Six O'Clock News

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The latest national and international news from BBC Radio 4

BBC Radio 4


    • Sep 2, 2026 LATEST EPISODE
    • weekdays NEW EPISODES
    • 26m AVG DURATION
    • 2,081 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 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.

    Prince Harry and Meghan are coming back to live in the UK

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 20, 2026 30:38


    Their children, Prince Archie and Princess Lilibet, have been enrolled in a British school. Also: GCSE and BTec results day in England, Wales, and Northern Ireland. And: 'Niu Lai', the low-budget homemade animated film which is sweeping the box office in China.

    Track defect found at site of East Sussex derailment

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 19, 2026 30:21


    Dozens of people were injured when the passenger train from London Victoria to Eastbourne came off the tracks. Also: the Israeli military says it will open criminal investigations into two attacks on Palestinians in Gaza, including the killing of five year old Hind Rajab and her family. And: the antique taxidermy 'fox', which turned out to be a rare example of the extinct thylacine.

    Meta goes on trial in California

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 18, 2026 30:33


    Meta has been accused of exploiting children by getting them "hooked" on Facebook and Instagram, at the beginning of a landmark trial in California. Also: Andy Burnham has pledged his 100% support for Ukraine, after its use of British-made drones prompted a warning from Russia. And Wetherspoons has banned its customers from playing music out loud, or taking calls on speakerphone.

    17/08/2026 Trump threatens to bomb Oman

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 17, 2026 30:45


    President Donald Trump has threatened to bomb Oman -- a US ally -- if it "gets in the way" of his administration's own talks with Iran. Also: the US envoy, Jared Kushner, has held talks with Israel's prime minister over the stalled Gaza peace plan. And the chancellor of Cambridge University has criticised a "racist feeding frenzy" around Jason Arday.

    Ukraine launches biggest drone attack on Russia this year

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 16, 2026 16:22


    Kyiv's overnight attacks on Russia have been described as the largest this year. They set another depot of the online retailer, Wildberries, on fire. Also: a growing wildfire in Belgium has been deemed the country's largest in modern history. And the government is giving stronger protections to pubs to stop them from being turned into housing or offices.

    Andy Burnham says death of Jason Arday is a 'tragedy'

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 15, 2026 16:45


    Firefighters are battling hot spots still burning in the West Midlands; a blaze that devastated the town of Stourbridge is under control.Dozens of people are killed in a powerful earthquake off the Indonesian island of Flores. Lyse Doucet reports from Kabul where supporters of the Taliban celebrate five years since the western-backed government was forced out of power.

    PM says Britain is 'a tinderbox' as homes destroyed in wildfire

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 14, 2026 30:38


    Nineteen houses have been fully destroyed in multiple blazes across the West Midlands - eighteen others were damaged as firefighters fought to gain control.Parliamentary investigators re-open their examination of a £5 million gift to Nigel Farage - just hours after the Reform UK leader's resounding by-election victory.Luigi Mangione -- accused of shooting dead a health insurance executive in New York - - has pleaded guilty to the killing.

    Israeli military tackles blockade by Israeli settlers in occupied West Bank

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 13, 2026 30:27


    Israel sends in more troops to try to break up an Israeli settler blockade of two families in a village in the occupied West Bank. Also: a train derails near Lewes in East Sussex. And there has been an increase in the proportion of A-levels awarded at the top grades in England, Wales and Northern Ireland.

    Millions watch the UK's most significant solar eclipse since 1999

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 12, 2026 30:17


    Millions of people across the UK witness the country's most significant solar eclipse since 1999. Also: The serial sex offender Simon Levy has been given a whole-life order after murdering two women and raping another. And a chocolate bar has been made entirely from ingredients grown in Britain for the first time in more than 90 years.

    Andy Burnham is 'confident' early release of PC Harper's killers can be halted

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 11, 2026 30:29


    The Prime Minister has said he is 'increasingly confident' that two of the three men convicted of killing PC Andrew Harper will not be released from prison early. Also: The US media is reporting President Trump was involved in an elaborate plane-swapping decoy operation, while returning from a NATO summit, because of fears of a Tehran assassination plot. And the Met Office says the UK is on course for its hottest summer on record.

    230 people cross the English Channel in a single boat

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 10, 2026 30:31


    A dinghy carrying 230 migrants has crossed the Channel, setting a new record for the number of arrivals on a single small boat. Also: At least 13 people have died in Ukrainian drone strikes deep into Russia. And a critically endangered turtle has begun its journey from Wales to the Gulf of Mexico.

    Israel rejects President Trump's peace plan for Gaza

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 9, 2026 16:41


    The Israeli prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu has said his country "rejects" the 15-point plan for peace in Gaza, which President Trump's Board of Peace said last month had been accepted by Hamas. This morning, Mr Netanyahu said Hamas would have to fully disarm first -- and that, as long as he was in office, there would be no Palestinian state in Gaza or the West Bank. Hamas responded by calling on the US to pressure Israel into accepting the deal. Also: An Irish government jet carrying the suspected crime boss Daniel Kinahan is due to land in Dublin. He has been extradited from the United Arab Emirates and will face a charge of directing a criminal organisation. And: Italian divers have discovered a Roman-era shipwreck off the coast of Sicily.

    Zelensky pleads for more air defences amid more strikes

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 8, 2026 16:32


    On a visit to Russia's traditional ally Serbia, President Zelensky has appealed for more air defences. Three members of one family were killed by Russian strikes on Kyiv.The boss of FIFA, Gianni Infantino, has denied allegations that UEFA paid-off a woman he had an affair with while he was running European football.Police have appealed for any potential victims of Simon Levy to come forward. The registered sex offender was yesterday convicted of the murder of two women.And why one maker of the trusted British summer hat was left clutching at straws.(Image: EPA)

    Police and prosecutors admit failings in the handling of a serial sex offender

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 7, 2026 30:36


    A serial sex offender who was being monitored by the Metropolitan police has been found guilty of murdering two women and raping a third. Also: The detective, who led the investigation into the death of PC Andrew Harper, says the aggravating factors in the case should be considered before deciding whether two of the killers might be released early. And the music producer, William Orbit, has died at the age of 69.

    A record number of referrals to the Prevent anti-extremism programme

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 6, 2026 30:41


    The Home Office's anti-extremism programme, Prevent, has seen the highest number of referrals in its history, driven by a surge in reports since the Southport stabbings. Also: European football's governing body, UEFA, has said it is still prepared to boycott FIFA competitions despite plans for the involvement of private investment being scrapped. And state schools in England are to be set their own, individual attendance targets.

    Former neo-Nazi withdraws as a Tory election candidate

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 5, 2026 30:43


    A former neo-Nazi, who was controversially selected by the Conservative Party to contest a local council election in Somerset next year, has withdrawn his candidacy. Also: A drone carrying an explosive has been found at Leipzig airport in Germany. And part of a rocket, about the size of a five-story building, is believed to have crashed on the Moon.

    The government defends its changes to the prisoner early release scheme

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 4, 2026 30:32


    The government has defended changes it's made to the prisoner early release scheme, saying that exempting more offenders would have led to the collapse of the prison system in England and Wales. Also: Britain and France have rescued more than 170 people from a migrant boat which caught fire in the Channel. And pass rates in Scotland's Highers, Advanced Highers and National 5 exams have all risen compared with last year.

    France condemns Reform's cross-channel migrant plans

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 3, 2026 30:52


    France says Reform UK's proposals to use the Royal Navy to return migrants attempting to cross the Channel in small boats would violate its sovereignty and breach international law. Also: The English and Welsh Football Associations withdraw support for Gianni Infantino as Fifa president. And the journalist and former Today programme editor Rod Liddle dies aged 66.

    Moscow blast 'was terrorism', but no word on who caused it

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 2, 2026 16:12


    Russian security officials have described an explosion at a restaurant in Moscow, which killed three people, as an act of terrorism. They have not yet said who they believe to be responsible, but there is speculation of a link to the war in Ukraine.Iran says it is in the "final stages" of talks with Oman over management of the Strait of Hormuz. Andy Burnham has said he will be "relentless" in tackling small boat crossings to "bring back control" to the UK's border.The National Farmers' Union has warned that a prolonged drought could cause shortages of some food products in shops.

    Pressure grows on Fifa boss

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 1, 2026 16:48


    There is growing pressure on the president of Fifa, Gianni Infantino, after he dropped plans to sell stakes in the World Cup. Uefa said it had lost confidence in his leadership.The EU is to hold an emergency meeting to discuss the migration crisis in Ceuta. Spain has called some other member states "selfish". The renowed British-Nepali mountaineer, Nirmal Purja, has been killed in an avalanche in Pakistan.

    Funeral director who failed to bury and cremate bodies jailed for 20 years

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 31, 2026 30:36


    A former funeral director has been sentenced to 20 years in prison for his failure to bury and cremate dozens of bodies. Also: Italy has announced it's suspending its open borders agreement with Spain after thousands of migrants crossed into the tiny Spanish territory of Ceuta. And a senior adviser to the Fifa boss Gianni Infantino resigns as opposition mounts to his plan to sell off stakes in football competitions.

    Uefa says it will boycott the World Cup if Fifa's plans go ahead

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 30, 2026 30:21


    European football's governing body, Uefa, has announced it will boycott the World Cup unless Fifa scraps plans to sell off some event rights to private investors. Also: A major incident is declared in Suffolk as a wildfire rages on heathland. And Joe Root begins his second tenure as England cricket captain.

    Andy Burnham promises to reform adult social care in England

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 29, 2026 30:36


    Andy Burnham has set out his initial approach to tackling the crisis in adult social care in England. Also: drought is declared in more than half of England. And a backlash against Fifa's plan to sell a stake in its major competitions to private investors.

    Plans for school pupils in England to get more access to technical subjects

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 28, 2026 30:36


    Andy Burnham says he's "on a mission" to tackle the rising number of young people, who aren't working or learning, claiming the education system "doesn't set them up properly". Also: Emergency workers in Japan say many people are trapped inside a shopping centre, after the coastal city of Kumamoto was hit by an earthquake. European football reacts furiously to new proposals from Fifa's Gianni Infantino to seek private investment in international competitions.

    Wildfires continue in France and Spain

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 27, 2026 30:33


    President Macron is visiting the Gironde region of France to show support for emergency crews battling around the clock to bring a huge wildfire under control. Also: Dozens of people are to make victim impact statements at the sentencing hearing of a funeral director, who gave families the wrong ashes and failed to bury bodies. And the D-Day landing beaches in Normandy are granted UNESCO World Heritage Status.

    Manhunt under way in Germany after a suspected 'Islamist terror attack' at Berlin Pride

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 26, 2026 16:38


    Officials in Germany say they are treating yesterday's fatal attack on the Berlin Pride festival as a likely act of Islamist terrorism. One person was killed and 29 others were injured when a man drove a van into crowds before stabbing several people. A huge manhunt is under way for a 21-year-old suspect described by the authorities as a known criminal with links to extreme Islamist groups. Also: More than 3 hundred thousand people have now been ordered to leave their homes in France and Spain -- where several fierce wildfires are raging near major cities. And: Andy Burnham has declined to commit to spending 3 percent of GDP on defence by 2030 - despite his Chancellor, John Healey, calling for that target to be met when he resigned as Sir Keir Starmer's defence secretary last month. He was speaking to the BBC's Laura Kuenssberg, in his first major broadcast interview as Prime Minister.

    Wildfires spread rapidly in parts of France and Spain

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 24, 2026 30:28


    Tens of thousands of people in parts of France and Spain have been leaving their homes and holiday properties as concern grows about rapidly spreading wildfires. Also: Police in the Republic of Ireland have intercepted a car containing a bomb which they believe was being driven across the border for an attack in Northern Ireland. And the former Liverpool boss, Jurgen Klopp, accepts a new job as the head coach of the German national team.

    Andy Burnham pauses the prisoner early release scheme

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 23, 2026 30:37


    The Prime Minister has announced that he is pausing a plan for the early release of prisoners which was due to come into effect in September. Also: Iran accuses Britain of complicity in American attacks and warns bases here are a legitimate target. And Katarina Johnson-Thompson is one of a number of big names to withdraw from the Commonwealth Games hours before the opening ceremony.

    The widow of PC Andrew Harper criticises early prisoner release

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 22, 2026 30:36


    The widow of a police officer has described it as "deplorable" that two men convicted in connection with his killing may be eligible for early release. Also: The United States and Saudi Arabia are understood to have reached a landmark deal that would help the Kingdom establish a civilian nuclear programme. And OpenAI, the company behind ChatGPT, reveals that one of its AI agents hacked another tech firm without direct human instruction.

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