Walescast

Fliss and James discuss this week's Senedd vote on assisted dying and they're joined by David Phillips from the Institute for Fiscal Studies to explore the challenges facing future Welsh Government funding.

The Prime Minister travelled to Taff's Well to throw his weight behind Transport for Wales' £14 billion proposals to “transform” the nation's railways. But what would this actually mean for passengers and communities in Wales? James and Fliss unpack the announcement with our Political Correspondent Cemlyn Davies, following his interview with the Prime Minister and First Minister. They're also joined by transport expert Professor Mark Barry, who breaks down the practical implications of the proposals — and what the politics behind them might reveal.

Walescast heads to Llandudno's Venue Cymru for the Welsh Conservative's 2026 conference. James speaks to their Leader in the Senedd Darren Millar as well as catching up with some other politicians and members to see what the vibe is ahead of the Senedd election in May. We also catch up with our Political Editor Gareth Lewis and hear about his interview with the Conservative Leader Kemi Badenoch. This episode makes up one of the many trips Walescast will make to the main parties events/ rallies and conferences over the Senedd election period.

Wales' First Minister has given her backing to the Prime Minister following the Peter Mandelson scandal and the former US ambassador's departure from the Labour Party. Following criticism around Eluned Morgan's delayed statement from opposition parties, she says she has full confidence in his leadership. Former Special Advisor to the Welsh Government Cathy Owens and Political Editor Gareth Lewis join the podcast to discuss whether what is happening in Westminster will impact Wales.

James and Fliss are joined by Chris Birt from the Joseph Rowntree Foundation to discuss poverty in Wales and what the charity believes the next Welsh Government need to do to tackle it.

Walescast heads to Newport's International Conference Centre for Reform's 2026 election rally, where Nigel Farage unveiled Dan Thomas as the party's new leader in Wales. The event also brought confirmation that James Evans has defected to Reform, following his departure from the Welsh Conservatives. Fliss and James speak to both men at the rally, exploring their priorities for Wales and the reaction among party members as Reform sets out its stall ahead of the Senedd election. This episode makes up one of the many trips Walescast will make to the main parties events/ rallies and conferences over the election period.

A year after damning reports into workplace culture at two Welsh fire services, their leaders say progress is being made — but acknowledge there is still more to do. Separate reports into North Wales Fire and Rescue Service and Mid and West Wales Fire and Rescue Service highlighted concerns about bullying, and harassment. James catches up with Mid and West Wales Chief Fire Officer Craig Flannery, while Rob Thomas speaks to North Wales Chief Fire Officer Dawn Docx about what has changed — and what challenges remain.

UK Labour proposals for a major overhaul of policing have highlighted the disagreements between the two governments in Wales and Westminster over devolved powers. Fliss and James are joined by BBC Wales political editor Gareth Lewis to unfold the story. They also speak to Labour MS Mick Antoniw and Criminal Barrister Andrew Taylor about the state of policing and the criminal justice system in Wales and how it's run.

James and Fliss on the sacking of MS James Evans and the WRU before MPs at Westminster.

How is the NHS in Wales coping with winter pressures? Betsi Cadwaladr Health Board sorts out its stats but what can be done about their lengthy waiting times? Our Health Correspondent Owain Clarke joins the pod to discuss the latest. Dr Jac Larner then joins Fliss and James to dig into the detail of the surprising results of the latest ITV/YouGov Poll on Senedd voting intentions.

It's 2026... A big year lies ahead with Wales heading to the polls for the Senedd election in May. And the political year hasn't exactly started quietly. Fliss is joined by BBC Wales' Political Editor, the Westminster Correspondent, and WalesOnline's Ruth Mosalski to unpack the start of 2026 and explore what lies ahead in the world of Welsh politics.

A brand-new Senedd election opinion poll lands just in time for Walescast's Christmas special! Fliss and James are joined by colleagues from across the BBC Wales newsroom to unpack the numbers and reflect on an eventful year in Welsh politics. Recorded at the Four Elms in Cardiff, the team shares their own insights, with a healthy serving of festive cheer—plus, our guests face a seasonal quiz to round things off.

The Welsh Government's budget was on a rocky road, with Labour staring down the possibility of defeat when their spending plans went to a vote in January. Behind closed doors, negotiations went on — and now, a deal has been done. Plaid Cymru has stepped in to help pass the budget, securing extra funding for the NHS and local councils in return. But how will it land with voters? James and Fliss unpack the details with Political Reporter David Deans and Wales Online's Ruth Mosalski, who were both at the Senedd when the news broke.

The UK Budget is out – but what does it all mean for Wales? Fliss and James break down the big announcements with a panel of politicians, exploring how the decisions in Westminster will impact people in Wales. Plus, BBC Wales' Political Correspondent joins the conversation to talk through his whirlwind day and the key takeaways from a dramatic day in politics.

It's a big week for the NHS in Wales. The Covid inquiry report lands, waiting lists results are published, and health boards are facing tough questions. We're joined by experts including Professor Jon Barry and Dr Helen Howson to ask: what's next for the Welsh NHS? Plus, after devastating floods in Monmouthshire, we speak to Dr David Clubb from the National Infrastructure Commission for Wales to discuss what more can be done to protect at risk communities.

From environmental and economic ambitions to nuclear power plans in Anglesey — and Reform's Senedd member facing suspension — Fliss and James unpack a packed week in Welsh politics. Joining the discussions are Deputy First Minister Huw Irranca-Davies, Samuel Kurtz MS, Liz Saville Roberts MP, Dr Steffan Evans from the Bevan Foundation, and Political Correspondent Teleri Glyn Jones.

Budgets are on the minds of politicians on both ends of the M4 this week. Whether the Welsh Government can pass theirs will come down to striking a deal with opposition members. But what are the offers on the table? James and Fliss are joined by Mabon ap Gwynfor MS, Sam Rowlands MS and Cllr Anthony Hunt to talk through the details. They also get expert analysis from Wales Governance Centre's Guto Ifan and Political Correspondent Elliw Gwawr on what it all means for Wales.

The dust has settled on the Caerphilly by-election, but the campaigning won't stop there. It's not long to go until the parties will face the ultimate challenge at the Senedd election in May. Politicians from Plaid Cymru, Reform and Labour join Fliss and James to talk about look back at what happened in Caerphilly and discuss what's to come in the next six months. Cardiff University's Dr Jac Larner and Political Correspondent Teleri Glyn Jones also join the programme to look at polls and predictions.

James and Fliss discuss Plaid Cymru's victory over Reform and Labour in the Caerphilly by-election. It's been a whirlwind campaign and a long night for James, Gareth and Teleri who join the pod off the back of BBC Wales' live stream coverage of the results. They discuss the night, the winners and losers and what it could all mean for the Senedd election in May.

Felicity Evans, James Williams and guests are in the spin room in the aftermath of BBC Wales' Caerphilly by-election TV debate. What were the key issues raised by the audience of voters? And how did the panel of six candidates deal with their questions and concerns?

With Plaid Cymru bringing the party conference season to a close, Felicity Evans and James Williams are joined by BBC Wales colleagues Cemlyn Davies and Emilia Belli to look back at the last month of speeches and fringe events and discuss the major talking points from the final round of national get-togethers before next May's elections to the Senedd

Felicity Evans and James Williams pay a visit to the Caerphilly constituency ahead of the approaching Senedd by-election, speaking to voters and to Richard Gurner, editor of the local Caerphilly Observer newspaper, about the issues that are shaping the campaign

James and Fliss are joined by BBC Wales' health correspondent Owain Clarke to talk about Jeremy Miles' decision to stand down at the next Senedd election. That takes the total to 14 Labour MS' who won't be running next year. Aled Eirug also joins the pod to talk about his new book detailing the life of former Plaid Cymru leader Dafydd Elis-Thomas. They talk about his journey into politics, his extensive career and his fondness of Armani suits.

It's been a busy Summer of politics and the pace is not letting up as the Senedd returns from recess. So there's plenty for Felicity Evans to pour over with BBC Wales political editor Gareth Lewis, his Wales Online counterpart Ruth Mosalski, Cardiff University's polls expert Dr Jac Larner and BBC Wales Parliamentary reporter Emilia Belli. Among the topics under discussion are the latest Welsh opinion poll and the up-and-coming Caerphilly Senedd by-election plus the prospects for the Chancellor's budget in November and the Welsh General Election next May.

Over the summer, James and Fliss sit down with politicians across Wales. On this episode of Walescast they are joined by Darren Millar, the Welsh Conservative Leader in the Senedd. They met in the BBC's Cardiff studio and discussed everything from how he became interested in politics to his interest in Astronomy and Sumo Wrestling. He also talked about the Welsh Conservatives hopes with less than a year to go until the Senedd election.

Over the summer, James and Fliss sit down with politicians across Wales. On this episode of Walescast they are joined by Liz Saville-Roberts, Plaid Cymru's leader in Westminster. They met at the Welsh language community centre and pub Saith Seren in Wrexham. They talk about her childhood, political career and hopes for Plaid Cymru with less than a year to go until the Senedd election.

Eluned Morgan joins Felicity Evans and James Williams at the National Eisteddfod to reflect on a year since becoming the First Minister. They discuss what leadership is like, some of the challenges she's faced and the upcoming Senedd election.

A few weeks ago Walescast discussed where Labour was a year on from winning the general election. But, where do the opposition parties stand? And what 's in store as they prepare for the Senedd election. Fliss is joined by the Wales Governance Centre's Jac Larner and WalesOnline's Political Editor Ruth Mosalski.

Walescast comes from the Royal Welsh Show - the biggest agricultural festival in Europe. James kicked things off with Nigel Farage MP, Reform UK's leader, following the news that Laura Anne Jones MS has defected to his party after more than 30 years with the Welsh Conservatives. They also discuss farming and what's he has in store for the Senedd elections. James then caught up with Plaid Cymru's Llyr Gruffydd MS and Welsh Conservative Samuel Kurtz MS on all things farming and the latest news. He rounded of the busy day in an interview with Deputy First Minister Huw Irranca-Davies who is also the Minister for Rural Affairs.

It's the last week of the Senedd term and Fliss and Political Correspondent Dan Davies dive into the debate about devolution of justice and whether Westminster will pass over more powers. They are then joined by BBC Wales' Environment Correspondent to discuss the new Sustainable Farming Scheme proposals and whether the Welsh Government has done enough to get farmers and environmentalists both on board.

James is joined by the Cabinet Secretary for Finance Mark Drakeford to discuss taxes on tourism, budgets, taxing the wealthiest and the most recent Senedd polling. BBC Wales' Political Editor, Gareth Lewis, then joins the pod to dig into the detail of their discussion and also mops up another busy week in Welsh politics.

It's been a year since the UK General Election and James and Fliss look back at what's been a busy year in politics. They also talk about the challenges faced by UK Labour over the past week and the impact on the Welsh Government and Senedd election hopes with the latest U-turn on welfare reform. BBC Wales' Political Editor and Westminster Correspondent join the pod to report back on their very busy week.

Felicity is joined by PA's Political Editor David Hughes and BBC Political Correspondent Teleri Glyn Jones to discuss UK Labour's welfare cuts and whether the rebellion from MP's will result in a climbdown from the Prime Minister. Fliss then speaks to a GP from Powys and a palliative care consultant about why they are for and against the assisted dying bill. Professor Emyr Lewis talks through the constitutional challenges and what happens if the Senedd doesn't support the bill.

Fliss is joined by Australia's former Prime Minister, and the only woman who's held that position, Julia Gillard. Born in Barry, they discuss her sense of Welshness, the sexism and misogyny she experienced in politics and the work she does now for gender equality.

James and Fliss went live from Westminster on Wednesday (11/06/25) to discuss the UK Government's Spending Review, what's in it for Wales and what it means for the relationship between the two Welsh Labour Governments. They discussed the details with the Welsh Secretary of State, Jo Stevens MP and the First Minister, Eluned Morgan MS. They also spoke to a panel of opposition politicians - Plaid Cymru's Ben Lake MP, Welsh Conservative Lord Davies of Gower and Welsh Liberal Democrat David Chadwick MP. BBC Wales' Political Editor Gareth Lewis also joined the pod to discuss his main takeaways.

Money, Money, Money... James and Fliss speak to three Senedd politicians and two political editors about the UK government's upcoming Spending Review. And... following an inquiry by the Welsh Affairs Committee - what are the challenges facing Welsh farmers in 2025?

Where will benefits cuts hit hardest? What's the impact of public sector pay rises in Wales? James and Fliss are joined by Policy in Practice's Sam Fathers, Welsh Labour's Mick Antoniw MS, and Nicky Hughes from the Royal College of Nursing to discuss. And, with the Eisteddfod yr Urdd well underway, James and Fliss also catch up with Welsh Language Commissioner, Efa Gruffudd Jones to talk targets.

James and Fliss discuss Britain's Brexit reset following the UK Government's latest deal with the EU. They are joined by Welsh Conservative James Evans MS and Welsh Labour MS Alun Davies to discuss details of the deal and what it all means for Wales. James then catches up with Cabinet Secretary for Housing and Local Government, Jayne Bryant, about the Welsh Government's new bill to tackle homelessness. And... James and Fliss talk to BBC Wales' Education and Health Correspondents about tackling bad behaviour in schools and the latest NHS waiting time figures.

James and Fliss are joined by Plaid Cymru's Llyr Gruffydd MS and Reform UK's Llyr Powell to discuss immigration and the plans set out by the UK Government. James also speaks to the Climate Change Committee CEO Emma Pinchbeck about Wales' Net Zero targets and what more needs to be done. The podcast then welcomes artist Shani Rhys James, musician and researcher Dr Ani Saunders and author James Hawes who discuss the challenges the arts and culture sector has been facing.

It's one year to go until the 2026 Senedd elections, and Fliss and James are joined by a panel of politicians to discuss the long road ahead. The Welsh Government's Minister for Delivery, Julie James MS; the Leader of the Welsh Conservatives in the Senedd, Darren Millar MS; and Plaid Cymru's Leader, Rhun ap Iorwerth MS, talk about what's to come. The podcast is then joined by Dr Jac Larner, from Cardiff University's Welsh Governance Centre, to discuss recent polling.

Fliss and James discuss a report from the Ministerial Advisory Group (MAG) about the issues facing the Welsh NHS and the ''urgent need for a turnaround''. They are joined by one of the report's authors and former GP Professor Sally Lewis and Professor Jon Barry, the Director in Wales for the Royal College of Surgeons. BBC Wales Political Editor Gareth Lewis then joins the pod to reveal comments from the First Minister about Labour party's MPs not standing up for Wales.

Getting more people into work is a key target of the Labour Government in Westminster. Wales has the highest rate of economic inactivity in the UK. The UK Government have recently launched a trailblazer programme with the aim of boosting employment support. Denbighshire, Blaenau Gwent, and Neath Port Talbot have all been chosen as pilot areas. To discuss the causes of economic activity, and how to tackle it, James and Fliss are joined by Public Health Wales' National Director of Health and Wellbeing Professor Jim McManus and Dr Edward Thomas Jones, a Senior Lecturer in Economics at Bangor University. They also speak to Wales' Westminster Correspondent Ewan Murrie about his interview with Nigel Farage and Kemi Badenoch.