Six O'Clock News

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The latest national and international news from BBC Radio 4

BBC Radio 4


    • Aug 29, 2025 LATEST EPISODE
    • daily NEW EPISODES
    • 26m AVG DURATION
    • 1,737 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

    Appeal Court judges lift a ban on asylum seekers in a hotel in Essex

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 29, 2025 30:41


    The Court of Appeal has ruled that asylum seekers can remain at the Bell Hotel in Epping where protests have been held since July. Also: The UK government bars Israeli officials from an arms fair in London because of the war in Gaza. And British Cycling has apologised for accidentally censoring the name of a village in Powys on its website.

    Russia launches a massive air assault on Ukraine

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 28, 2025 30:39


    At least 19 people have been killed and dozens injured after a huge drone and missile attack by Russia on the Ukrainian capital, Kyiv, overnight. The Court of Appeal has been hearing legal argument from the Home Office and the owner of the Bell Hotel in Epping against a judge's decision to stop asylum seekers being housed there. Also: The Reform Party leader of Nottinghamshire County Council bans a local newspaper's reporters from speaking to him or to his councillors.

    Sir Tony Blair will attend a meeting about the future of Gaza at the White House

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 27, 2025 30:34


    The former Prime Minister Sir Tony Blair will take part in a meeting, chaired by Donald Trump, on plans for a post-war Gaza at the White House. It comes as Israeli tanks have pushed into a new area on the edge of Gaza City. Also: Nigel Farage says his Reform UK party still needs to "work out what to do" with people who arrive here illegally with children. And a Kylie Minogue CD, a solar powered calculator and a pocket TV, are amongst the items found in a time capsule buried by the late Princess Diana at Great Ormond Street Hospital.

    Nigel Farage sets out the Reform Party's plans for illegal immigration

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 26, 2025 30:46


    Nigel Farage has outlined plans to detain and deport every single migrant who arrives in the UK on a small boat, including women and children. The plans are dismissed by Labour, the Conservatives and the Liberal Democrats. Also: the trial begins of an asylum seeker who's accused of sexually assaulting a 14-year-old girl in Epping. And the Met Office says this summer will "almost certainly" be the UK's warmest on record.

    Five journalists among 20 killed in Israeli strike on hospital

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 25, 2025 30:08


    Israeli strikes on a hospital in the south of Gaza have killed at least twenty people. The journalists worked with international outlets, including the Associated Press, Reuters and Al Jazeera. Also: a helicopter crash on the Isle of Wight kills three people. And a medical transplant firm set up by Oxford University is bought by a Japanese company for $1.5 billion.

    Refugee charities react cautiously to plans to overhaul asylum appeals.

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 24, 2025 16:24


    The Refugee Council says fewer asylum appeals are needed, but there must be 'legal' and 'judicial' oversight of decisions. Also: questions are raised about new criminal sentencing guidelines which could prevent visits to pubs or football matches. And: a lucky escape for those on board a hot air balloon which landed on a street in Bedford.

    A wave of protests outside hotels housing asylum seekers

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 23, 2025 16:34


    A wave of protests outside hotels housing asylum seekers has spread across the UK. Nigel Farage says Reform UK would seek returns deals with countries like Afghanistan and Eritrea, as part of plans for "mass deportations" of migrants. And dozens more deaths are reported in Gaza -- including a family whose tent was hit by an Israeli attack on a camp for displaced people.

    A famine has been confirmed in Gaza City

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 22, 2025 30:39


    A United Nations-backed body has confirmed there is now famine in Gaza, with more than half a million people in the strip's largest city facing "starvation, destitution and death". The Israeli prime minister, Benjamin Netanyahu, dismissed the report as an "outright lie". Also: The government seeks the right to appeal against a court ruling preventing it from becoming involved in a case about a hotel housing asylum seekers. And the former Doctor Who star, Noel Clarke, loses a libel action against the Guardian.

    A record 111,000 asylum applications were made to the UK in the year to June

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 21, 2025 30:13


    Figures from the Home Office show that there were a record number of asylum applications made last year. Also: Teenagers in England, Wales and Northern Ireland open their GCSE and BTEC results. And the celebrity judge, Frank Caprio, has died at the age of 88.

    President Zelensky prepares to begin crucial talks with Donald Trump

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 18, 2025 30:38


    President Zelensky and several European leaders, including Sir Keir Starmer, have arrived at the White House for meetings with Donald Trump to discuss the future of Ukraine. Also: A Hamas source tells the BBC that it has agreed to the latest Egyptian proposal for a Gaza ceasefire deal with Israel. And the Cambridge Dictionary has added six-thousand new words to its latest edition.

    European Leaders Prepare to Accompany Zelensky to Washington

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 17, 2025 16:34


    Sir Keir Starmer and several other senior European leaders are to join the Ukrainian President, Volodymyr Zelensky, in Washington tomorrow, where he's due to hold talks with Donald Trump at the White House. Downing Street said the "coalition of the willing" would seek robust security guarantees for Ukraine in the event of any deal with Russia. In other news, there have been dozens of arrests in Israel where protestors have taken to the streets demanding a ceasefire and a deal to secure the release of hostages still held by Hamas in Gaza. And the British actor, Terence Stamp, has died at the age of 87.

    Putin-Trump Summit Discussed

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 16, 2025 16:40


    Much of the discussion following President Trump's meeting with Vladimir Putin in Alaska has centred around the nature of any security guarantee for Kyiv. Reports are also beginning to emerge about what the two leaders talked about. In other news, weather conditions are hampering efforts to find survivors of flash floods that have killed more than three hundred people across Pakistan and Pakistan-administered Kashmir. And Police Scotland has begun an investigation after pupils at a primary school in Midlothian were added to a WhatsApp group in which they were told to send explicit photographs.

    President Trump and President Putin prepare to meet

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 15, 2025 30:20


    President Trump will welcome Vladimir Putin to Alaska for a summit that many believe could determine the future of Ukraine. Also: the UK's bioethanol industry is facing collapse after the government decided not to offer the sector a rescue package. And the King praises the courage of the veterans who fought in the far-east on the 80th anniversary of VJ Day.

    AI helps create new antibiotics

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 14, 2025 30:29


    Scientists in the US use AI – artificial intelligence - to invent new antibiotics which can tackle drug-resistant superbugs. Teenagers in England, Wales and Northern Ireland get their A-level, T-level and BTec exam results. President Putin hails what he describes as America's "energetic and sincere attempts" to end the war in Ukraine ahead of his meeting with President Trump in Alaska on Friday.

    President Trump says he's had a "good call" with President Zelensky and European allies

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 13, 2025 30:17


    President Zelensky says he's made clear to Donald Trump that sanctions must be imposed on Russia, if no ceasefire is agreed at Friday's summit with Vladimir Putin. Also: Doctors and aid organisations issue a new warning about levels of starvation in the Sudanese city of El Fasher. And the fashion accessories chain, Claire's, goes into administration putting more than two thousand jobs at risk.

    More than 50,000 migrants have crossed the Channel since Labour came to power

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 12, 2025 30:21


    Figures from the Home Office have confirmed that more than 50,00 people have crossed the Channel in small boats since Sir Keir Starmer became prime minister. Also: much of the UK is in the middle of yet another heatwave. And the lightshow mouthguards that will help identify head injuries at the upcoming women's rugby world cup.

    A missile strike kills six journalists in Gaza

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 11, 2025 30:16


    Israel is facing mounting criticism for a missile strike which killed six journalists in Gaza. The Israeli military said the Al Jazeera correspondent, Anas al-Sharif, was the intended target. Also: The Home Secretary defends her decision to ban Palestine Action. And the businesswoman and philanthropist, Dame Stephanie Shirley, has died at the age of 91.

    Israel Faces UN Security Council Criticism

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 10, 2025 16:36


    Israel has faced fierce criticism at the UN Security Council in New York of its plan to step up the war in Gaza. Britain's envoy said an expanded offensive would open the way to more bloodshed. But the US representative insisted Israel could decide how to ensure its own security. Also, the Met Police says the majority of the more than 500 people arrested for supporting the banned group Palestine Action yesterday were aged over 50. And the voice of Mr Benn -- the actor Ray Brooks -- has died.

    Hundreds Arrested At Palestine Action Demo

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 9, 2025 16:38


    Police arrested more than 200 people at a demonstration in central London in support of Palestine Action on Saturday 9th August - as protesters said free speech was under attack. Palestine Action is proscribed by the government as a terrorist organisation, but the High Court ruled on 30 July that proscription of Palestine Action, which has carried out break-ins at defence firms linked to Israel as part of direct action protests, should be reviewed. Palestine Action was banned under terrorism law after activists broke into RAF Brize Norton in Oxfordshire in June, and sprayed two Voyager planes with red paint. In other news, President Zelensky says there'll be no surrender of Ukrainian land to Russia -- ahead of talks between Donald Trump and Vladimir Putin next week. And there's been a heartfelt plea for world peace from the Mayor of Nagasaki on the 80th anniversary of the atomic bomb being dropped on his city by the United States.

    International criticism grows of Israel's decision to take control of the Gaza Strip

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 8, 2025 30:41


    Israel's Security Cabinet has backed Benjamin Netanyahu's plan to expand military operations in Gaza. The decision has drawn criticism from international allies, including Germany, which has suspended military exports to Israel that could be used in Gaza. Also: A 15-year-old boy is found guilty of murdering Harvey Willgoose by stabbing him during a school lunchbreak. And astronomers believe they've spotted a new planet in the closest star system to our own.

    Bank of England cuts interest rates again

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 7, 2025 30:28


    The Bank of England has cut interest rates by a quarter of a percentage point to 4% -- the fifth drop in a year. The Bank's governor, Andrew Bailey, said it was a "finely balanced decision", with inflation still sitting well above the Bank's two percent target. Also: dozens of migrants have been detained under the UK's new "one in, one out" deportation deal with France, which came into force yesterday. And in Italy, an outcry over a British website's controversial recipe for a pasta dish.

    Trump gives update on Russia talks

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 6, 2025 30:22


    Trump threatens 50% tariffs on India for buying Russian oil.Also: The Prime Minister says the government will focus on improving living standards at the Budget this autumn.Medics in Gaza say they're struggling to deal with casualties after several lorries overturned.

    The BBC gains unprecedented access to a violent people-smuggling gang

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 5, 2025 30:45


    A BBC investigation has exposed the operations of a powerful and violent people-smuggling gang sending migrants to the UK in small boats. Also: A report by the US Coast Guard says the operator of the Titan sub which imploded used "intimidation tactics" to evade scrutiny from the regulator. And NASA is told to fast-track plans to build a nuclear reactor on the Moon.

    Israel to consider Gaza war goals as reports say escalation planned

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 4, 2025 30:15


    Hundreds of retired senior Israeli security and military officials have written to President Trump urging him to intervene to end the war in Gaza. The main hostage support group in Israel has accused Benjamin Netanyahu of leading Israel and the remaining captives being held by Hamas to doom. Also: Ukraine says it has stolen and published classified material about a new Russian nuclear submarine. And England and India draw their dramatic Test series in a cliff-hanger finish at the Oval.

    03/08/25 Details of a compensation scheme for victims of mis-sold car finance

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 3, 2025 16:52


    The financial regulator has said a compensation scheme for drivers over the mis-selling of car loans will likely cost between nine and 18 billion pounds.

    A man is accused of lacing sweets with sedatives

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 2, 2025 16:27


    A man has appeared in court accused of lacing sweets with sedatives and causing children to fall ill at a summer camp.Hamas has rejected US claims that it's ready to lay downs its weapons as part of a peace deal with Israel.India set England a huge victory target in the final test at the Oval.

    Millions denied car finance compensation payouts after Supreme Court ruling

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 1, 2025 30:08


    A landmark ruling by the Supreme Court appears to have dashed the hopes of millions of drivers, who thought they may have been eligible for what would have been one of biggest mass compensation schemes ever seen in the UK. Also: President Trump's envoy visits one of the American-run aid centres in Gaza where hundreds of Palestinians have died seeking food in recent weeks. And a wounded Ukrainian soldier escapes from the front line using an e-bike delivered by a drone.

    President Trump's envoy meets Israel's Prime Minister

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 31, 2025 30:24


    President Trump's special envoy has had talks with Israel's Prime Minister in Jerusalem, as international pressure grows for action to address the humanitarian crisis inside Gaza. Also: A 76-year-old man is arrested on suspicion of administering poison after children fall ill at a summer camp in Leicestershire. And the acclaimed children's author, Allan Ahlberg, has died at the age of 87.

    Flights across the UK hit by a technical issue

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 30, 2025 30:39


    There's been huge disruption at airports across the UK because of a technical issue affecting air traffic control. Also: Britain's plan to recognise a Palestinian state is condemned as a "moral failure" by a British-Israeli woman who was held in Gaza by Hamas. And thousands of fans have lined the streets of central Birmingham to pay their last respects to Ozzy Osbourne.

    Sir Keir Starmer says the UK will recognise a Palestinian state unless Israel meets certain conditions

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 29, 2025 30:46


    Sir Keir Starmer says the UK will officially recognise the state of Palestine, unless Israel reaches a ceasefire in Gaza. The prime minister's announcement marks a significant shift in British foreign policy. Also: Victims of the Rotherham Child Sex Abuse gangs tell the BBC they were also raped by police officers from the force that was supposed to be helping them. And tens of thousands of football fans have travelled to London to celebrate the Lionesses' European Championship victory.

    England's conquering Lionesses return home

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 28, 2025 30:17


    England's Lionesses have returned home after beating Spain on penalties in Basel last night. Crowds of fans waited at Southend Airport to greet the squad. Also: President Trump says there's real starvation in Gaza and Israel bears some responsibility. And there's a massive surge in demand for Virtual Private Networks.

    Jordan and UAE begin air drops into Gaza after Israel announced series of aid measures

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 27, 2025 16:26


    Crowds of Palestinians have been collecting food from lorries, in parts of Gaza where Israel has paused its military operations. Emirati and Jordanian planes have dropped pallets of aid from the air. Also: President Trump and the European Commission President, Ursula von der Leyen, are holding crucial talks at his Ayrshire golf resort, to try to strike a trade deal. Also: England are taking on Spain in the Women's Euros 2025 in Switzerland.

    A baby with severe malnutrition dies in Gaza as aid workers warn of "deepening starvation" in the territory

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 26, 2025 16:29


    The parents of a five month-old girl in Gaza who has died after suffering malnutrition have spoken of their struggle to find baby formula and their fear that many children are in the same state. Also: Sir Keir Starmer has told the leaders of France and Germany that the UK is working with other countries to help drop aid into Gaza. And: Protesters have insisted that Donald Trump is not welcome in Scotland as the president played a round of golf at his course at Turnberry.

    A former US soldier who worked at Israel-US backed aid sites in Gaza says there was "brutality" against civilians

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 25, 2025 30:53


    A former US special forces soldier, who was hired to provide security at aid collection points in Gaza, has told the BBC he's never witnessed such indiscriminate brutality against civilians. Also: Sir Keir Starmer gets a cross-party letter from 221 MPs, urging him follow France in recognising Palestine as a state. And: Thousands of hospital doctors start a five day strike over pay and conditions; their union demands a 29% rise.

    A UN agency says six thousand aid lorries are waiting to enter Gaza

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 24, 2025 30:16


    The head of the UN agency working in Gaza has said civilians in the Palestinian territory have been described as looking like "walking corpses”, as fears of a widespread famine continue to grow. Also: Jeremy Corbyn confirms he's setting up a new party to challenge Labour. And the American wrestler, Hulk Hogan, has died at his home in Florida at the age of 71.

    The World Health Organisation says Gaza is seeing mass starvation

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 23, 2025 30:54


    The head of the World Health Organisation has described the situation in Gaza as "manmade mass starvation". The Israeli government claims there's aid currently waiting for international organisations to distribute. Also: Two former City traders jailed for 'manipulating' interest rates have their convictions overturned after a ten-year fight for justice. And the BBC says it will show the new series of Masterchef, despite sacking its two main presenters.

    Former Unite boss Len McCluskey enjoyed private flights and football tickets

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 22, 2025 30:45


    An internal report says the former Unite boss, Len McCluskey, enjoyed private flights and football tickets arranged by the company building a hotel for his union. Also: Medical officials and aid organisations are sounding the alarm about a rapid increase in starvation and malnutrition in Gaza. And an immersive show celebrating Elvis Presley in London has been described by some fans as "one of the most misleading" they've ever seen.

    The water regulator Ofwat is to be abolished

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 21, 2025 30:25


    The environment secretary, Steve Reed, has announced what he is calling the biggest overhaul of the water sector in a generation. The move to scrap Ofwat was one of 88 recommendations made by a landmark review of the industry. Also: Israel has launched a new ground offensive in an area of central Gaza it hasn't previously targeted. And Ryanair is considering bigger bonuses for staff who catch travellers with oversized bags.

    Government says water regulator is failing

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 20, 2025 16:17


    The Government says the water industry regulator Ofwat is failing.Health authorities in Gaza say 67 Palestinians have been killed by Israeli fire waiting for a UN aid.At the Open, the world's number one golfer Scottie Scheffler is on course for victory.

    Fighting continues in southern Syria, despite ceasefire agreement.

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 19, 2025 16:42


    Sectarian clashes have continued in southern Syria, despite a ceasefire agreement. And, arrests have been made at protests in support of the banned group, Palestine Action.

    Water Pollution Rises

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 18, 2025 30:38


    The Environment Agency says there was a big increase in the number of serious water pollution incidents recorded in England last year. The watchdog says water companies were behind the serious contamination of rivers and streams on seventy-five occasions -- that's a a rise of 60 percent on the year before. Also, Donald Trump calls the Wall Street Journal a "pile of garbage" newspaper -- as he denies its report that his name was on a lewd birthday greeting to the sex offender, Jeffrey Epstein. And heath chiefs warn of the risks of botulism from cosmetic procedures.

    Afghan Data Scandal Continues

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 17, 2025 30:53


    The High Court has heard that a database containing details of Afghans that was leaked in 2022 also had information about serving and former members of UK Special Forces and MI6. Also, the government sets out its plans to give the vote to 16 and 17 year olds at the next General Election; and Diane Abbott has been "administratively suspended" from the Labour party pending an investigation.

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