Six O'Clock News

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The latest national and international news from BBC Radio 4

BBC Radio 4


    • Oct 1, 2026 LATEST EPISODE
    • daily NEW EPISODES
    • 26m AVG DURATION
    • 2,110 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

    Hundreds of prisoners walk free

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 1, 2026 30:52


    The first prisoners to be released early under the government's scheme to create more space in prisons in England and Wales have walked free. Victims and probation service staff are among those to criticise the move. Also: Executions in the US state of Tennessee have been halted after the prisoner, Christa Pike, survived two attempts to kill her by lethal injection. And secondary school students in France take part in a fourth day of protests over the education system. (Image: PA)

    RAF Fairford suspects released on bail

    Play Episode Listen Later Sep 30, 2026 30:16


    The British men suspected of plotting a bomb attack on an RAF airbase in Gloucestershire have all been released on bail. The head of counter terrorism police says the investigation is still ongoing. Also: the Chancellor, John Healey, tells Labour Conference delegates that cutting welfare expenditure is a 'moral duty', and not just an economic necessity. And Space X's latest starship mission goes up, but comes down hours earlier than planned. (Image: EPA/Shutterstock)

    Pilot arrested after 'stabbing co-pilot in cockpit'

    Play Episode Listen Later Sep 30, 2026 30:49


    A senior Israeli minister has described an incident on a plane travelling from Dubai to Tel Aviv as an 'attempted jihadist terror attack'. Also: Andy Burnham says it's possible Labour will offer a new in-out referendum on the EU in its next election manifesto. And a brown bear known as '89 Backpack' has won the annual fat bear week competition in the US. (Image: Reuters)

    Andy Burnham sets out his vision on social care

    Play Episode Listen Later Sep 29, 2026 30:44


    Andy Burnham has told the Labour Party conference that the existing pension triple lock will end in 2030 to help fund a new national care service. Also: The Premier League has announced that Manchester City have been found guilty of all 150 financial breaches they were accused of. And Spain has agreed to ban evictions until 2030.

    Five men arrested after RAF Fairford incident

    Play Episode Listen Later Sep 27, 2026 16:38


    Five men have been arrested on suspicion of explosive and terrorism offences after three “suspicious vehicles” were reported near a base used by the US military in Gloucestershire. Police woke dozens of people living near RAF Fairford in the early hours of the morning and told them to leave their homes. Also:Andy Burnham says he'll put plans for a national care service for England to voters at the next general election. And a standoff continues in Northern Ireland -- where protesters block a loyalist march from going through a nationalist area.

    Andy Burnham promises new direction for the UK at Labour Party conference

    Play Episode Listen Later Sep 26, 2026 16:16


    Andy Burnham has promised to set out a new direction for the UK after what he called a decade of drift since Brexit, as he arrived for his first Labour conference as prime minister. He told clapping supporters that he'd outline how he'd deliver growth in every postcode and hope in every heart. He also announced a new scheme to help get young people on the property ladder.

    Man City found guilty of most of 115 financial rule breaches

    Play Episode Listen Later Sep 25, 2026 30:32


    Sources say Manchester City have been found guilty of breaking the majority of the 115 financial rules they were accused of breaching. Also: The Prime Minister has urged the justice system of England and Wales to look at how a paedophile was bailed back to his flat overlooking a playground. And the BBC is bringing back the children's programme, Play School. (Image: PA)

    President Trump welcomes Xi Jinping to the White House

    Play Episode Listen Later Sep 24, 2026 31:16


    Donald Trump and China's leader, President Xi, have been holding talks at the White House to discuss issues including trade, Taiwan and AI. Also: Cyber criminals claim to have accessed the personal information of all of the FBI's agents and staff. And it's been confirmed that the boxers, Tyson Fury and Anthony Joshua, will finally meet in the ring in December. (Image: Reuters)

    UK military expands into space

    Play Episode Listen Later Sep 23, 2026 30:37


    A Ministry of Defence source tells the BBC the UK military is jamming signals from satellites used by hostile states. Also: The Home Secretary says it's "unacceptable" that two migrant boats in two days reached British shores without being intercepted. And a warning of higher fares from the boss of Ryanair. (Image:BBC)

    Andy Burnham holds meeting with Donald Trump

    Play Episode Listen Later Sep 22, 2026 30:27


    President Trump says he thinks he can "do business" with Andy Burnham, as the two leaders hold their first face to face meeting at the UN General Assembly. Also: Piers Morgan calls for Earl Spencer's book about Princess Diana to be pulled from the shelves. And the author of the Lord of the Rings, J.R.R. Tolkien, is to be honoured with a memorial at Westminster Abbey in London. (Image: PA)

    Technical issue disrupts flights across the UK

    Play Episode Listen Later Sep 21, 2026 30:29


    Flights across the UK have been disrupted by a problem with air traffic control systems for the second time in two weeks. Also: America's main TV networks are refusing to take part in some coverage of President Trump in protest against his ban on three other media outlets. And personal possessions of the late actress, Brigitte Bardot, are sold at auction. (Image: PA)

    German Chancellor: 'Disastrous' state elections

    Play Episode Listen Later Sep 20, 2026 16:15


    The German chancellor, Friedrich Merz, says he takes full responsibility for what he's called a disastrous showing for his party in state elections.Ukraine has targeted Moscow with hundreds of drones - in what Russian officials described as the biggest such attack on the city so far in the war.The Liberal Democrats have urged the government to cut fuel duty by ten pence a litre until December - to help people with the cost of living.(Image: Reuters)

    President Trump's Greenland security deal welcomed

    Play Episode Listen Later Sep 19, 2026 16:52


    A new deal over Greenland's security announced by President Trump has been welcomed by Danish and Greenlandic leaders after months of tension over the Arctic territory. Liberal democrats have been told they have a "moral responsibility" to stop Reform gaining power by their leader - Sir Ed Davey.There have been protests in South Africa after nine young women were killed in the last two months.

    Earl Spencer defends claims about King Charles

    Play Episode Listen Later Sep 18, 2026 30:36


    Princess Diana's brother, Earl Spencer, has insisted he is "telling the truth" about a phone call with King Charles in the days after his sister's death. Also MI5 has accepted that it lied to three courts, to try to stop a BBC investigation into a violent neo-Nazi agent. And Nash the golden retriever goes viral, after a security camera captures him bringing an intruder a series of toys. (Image:BBC)

    Charles 'giddily elated' after Diana died, her brother claims

    Play Episode Listen Later Sep 17, 2026 31:09


    The Daily Mail has published more extracts from Earl Spencer's upcoming book about his sister, Princess Diana. On the day of her death, he claims, the then Prince Charles sounded 'giddily elated, like a lottery winner'. Buckingham Palace has yet to comment. Also: King Charles warns of 'existential danger' of AI falling into wrong hands. And Bournemouth football club ventures onto European soil for the first time in its history. (Image: PA)

    Schools in England get extra funding for teachers' pay

    Play Episode Listen Later Sep 16, 2026 30:18


    Schools in England are to be given an extra £500 million in funding towards the cost of a pay award for teachers this academic year. Also: Andy Burnham has rejected criticism from one of his former advisers on his public spending plans. And scientists create mice which have human brain cells. (Image: PA)

    Lucy Letby hospital inquiry

    Play Episode Listen Later Sep 15, 2026 30:37


    A public inquiry has found a "complete failure to protect babies" at the hospital where Lucy Letby murdered seven babies and attempted to kill seven others. Also: Reform's leader in Wales, Dan Thomas, quits after being arrested at the weekend. And the value of the state pension is set to go up above the cost of living, thanks to the triple lock. (Image: Cheshire Police)

    Donald Trump says there is a 'conspiracy against AI'

    Play Episode Listen Later Sep 14, 2026 30:46


    Donald Trump has attacked what he calls a sick conspiracy against AI, after technology tycoons backed calls from the boss of Anthropic to limit the pace of AI development. Also: Nigel Farage tells our political editor the 72 million pound donations given to Reform UK are compliant with the law. And female athletes criticise an advert for a sport trading app, starring Sydney Sweeney.

    Ukraine train hit after Boris Johnson passes through

    Play Episode Listen Later Sep 13, 2026 16:32


    A Russian drone struck a train near Ukraine's border with Poland this morning – shortly after the former Prime Minister, Boris Johnson, and some of Europe's most senior security advisers, including the UK's Johnathan Powell, passed along the same line. Ukraine's railway authority said it was “quite likely” Russia had targeted the diplomatic train. Also: President Trump has warned against putting up "guardrails" in the race to develop artificial intelligence, amid growing concerns about the safety of the technology. And: The Great North Run returned to Tyneside today, with 63,000 runners taking part in the world's biggest half marathon.

    Reform receives second £36m donation in two days

    Play Episode Listen Later Sep 12, 2026 16:44


    Reform UK has been given a second £36m donation in as many days -- after the cryptocurrency investor Christopher Harborne said he had matched a sum donated last night. Mr Harborne has told the Daily Telegraph his 'competitive spirit' made him want to equal the amount given by the businessman, Ben Delo. Reform say the record-breaking cash injection will help to level the playing field; the Liberal Democrats and the Greens have joined campaigners in calling for a cap on politicial donations. Also: There's been a strong reaction to President Trump's surprise intervention on the future of the island of Ireland - and his comment that he'd "love to see" reunification. And: The boss of Anthropic -- which created the popular AI system Claude -- has called for the artificial intelligence industry to slow down, as fears mount about the speed of development.

    Assisted dying to remain illegal in England and Wales

    Play Episode Listen Later Sep 11, 2026 30:31


    MPs have rejected a fresh move to legalise assisted dying in England and Wales. Also: The US has been marking the 25th anniversary of the September the 11th attacks. And the Princess of Wales has visited the Royal Marsden Hospital in London, where she received treatment for cancer. (Image:EPA/Shutterstock)

    'Be ready for far right protesters', Home Secretary tells police

    Play Episode Listen Later Sep 10, 2026 30:47


    The Home Secretary, Shabana Mahmood, has urged police leaders to be ready to move "quickly and effectively" in dealing with far-right groups who are intimidating communities over immigration. Also: the Government gives mayors in England the powers to impose new levies on people staying in their towns and cities. And the Bayeux Tapestry has gone on public display at the British Museum.

    A warning that AI could kill all humans in the next decade

    Play Episode Listen Later Sep 9, 2026 30:31


    A senior safety researcher at the artificial intelligence giant, Anthropic, has warned that there is a greater than 10% chance AI could kill all humans in the next decade. Also: The Metropolitan Police is widening a criminal investigation into Reform UK. And the American cartoon series, South Park, changes its name in its latest dig at President Trump.

    UK sanctions Israeli settlements in the occupied West Bank

    Play Episode Listen Later Sep 8, 2026 30:25


    Israel says it will shut down the UK consulate in East Jerusalem in response to sanctions on West Bank settlements. Also: A failure at Britain's air traffic control causes delays to flights across Europe. And a spokesman for Prince Harry and Megan the Duke and Duchess of Sussex says they were surprised by the King's reiteration that they will be treated as “private citizens”.

    The policing minister condemns elements of anti-migrant protests as 'intimating and thuggish'

    Play Episode Listen Later Sep 7, 2026 30:28


    Portsmouth City Council says the Home Office has "questions to answer", after the landing of 1-hundred and 20 migrants in the area last night sparked large demonstrations. Several police officers were injured, as personnel using riot gear dealt with hundreds of protestors. The government has condemned what it described as "thuggish" behaviour by the activists, but the area's Conservative Police and Crime Commissioner said this should serve as a wake-up call for ministers.

    Germany's far right AfD party projected to win regional election

    Play Episode Listen Later Sep 6, 2026 16:16


    Exit polls in Germany indicate that the far-right AfD party has won 44.5% of the vote in the eastern state of Saxony-Anhalt, its strongest result in a regional election. Support for Chancellor Friedrich Merz's CDU is projected to have almost halved, to 18 point 5 percent. But the Alternative for Germany party has fallen short of an overall majority, leaving other parties facing difficult negotiations to form a government.

    Disruption at Port of Dover

    Play Episode Listen Later Sep 5, 2026 16:30


    The government has condemned hundreds of masked demonstrators who blockaded the Port of Dover, chanting 'stop the boats'. The Reform UK leader Nigel Farage has told the BBC he wasn't paying full attention during a conversation with undercover reporters about a potentially illegal donation. Also: Vladimir Putin has ordered a three-day halt to strikes on Ukraine's capital, as President Trump's envoys hold peace talks in Moscow.

    Nigel Farage dismisses allegations in an undercover report

    Play Episode Listen Later Sep 4, 2026 30:58


    Nigel Farage has dismissed as 'a little local difficulty' questions about the provenance of Reform UK party money posed by an undercover report by Channel 4 News. Also: A Russian drone strikes the headquarters of Ukraine's security service in Kyiv. And top tennis stars lash out at the disruptive behaviour of social media influencers at the US Open.

    The French President visits Downing Street

    Play Episode Listen Later Sep 3, 2026 30:15


    The Prime Minister and the French President have held talks in Downing Street, discussing migrant boat crossings and the wars in Ukraine and the Middle East. Also: Reform UK's autumn conference opens with an insistence that it is the party of fiscal responsibility. And the award-winning American journalist and feminist, Gloria Steinem, has died.

    Andy Burnham completes his first Prime Minister's Questions

    Play Episode Listen Later Sep 2, 2026 30:15


    Andy Burnham has been pressed about his management of the public finances in his first session of Prime Minister's Questions. Also: Nigel Farage tells the BBC Reform UK is always under investigation because its opponents are worried about the "new kids on the block". And a team of scientists say they may be one step closer to detecting dark matter.

    Andy Burnham makes his Commons debut as PM

    Play Episode Listen Later Sep 1, 2026 30:32


    Andy Burnham has given his first address to MPs as Prime Minister, pledging 'stronger public control' of services and a 'rewiring' of the British state. Also: 12 people have died in a massive Russian ballistic missile attack on the Ukrainian capital. And the BBC announces it is cancelling the winter sports programme, Ski Sunday.

    The government defends its prisoner early release scheme

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 31, 2026 30:16


    A government minister has said prison capacity in England and Wales will continue to be "very tight", despite planned changes to the early release scheme. Also: The Conservative leader, Kemi Badenoch, has announced a sweeping front-bench reshuffle. And Novak Djokovic has lost in the first round of the US Open.

    Burnham Announces Changes To Prisoner Release Scheme

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 30, 2026 16:27


    Andy Burnham has pledged to keep hundreds more criminals behind bars as part of changes to the government's early release scheme. Anyone convicted of unlawful killing will now be excluded, including two men jailed for the manslaughter of PC Andrew Harper. But some prison governors fear jails could soon become full. In other news: at least eight people have died and 22 others are missing after a passenger ferry capsized and sank off northern Cyprus; and people in Iceland have voted against resuming talks on joining the European Union.

    Anger In Ukraine Over Munitions Site Strike

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 29, 2026 16:32


    Ukraine's President, Volodymyr Zelensky, has ordered an investigation after a Russian airstrike detonated munitions kept in warehouse close to a residential area outside Kyiv, killing dozens of people. Mr Zelensky said it was "horrific negligence" to store explosives near civilians. Meanwhile, rescue efforts continue in Nepal and Tibet, where a glacial collapse caused flooding and landslides; and the former home secretary, Sir James Cleverly, has announced he will stand to become the next London mayor.

    Nearly two thousand people are missing in flooding in Nepal

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 28, 2026 30:20


    Officials in Nepal say more than 550 people are now known to have died more than 48 hours after flash flooding hit the Himalayan border region with Tibet. Also: Four men have pleaded guilty to setting fire to ambulances run by a Jewish charity in north-west London. And crowds gather outside the Royal Palace in Oslo to greet Norway's new king, Haakon, after the death of his father.

    Hundreds are dead after flash floods in Nepal

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 27, 2026 30:25


    Hundreds of people are now known to have died in Nepal after flash floods in the north of the country. Also: The number of asylum seekers being put up in hotels has halved in the past year. And UEFA says it's taking FIFA and its president, Gianni Infantino, to court.

    Meta settles in landmark US case

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 26, 2026 30:50


    Meta, the owner of Instagram and Facebook, has agreed to pay billions of dollars to US states in a settlement over claims its platforms harm younger users. The social media giant is also set to introduce time limits, restrictions and optional settings to protect child users although Meta has not admitted wrongdoing. Also: At least 100 people have been killed and hundreds of tourists are missing, after a massive flash flood and mudslide swept away entire villages on the Nepal-Tibet border. And musicians, book-lovers and world leaders pay tribute to Dolly Parton, the Queen of Country, after her death at the age of 80.

    Canada responds to new Trump tariffs

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 25, 2026 30:25


    Canada has announced a slew of tit-for-tat tariffs on billions of dollars' worth of imports from the United States, in an escalation of the trade war between the countries. Also: US media report that the head of the CIA has made a flying visit to Russia for talks; there's no official comment from Moscow or Washington. And Sir Billy Boston, who was the first person to be knighted for services to rugby league, has died at the age of 92.

    Andy Burnham promises to maintain support for Ukraine

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 24, 2026 30:45


    On his first overseas visit as Prime Minister, Andy Burnham has promised to maintain Britain's support for Ukraine and keep up the pressure on Russia, condemning what he called Moscow's "outrageous threats". Also: Cleveland Police have made 12 arrests after the road crash that killed seven people. And the England cricketer, Brydon Carse, is dropped from the Second Test against Pakistan after he was handcuffed outside a bar.

    Five young men who died in A66 crash are named

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 23, 2026 16:45


    Police name five young men - among them teenagers -- who died in a head-on collision that also killed two officers near Middlesbrough. The police watchdog says a police pursuit of a car -- believed to be using cloned plates -- was aborted just seconds before the crash. Also: Trains across the UK are cancelled by CrossCountry, after a power cut at its control centre. And President Trump caps festivities to mark 250 years of American Independence by launching an IndyCar race through the streets of Washington.

    Seven people, including two police officers, die in a crash near Middlesborough

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 22, 2026 16:21


    The Independent Office for Police Conduct is investigating, after two police officers were among seven people killed in a crash on the A66 near Middlesbrough. Cleveland Police says a car -- travelling the wrong way on the carriageway -- collided head-on with a marked police vehicle. Also: Canada's Prime Minister, Mark Carney, has confirmed he'll impose retaliatory tariffs on imports from the United States. And why the medal for finishing next week's Sydney Marathon appears to feature a landmark from Germany.

    Salmonella warning issued for undercooked eggs at restaurants

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 21, 2026 30:33


    People who are over 65, pregnant or vulnerable, as well as young children, are told to take care, after one death. Eggs bought at supermarkets are not affected. Also: Prince Harry, Sir Elton John, Baroness Doreen Lawrence, and more are ordered to make an interim payment of more than £9,500,000 to Associated Newspapers Limited, after losing their privacy claim. And: Sir Keir Starmer's donation to the Downing Street library.

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