Six O'Clock News

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The latest national and international news from BBC Radio 4

BBC Radio 4


    • Jul 20, 2026 LATEST EPISODE
    • weekdays NEW EPISODES
    • 26m AVG DURATION
    • 2,038 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

    Andy Burnham moves into 10 Downing Street

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 20, 2026 30:43


    Andy Burnham has pledged immediate help with the cost of living after becoming the UK's 59th Prime Minister. Also: Iran's President, Masoud Pezeshkian, has said his country is fighting a "full scale war" after a ninth consecutive night of US attacks. And Spain's victorious squad has returned home, after winning the football men's World Cup.

    World Cup final

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 19, 2026 16:21


    Spain and Argentina face each other in New Jersey. Burnham to pledge to restore confidence in government in first speech as PM.Iran fires at targets in Bahrain, Kuwait and Jordan.

    Burnham To Support North Sea Drilling, BBC Told

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 18, 2026 15:58


    BBC News has been told that one of the first announcements by Andy Burnham, when he becomes prime minister, will facilitate new drilling for oil and gas in the North Sea. The Labour manifesto in 2024 ruled out any new licences to drill but said extraction would be allowed close to existing fields. In other news: South East Water has apologised to thousands of customers in the Tunbridge Wells area of Kent who have lost supplies -- or have low pressure; and Britain's Josh Kerr has broken the men's world record for running a mile by nearly half a second.

    Andy Burnham takes over as leader of the Labour party

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 17, 2026 30:47


    The new Labour leader, Andy Burnham, says he's finalising his decisions about who will be in his Cabinet, and will announce the details on Monday when he becomes Prime Minister. Also: The mother of Henry Nowak's killer is sentenced to three years in prison for assisting an offender. And Sir Garry Sobers, the first man to hit six sixes in first class cricket, has died aged 89.

    Protesters take to the streets in Ukraine

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 16, 2026 30:41


    Thousands of people have taken to the streets in several Ukrainian cities, after President Zelenksy sacked his popular young defence minister, Mykhailo Fedorov. Also: An official report has concluded that MI5 lied while giving evidence to three courts about a neo-Nazi informer, whose abuse of his partner was uncovered by the BBC. And a lost trove of David Bowie songs is unearthed.

    England to face Argentina in the World Cup semi-final

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 15, 2026 28:47


    England's footballers are set to kick off against Argentina with a World Cup final against Spain in New Jersey on Sunday up for grabs. Also: A man has been arrested in south London for allegedly threatening to shoot the Reform UK leader Nigel Farage. And the government is promising to install tougher ticket barriers at railway stations across England.

    Covid inquiry delivers its report on protective equipment

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 14, 2026 30:46


    The Covid Inquiry says billions of pounds of public money were wasted in the scramble to secure protective equipment during the pandemic. Also: Counter terrorism police investigating the death of Ann Widdecombe believe she was killed in a "targeted attack". And the fossilised remains of a Tyrannosaurus Rex has become the most expensive dinosaur ever sold at auction.

    Counter-terrorism police take over Ann Widdecombe investigation

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 13, 2026 30:22


    Counter-terrorism officers are now leading the investigation into the death of the former Conservative government minister, Ann Widdecombe. Also: Donald Trump says he's reimposing the United States' blockade of Iranian ports in the Strait of Hormuz. And an apology from Brendon McCullum after his sacking as England's Test cricket coach.

    Police not looking for other suspects over Ann Widdecombe murder

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 12, 2026 16:16


    Police investigating the death of Ann Widdecombe say they aren't looking for anyone else -- as they question a twenty-eight-year-old on suspicion of murder. The long-delayed bill to create a 'Hillsborough Law' will return to Parliament next week. Also: Brendon McCullum has been sacked as the England Test cricket head coach.

    Ann Widdecombe attacked 24 hours before found dead

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 11, 2026 16:13


    Police in Devon say the former Conservative minister, Ann Widdecombe, was attacked 24 hours before being found dead at her home on Thursday. The force says its investigation is moving at "pace" and detectives are searching for a suspect -- believed to be a white man.Also: Rachel Reeves comments on Andy Burnham, Russia strikes several regions of Ukraine and TV presenter and prostate cancer campaigner Dermot Murnaghan dies age 68.

    Murder inquiry launched into the death of Ann Widdecombe

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 10, 2026 30:45


    A 26-year-old man has been arrested on suspicion of murdering the former government minister Ann Widdecombe. Also: Officials in Spain say four British citizens are believed to be among 12 people who have been killed by a big wildfire in the south of the country. And the British wildcard Arthur Fery has crashed out of Wimbledon in the semi-finals.

    Jersey assisted dying legislation is formally approved

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 9, 2026 30:31


    Jersey has become the first part of the British Isles where legislation to allow assisted dying has been formally approved by Royal Assent. Also: calls for an apology from the leader of the Restore Britain party, after comments he made about the Dunblane school shootings. And the singer Bonnie Tyler has died at the age of 75.

    President Trump declares the ceasefire with Iran over

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 8, 2026 29:55


    President Trump has threatened to hit Iran 'hard" again after declaring the ceasefire agreed three weeks ago 'over'. Also: Nigel Farage defends his decision to trigger a by-election in his Clacton constituency. And the British wildcard, Arthur Fery, triumphs at Wimbledon.

    England cricket captain Ben Stokes announces shock retirement

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 28, 2026 16:43


    Ben Stokes, the captain of England's men's test cricket, has announced his retirement from the international game. Iran has warned that any challenge to its control of the Strait of Hormuz will only further increase tensions, as the ceasefire with the US remains under strain. Venezuela's interim president says thirty-three people have this weekend have been rescued from rubble - after Wednesday's twin earthquakes.

    Aid arrives in Venezuela

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 27, 2026 16:13


    Venezuela's main airport, near the epicentre of Wednesday's twin earthquakes, has partially reopened, raising hopes that mobile hospitals can be brought in for the many casualties. The government is introducing what is calls a "capped, safe and legal" route for refugees to come to Britain, starting in the autumn. Germany has broken its all-time temperature record, with a reading of 41-point-5 celsius taken in in the east of the country.

    Venezuela searches for earthquake survivors

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 26, 2026 30:28


    Rescue teams from around the world, including the UK arrive in Venezuela where tens of thousands of people are missing after 2 powerful earthquakes on Wednesday. Hundreds of people are confirmed to have died. Also: The record for the hottest June day in the UK has been broken for a third day in a row, and BBC Radio 4 prepares to broadcast on Long Wave for the final time.

    Venezuelan earthquakes, heatwave sweeps Europe

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 25, 2026 30:47


    Rescuers in Venezuela are searching the rubble in the capital, Caracas where more than 100 buildings have collapsed after a double earthquake hit the country last night. 164 people have died and almost 1000 other people have been injured. The record for the hottest day recorded in the UK in June has been broken for a second day in a row, with 36.7 celsius recorded in Somerset. The Chancellor, Rachel Reeves says she'll back Andy Burnham to be the next Prime Minister, despite speculation that he would demote her to a junior position in the cabinet.

    NHS trust in Nottingham slated for maternity failings

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 24, 2026 30:22


    Hundreds of mothers and babies suffered serious injury or died because of systemic failures at the Nottingham University Hospitals Trust according to the biggest maternity inquiry in the history of the NHS. Also: The Met Office says the June temperature record has been broken. And scientists find sperm whales have regional accents.

    High temperatures cause schools to close

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 23, 2026 30:31


    Many schools across England and Wales were partially or fully closed today, with more set to shut tomorrow, as temperatures continue to rise. Also: The former SNP chief executive, Peter Murrell, is jailed for five years for embezzlement. And the Reflecting Pool in Washington is set to be drained as President Trump again blames vandals for its condition.

    Sir Keir Starmer resigns as Labour leader

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 22, 2026 30:32


    After less than two years as prime minister, Sir Keir Starmer has announced his resignation after accepting he no longer has the support of his MPs. Also: The former DUP leader, Sir Jeffrey Donaldson, is found guilty of child sex offences, including rape. And the Met Office issues a rare red warning for extreme heat in parts of England and Wales.

    Growing expectations PM will resign

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 21, 2026 16:35


    Sir Keir Starmer is pondering his political future tonight amid growing expectations he will resign as Prime Minister -- with an announcement possible as early as tomorrow. The US vice-president, J D Vance, has hailed the start of talks with Iran in Switzerland as "historic". The Met Office has expanded its extreme heat warning -- saying temperatures could reach the high 30s in parts of England and Wales in the coming days.

    Iran says it is closing the Strait of Hormuz again

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 20, 2026 16:27


    Iran's military says it has again closed the Strait of Hormuz -- in response to Israel's continued strikes on southern Lebanon. Israel launched a wave of attacks this morning -- just hours after agreeing a ceasefire with Hezbollah -- saying it was responding to the firing last night of dozens of projectiles by the Iran-backed group. President Trump had said the Strait of Hormuz would reopen to shipping as part of the framework peace deal agreed between the US and Iran, and signed three days ago.Police say nine people remain in a critical condition in hospital after yesterday's fatal train crash near Bedford. A train driver was killed and scores of passengers were injured when one East Midlands Railway passenger service ran into the back of another. Counter terrorism police are investigating a series of suspected anti-Muslim attacks that left five men injured in Edinburgh last night. Officers say they have arrested a 36-year-old white Scottish man.

    Andy Burnham wins the Makerfield by-election

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 19, 2026 30:26


    The Transport Secretary urges Sir Keir Starmer to hand over power, after Andy Burnham's victory in the Makerfield by-election. Also: A fragile ceasefire begins between Israel and Hezbollah. And Italy hits back after President Trump claims it's Prime Minister begged him for a photo.

    A teacher who murdered the baby he'd adopted given whole life prison sentence

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 18, 2026 30:18


    A teacher from Blackpool who sexually abused and murdered a baby he'd adopted is told he will never be released from jail. Also: A man has been arrested for attempted murder after a seriously injured boy was found in a crocodile enclosure in a zoo in Cambridgeshire. And a pendant featuring a carved portrait of Queen Elizabeth the first is to be sold at auction in the UK.

    Final pitches are made to voters in Makerfield

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 17, 2026 30:25


    Campaigning is nearing its climax in the constituency of Makerfield in what is being viewed as one of the most consequential parliamentary by-elections ever held. Also: President Trump has warned that he is ready to resume military action if Iran doesn't abide by its obligations. And the BBC announces details of its latest round of cuts.

    Reports of Russian shots fired at UK-registered yacht in the Channel

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 16, 2026 30:32


    The Ministry of Defence is investigating after a UK-registered yacht said a Russian warship fired warning shots near it in the Channel this morning. The incident is believed to have involved the Russian frigate -- Admiral Grigorovich -- and took place between the Isle of Wight and Normandy, outside UK territorial waters. Also: President Trump has delivered a rare public rebuke of Israel at the G7 summit of the world's biggest advanced economies in France. And: In tennis, the 23-time Grand Slam singles champion, Serena Williams and her sister, Venus, will return to Wimbledon after being handed a wildcard to compete in the women's doubles.

    Sir Keir Starmer has announced under-16s will be banned from social media

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 15, 2026 30:30


    Sir Keir Starmer has announced that by next Spring, under-16s in the UK will be banned from social media. The landmark move will affect platforms including Instagram, Snapchat, YouTube and TikTok - but not messaging services such as WhatsApp. Also: President Trump says the details of a blueprint for peace negotiations between the US and Iran will be published "pretty soon". And: The BBC has found evidence that Russia was behind arson attacks on a car and house linked to Sir Keir Starmer.

    Royal Marines board Russian "shadow fleet" oil tanker in English Channel

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 14, 2026 16:25


    Sir Keir Starmer says Russia has been dealt a 'blow' by British forces intercepting one of President Putin's sanctioned 'shadow fleet' oil tankers in the Channel. Helicopters and Royal Navy frigates were involved in the operation early this morning. Also: Israel has carried out fresh strikes on a suburb of Beirut -- after President Trump said a deal to end the fighting between the US and Iran was scheduled to be signed today. And: Lewis Hamilton wins his first Grand Prix as a Ferrari driver.

    Scotland prepares for World Cup

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 13, 2026 16:38


    Scotland prepare for their opening world cup match, as the team returns to the tournament after 28 years.

    Art Legend David Hockney Dies

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 12, 2026 30:43


    The King and Queen have led the tributes to David Hockney - one of the most influential British artists of the past century - who's died at the age of 88. His large canvases, featuring boldly colourful landscapes and portraits, such as The Big Splash, hang in some of the most prestigious galleries in the world. In other news: SpaceX has officially started trading on the open stock market; and the prime minister has insisted that defence and security are his number one priorities for the country - despite the resignations yesterday of his defence secretary, John Healey, and armed forces minister, Al Carns, over the government's new defence investment plan.

    Defence Secretary John Healey Resigns

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 11, 2026 30:38


    The defence secretary, John Healey, said he had "no option" but to resign over the financial settlement for the government's defence investment plan. In a letter to the Prime Minister he said that the Treasury had been "unwilling" and that Sir Keir Starmer was "unable" to provide the necessary resources to keep the country safe. In other news: for the first time, the government has published the number of NHS patients in England receiving care outside formal treatment areas; and the 2026 World Cup is due to get under way.

    The family of the victim of Monday's stabbing in Belfast speak out following unrest

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 10, 2026 30:28


    A court has heard that Stephen Ogilvy has lost his left eye, his right eye is damaged, and he has neck and back injuries. The suspect, Hadi Alodid, has been charged with attempted murder. Also: President Trump threatens to hit Iran 'hard'. And: England's cricket captain, Ben Stokes, has been left out of the squad for the second Test against New Zealand.

    The Prime Minister condemns a stabbing in Belfast as 'horrific'

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 9, 2026 30:25


    Police say the suspect is a refugee from Sudan, in his thirties. Also: President Trump says the US must respond after Iran shot down an American helicopter over the Strait of Hormuz. And: NASA names the four astronauts who will take part in the Artemis Three mission.

    Multiple women accuse David Sullivan of sexually exploitative behaviour

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 8, 2026 30:34


    The claims are part of a joint investigation by BBC Panorama, and The Times newspaper. Also: Israel and Iran have agreed to stop attacking each other, following their first strikes since April. And: Sir Keir Starmer tells tech companies to introduce safety features to make it impossible for children to take, share or view nude images.

    Project to modernise UK steel production delayed

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 7, 2026 16:31


    A major government-backed project to modernise steel production in South Wales may be delayed by up to eight months. Tata Steel says there have been problems connecting the new electric furnace in Port Talbot to a suitably strong power supply. Also: President Zelensky holds talks in Downing Street about the defence of Ukraine. And Marks and Spencer launches a new training scheme designed for young people struggling to find a job.

    West Ham's co-owner steps down

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 6, 2026 16:17


    The co-chairman of West Ham football club, David Sullivan, steps down in response to allegations dating back to his time in the pornography industry. BBC Panorama and The Times are due to publish a joint investigation on Monday. Also: A Ukrainian commander involved in drone strikes on St Petersburg tells the BBC it was easy to hit Russia. And some of Britain's last surviving D-Day veterans mark the 82nd anniversary in France.

    Rapist faces justice after another man wrongly jailed for 17 years

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 5, 2026 30:15


    A man has been sentenced to a minimum of 14 years in prison after being found guilty of the rape of a woman more than two decades ago. Andrew Malkinson served 17 years in prison after being wrongly convicted of the crime. The Russian leader, Vladimir Putin, has dismissed President Zelensky's proposal for a meeting to end the war. Also: astronauts on the International Space Station told to take emergency shelter.

    Starmer tells Musk: Back off over Henry Nowak murder

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 4, 2026 30:32


    The prime minister has accused Elon Musk of 'interfering' in UK politics, after he posted repeatedly on X about the police's treatment of Henry Nowak.NHS England says it will ban staff from wearing political badges as part of measures aimed at tacking antisemitism and other forms of racism. Britain's only serving female commando Lieutenant Lily-Mae Fisher has been named as one of the three members of the Royal Navy who died in a helicopter crash yesterday. She was on board the Merlin 4 aircraft alongside 42-year-old Lieutenant Commander Chris Gayson and 24-year-old Petty Officer Owen Green.Scotland's First Minister John Swinney has said his party may have claimed back tax on items purchased by its former chief executive Peter Murrell, who last week admitted embezzling more than 400 thousand pounds from the SNP.01:56 Henry Nowak treatment 06:50 NHS antisemitism measures 10:06 Helicopter pilots named 12:05 Lebanon ceasefire 15:04 SNP on Murrell's tax 17:46 World Cup water bottles 20:02 Teacher shortages 21:54 Hampshire rape sentencing 24:30 Strikes in Crimea 27:59 Bob Harris tribute(Image: Reuters)

    Three die in helicopter crash during Royal Navy exercise

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 3, 2026 29:21


    The Princess of Wales has expressed her sorrow at the death of the three Royal Navy personel who died after their helicopter came down during a training exercise in Devon early this morning.The Chief Constable of Hampshire Policehas has apologised for his force's handling of the murder of the teenager Henry Nowak, which sparked violent unrest in Southampton. The former Head of MI6 - Sir Alex Younger - has died at the age of 62 after being treated for cancer. President Trump has suggested he would be willing to meet the Iranian supreme leader, Ayatollah Mojtaba Khamenei, if an agreement can be reached between Iran and the US.(Image: PA)

    Nicola Sturgeon Speaks to BBC About Peter Murrell's SNP Embezzlement

    Play Episode Listen Later May 31, 2026 16:41


    The former First Minister of Scotland, Nicola Sturgeon, has insisted she knew nothing about her estranged husband's crimes, after his admission of embezzlement. Peter Murrell pleaded guilty to spending more than £400,000 of Scottish National Party funds. In other news, Israel's prime minister, Benjamin Netanyahu, has ordered his troops to advance further into Lebanon as Israel fights the Iran-backed militant group Hezbollah; and thousands of Arsenal fans have filled the streets of north London to celebrate winning the Premier League for the first time in 22 years.

    Charity Warns of DRC Ebola Spread

    Play Episode Listen Later May 30, 2026 16:23


    The charity, Médicins Sans Frontières, has warned that no previous outbreak of Ebola has recorded as many cases at such an early stage as the current one in Democratic Republic of the Congo. The head of the World Health Organisation, Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, has spent the day in the city of Bunia in the north-east of the country - the epicentre of the outbreak. In other news, it's emerged that Buckingham Palace was handed emails six years ago that appear to show the then-Prince Andrew was sharing confidential government information while he was a trade envoy. Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor is under investigation on suspicion of misconduct in public office and has consistently denied wrongdoing. And Liverpool have sacked their manager, Arne Slot, saying the club was looking for a "change of direction."

    Romania drone crash prompts condemnation of Russia

    Play Episode Listen Later May 29, 2026 30:29


    Romania expels a Russian diplomat and announces plans to strengthen its air defences -- after a drone crashed into an apartment block close to the border with Ukraine.A Canadian man who sent toxic chemicals to people in dozens of countries – including the UK, Australia and Italy – has pleaded guilty to aiding suicide.President Trump says he is meeting advisers at the White House to decide whether to back a proposed agreement with Iran.NASA considers how its plans for a permanent base on the Moon will be affected after a Blue Origin rocket dramatically exploded on the launchpad.And the charity hikers who were booed at the top of the highest mountain in Wales.

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