ready to help pet owners struggling with bills after the industry is criticised for over-charging.

    People coming to the UK to work are to face tougher English language rules

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 14, 2025 30:38


    People coming to the UK to work are to face tougher English language rules, requiring them to meet an A-Level standard in speaking, listening, reading and writing. Also: A man is sentenced to five years in jail for threatening to kill the Reform UK leader Nigel Farage. And YouTube sets out a new approach to preventing young people viewing misleading content.

    The last living hostages held by Hamas are reunited with their families in Israel

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 13, 2025 30:34


    There have been celebrations across Israel and the Palestinian territories, as a major hostage and prisoner exchange marked a significant step towards ending two years of war in Gaza. Also: The Conservatives urge the government to "come clean" about the collapse of the China spying case. And the Nobel Prize in Economics has been awarded to three professors for their work explaining how technological innovation has helped to drive economic growth.

    More aid enters Gaza ahead of hostage release

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 12, 2025 16:13


    More aid is entering Gaza, as humanitarian agencies scale up their response to the ceasefire between Israel and Hamas and final preparations are made for the release of the remaining hostages. A military coup appears to be underway in Madagascar, where an elite military unit has joined protesters calling for the president to resign. Plus: a 37-year-old man from Lincolnshire who says he practiced "for a couple of weeks in the office" has won the World Conker Championship.

    Paedophile singer Ian Watkins dies after prison attack

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 11, 2025 16:19


    The former Lostprophets singer Ian Watkins has died after being attacked in prison – where he was serving a lengthy sentence for child sex offences. Officials in Gaza say more than half a million people have returned to the territory's largest city since the ceasefire between Israel and Hamas took effect. Former US President Joe Biden is receiving radiation and hormone therapy as part of his treatment for prostate cancer. Plus: the scramble for memorabilia from the set of Neighbours.

    Palestinians return to Gaza

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 10, 2025 30:16


    Thousands of displaced Palestinians in southern Gaza have begun to return home, after a ceasefire between Israel and Hamas came into effect. Israel said its forces had pulled back to a redeployment line which had been agreed as part of the US-backed deal. Hamas is now expected to release the remaining Israeli hostages within seventy-two hours. In a televised address, Israel's prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu, said his country's troops would remain in Gaza to keep up pressure on Hamas to disarm. Aid agencies have said the ceasefire marks a "fragile but vital moment of hope", as they plan to ramp up the delivery of humanitarian supplies.

    Global Reaction to Gaza Peace Deal

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 9, 2025 30:36


    Leaders around the world have welcomed the ceasefire agreement. News of the deal was greeted with huge outbursts of joy in Hostages Square in Tel Aviv, where families have congregated for two years pressing for the release of Hamas captives. The overwhelming reaction in Gaza has been one of relief. Since the deadly October 7th attacks on Israel by Hamas, the Hamas-run health ministry in Gaza estimates that more than 67-thousand people have been killed by Israel's offensive with nearly a third of the dead under the age of 18. But there is also anxiety that, yet again, the ceasefire may not last. In other news, the former Radio 1 DJ, Tim Westwood, has been charged with rape and sexual assault. And the Home Office says it's "ramping up" its removal of migrants to France under a trial, one in one out scheme.

    The Conservative leader has delivered her first party conference speech

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 8, 2025 30:28


    In her first leader's speech to a Conservative party conference, Kemi Badenoch committed a future Tory administration to lower government spending, tougher access to benefits and the abolition of stamp duty for most purchases in England and Northern Ireland. Also: Police investigating last week's Manchester synagogue attack say the killer rang 999 and pledged allegiance to the Islamic State group. And three scientists have shared this year's Nobel Prize in Chemistry for developing revolutionary new materials.

    The shadow justice secretary has insisted racial integration has "got worse"

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 7, 2025 30:23


    The shadow justice secretary has insisted he won't shy away from issues of racial integration after being accused of stoking division. Also: Millions of people who were mis-sold car finance deals could be set for seven hundred pound payouts. And thieves steal gold jewellery at one of the most popular museums in Wales.

    The French Prime Minister has resigned

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 6, 2025 30:19


    France's political system has been thrown into turmoil once more by the resignation of a third Prime Minister since snap elections last year. Sebastian Lecornu, an ally of President Macron, stepped down after 26 days. Also: Talks to try to end the war in Gaza have begun in Egypt. And the bestselling author, Dame Jilly Cooper, has died at the age of 88.

    The Home Secretary wants police to get more powers to restrict repeated protests

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 5, 2025 16:44


    The Home Secretary, Shabana Mahmood, has set out plans to give police forces new powers to restrict what she called repeat protests. The new rules will cover demonstrations that occur several times in the same location on the same subject. Also: Several hundred people attend the funeral of one of the two men killed in the attack on a synagogue in Manchester. And: President Trump keeps up the pressure on Hamas ahead of more talks to try to agree a ceasefire deal in Gaza.

    Hopes are rising of an end to the war in Gaza

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 4, 2025 16:53


    Hopes are rising of an end to the war in Gaza after Hamas accepted some of the terms of a peace deal proposed by President Trump. The militant group that runs the territory has agreed to exchange all of the hostages for hundreds of Palestinian prisoners in Israeli jails. Negotiations are expected to resume in Egypt as soon as tomorrow. Also: 355 people have been arrested at pro-Palestine demonstrations in central London. And: Storm Amy is continuing to bring heavy rain and strong winds to large parts of the UK.

    Man killed in synagogue attack shot by a police officer

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 3, 2025 30:12


    Greater Manchester Police say one of the two men killed in an attack on a synagogue in Manchester yesterday was shot by an armed officer. The Chief Constable, Sir Stephen Watson, said a second member of the congregation was also being treated for a gunshot wound - but his injuries were not life threatening. Armed police shot dead Jihad al-Shamie - after he drove a car through the gates of the synagogue, started stabbing worshipers and threatened to detonate what appeared to be an explosive device around his waist.

    A deadly attack on a synagogue in Manchester

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 2, 2025 30:36


    Two people are dead following an attack on a synagogue in Manchester.The attack on Yom Kippur - the holiest day in the Jewish calendar - is declared a 'terrorist incident'.The Metropolitan Police Commissioner says he won't resign, after the BBC exposes racism and misogyny in his force.A coroner says a conspiracy theorist mother inflenced her daughter to reject treatment, which could have saved her from cancer.

    Racism and misogyny in the Metropolitan Police uncovered by the BBC.

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 1, 2025 30:25


    Eight serving Metropolitan Police officers have been suspended. The Force Commissioner, Sir Mark Rowley, has apologised for the 'reprehensible behaviour' highlighted by the BBC. Also, PPE Medpro, the company linked to the lingerie tycoon, Baroness Mone, is ordered to pay millions of pounds back to the government for breaching its contract to supply surgical gowns during the pandemic. And: the council leader spending her spare time digging graves.

    Keir Starmer calls for national unity at Labour Party conference

    Play Episode Listen Later Sep 30, 2025 30:20


    Sir Keir Starmer has set out what he sees as the central purpose of his government - to bring people together in the cause of national renewal, and help them resist what he called, the voices trying to sow division. In his speech to the Labour party conference in Liverpool, the Prime Minister promised to fight for a decent, tolerant country - reclaiming national flags while acknowledging what he said were reasonable concerns about immigration and the security of the borders. He repeatedly attacked Reform UK and Nigel Farage, saying they wanted Britain to fail.

    The Home Secretary says migrants must "earn the right" to live in the UK

    Play Episode Listen Later Sep 29, 2025 30:37


    The Home Secretary, Shabana Mahmood, has told Labour's conference in Liverpool that migrants will have to prove they are contributing to society to earn the right to remain in the UK. Legal migrants will have to learn English to a high standard, have a clean criminal record and volunteer in their community to be granted permanent settled status. Last week, Reform UK said it would abolish indefinite leave to remain.

    Keir Starmer calls Reform migrant policy 'racist' and 'immoral'

    Play Episode Listen Later Sep 28, 2025 16:33


    The Prime Minister has called Reform UK's proposals to scrap indefinite leave to remain for all non-EU migrants "racist" and "immoral". The policy -- which was outlined by Nigel Farage last week -- would involve people having to re-apply under stricter criteria, forcing hundreds of thousands to leave the UK.

    England's Women win Rugby Union World Cup

    Play Episode Listen Later Sep 27, 2025 16:30


    England have won the women's Rugby Union World Cup on home soil. The Red Roses beat Canada 33 - 13 at Twickenham.

    The Prime Minister sets out digital ID plans

    Play Episode Listen Later Sep 26, 2025 30:17


    The Prime Minister has set out plans to introduce mandatory digital identification before the next general electon, to try to tackle illegal migration. In a speech in London, Sir Keir Starmer said politicians had been too "squeamish" about addressing the issue. Opposition parties have criticised the move. But Labour's large majority means the party needs to convince only its own MPs to push the plans through the Commons.

    ID Card scheme expected to be announced tomorrow

    Play Episode Listen Later Sep 25, 2025 30:31


    A UK-wide ID Card scheme is expected to be announced tomorrow - the Prime Minister believes it will help tackle illegal working and will modernise the State.

    Doctors treat Huntington's disease for the first time

    Play Episode Listen Later Sep 24, 2025 30:40


    Doctors have made a huge breakthrough in tackling the genetic disorder Huntington's disease, with initial results showing a significant slowing in the progress of the condition.Plans to extend the high-speed rail network between Liverpool and Manchester have been delayed and won't now be announced at the Labour Conference.The Mayor of London, Sir Sadiq Khan, has accused President Trump of being Islamophobic, after Mr Trump told world leaders at the United Nations that he thought London's mayor wanted to "go to sharia law".And how four astronauts heading on a trip around the Moon as early as February next year hope to see things no human eye has seen before.

    23/09/2025 President Trump attacks mass migration and climate change

    Play Episode Listen Later Sep 23, 2025 30:27


    The Liberal Democrat leader, Sir Ed Davey, uses his party conference speech to attack Reform UK saying don't let "Trump's America" become "Farage's Britain."

    Charities Cut Ties With Duchess of York

    Play Episode Listen Later Sep 22, 2025 31:04


    Multiple charities have cut ties with the Duchess of York, following the emergence an email she sent to the convicted sex offender, Jeffrey Epstein, in which she called him her "supreme friend". A spokesperson for the duchess said her email to Epstein had been sent because she was trying to counter a threat from him to sue her for defamation - and that she still regretted any association with him. In other news, Reform UK has announced plans to abolish the right of migrants to qualify for permanent settlement in the UK after five years - if the party wins the next general election. And several more countries are expected to follow the UK in recognising a Palestinian state.

    UK Recognises Palestine

    Play Episode Listen Later Sep 21, 2025 16:38


    The UK has formally recognised a Palestinian state, marking a major shift in foreign policy. Israel has criticised the move, describing it as a reward to Hamas. The Israeli prime minister, Benjamin Netanyahu, has said there will never be a Palestinian state. The Palestinian president, Mahmoud Abbas, welcomed the decision as a step towards lasting peace in the region. In other news, emails allegedly sent by the Duchess of York, Sarah Ferguson, to the late child sex offender Jeffrey Epstein have been published in two newspapers. And the Liberal Democrats have called for a windfall tax on banks to fund public services and help homeowners with energy costs.

    Airports Hit By Delays

    Play Episode Listen Later Sep 20, 2025 16:23


    There have been major delays and cancellations at some of Europe's biggest airports - including London Heathrow - after technical problems brought down some automatic check-in systems. In other news, an elderly British couple, who were held by the Taliban for nearly eight months in Afghanistan, have arrived back in the UK. And several major American companies are said to have advised staff on highly skilled visas not to leave the United States, after President Trump suddenly increased the annual visa fee from one thousand to one hundred thousand dollars.

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