Available for over a year

Today, Iran has rejected the US peace plan as “excessive”.

The US plan, which has not been made public, reportedly includes Iran dismantling its nuclear facilities in exchange for the lifting of sanctions. In response Iran has released its own conditions for ending the war through state television. Adam is joined by Chief North America Correspondent Gary O’Donoghue.

And the Former Google executive Matt Brittin has been confirmed as the BBC’s new director general. The ex-president of Google’s Europe, Middle East and Africa operations will replace Tim Davie, who said he was resigning in November following a storm over how Panorama edited a speech by US President Donald Trump. Adam is joined by Katie Razzall, BBC Culture Editor.

Apply for tickets to Castfest here https://www.bbc.co.uk/showsandtours/shows/castfest-2026

You can now listen to Newscast on a smart speaker. If you want to listen, just say “Ask BBC Sounds to play Newscast”. It works on most smart speakers.

You can join our Newscast online community here: https://bbc.in/newscastdiscord

Get in touch with Newscast by emailing newscast@bbc.co.uk or send us a WhatsApp on +44 0330 123 9480.

New episodes released every day. If you’re in the UK, for more News and Current Affairs podcasts from the BBC, listen on BBC Sounds: https://bbc.in/4guXgXd

Newscast brings you daily analysis of the latest political news stories from the BBC. The presenter was Adam Fleming. It was made by Jack Maclaren with Shiler Mahmoudi The social producers were Jem Westgate, Beth Pritchard and Sophie Millward. The technical producer was James Piper. The assistant editor was Jack Maclaren. The senior news editor is Sam Bonham.

Programme WebsiteShow less

Nigel Farage is set to officially launch Reform UK’s local election campaign, promising “a breath of fresh air in English councils up and down the UK”.

The party leader will formally kick off the campaign for the May 7 polls at an event in Sunderland on Thursday following a series of rallies across the country in recent weeks.

He is expected to highlight achievements in local authorities already under Reform’s control, asserting that voters are “already seeing a difference on the ground”.

Ahead of the rally, Mr Farage said Reform was “delivering a total culture shift in local government, sweeping away the establishment consensus and finally putting residents first”.

He added: “Where the old parties have failed and left behind a trail of ruined councils in their wake, Reform will deliver a breath of fresh air in English councils up and down the UK.”

Central to his pitch will be Reform’s claim to have identified £700 million in savings across its 12 councils, which Mr Farage claimed had been delivered “without touching frontline services”.

In November last year, Reform said its councils had saved £331 million.

Reform continues to lead in the polls and is expected to do well in May, adding to the 677 councillors it won in last year’s local elections.

But its claims to have achieved significant savings have been disputed by opposition councillors, while Labour has pointed to care homes and adult education services closing in Reform-run Derbyshire.

Labour has also criticised Reform for increasing council tax despite promising to cut the levy before last year’s local elections.

Reform now says council tax rises in authorities where it has majority control have averaged less than those run by Labour, the Conservatives or the Lib Dems, while describing below-inflation increases in some councils as a “real-terms tax cut”.

But this does not include Worcestershire, where Reform runs a minority administration and increased council tax this year by 9 per cent.

Labour Party chairwoman Anna Turley said: “Reform’s promises fall apart the moment they take power.

“They said they would cut taxes and waste, but in council after council they’re hiking council tax and slashing services.”

The Royal Navy will start seizing Russia’s shadow fleet vessels when they slip through UK waters, the prime minister has announced.

Sir Keir Starmer said the UK would join northern European allies in intercepting the tankers as part of a drive to ‘go after’ the sanction-breaking ships fuelling Vladimir Putin’s war on Ukraine.

He said: ‘Putin is rubbing his hands at the war in the Middle East because he thinks higher oil prices will let him line his pockets.

‘That’s why we’re going after his shadow fleet even harder, not just keeping Britain safe but starving Putin’s war machine of the dirty profits that fund his barbaric campaign in Ukraine.

‘He and his cronies should be in no doubt, we will always defend our sovereignty and stand with Ukraine for as long as it takes.’

Moscow’s shadow fleet is reported to be made up of more than a thousand ageing tankers.

They illicitly ship oil and other goods out of Russia by flying the flags of other countries, with the aim of evading sanctions imposed by the West since the conflict began.

The Prime Minister has given approval for the UK to start seizing shadow fleet vessels as he travels to Helsinki, Finland, for a summit with national leaders from the Joint Expeditionary Force (JEF).

The JEF, a military coalition of 10 northern European countries led by the UK, aims to defend against Russian incursions.

It also includes Denmark, Estonia, Finland, Iceland, Latvia, Lithuania, the Netherlands, Norway and Sweden.

British forces have already been involved in tracking shadow fleet vessels for several years and have supported operations by other countries to seize the ships.

In January, the UK assisted in the seizure of the oil tanker Marinera by the US.

Previously known as the Bella-1, the Russian-flagged vessel was captured by American forces aided by RAF aircraft and the British supply ship RFA Tideforce in the Atlantic.

Later that same month, Royal Navy patrol boat HMS Dagger helped the French seize another sanctioned ship, the Grinch, in the western Mediterranean, shadowing the vessel through the Strait of Gibraltar.

Last week, the French intercepted the Deyna oil tanker in the Mediterranean, supported by the UK.

Libyan authorities have meanwhile towed a suspected shadow fleet oil tanker found drifting in the Mediterranean which was believed to have been hit in a drone strike.

The tanker, carrying liquefied natural gas, was towed to avoid a spill in the Mediterranean.

At the JEF summit, the Prime Minister and other leaders are expected to discuss shared security in the so-called High North and the war in Ukraine.

Get in touch with our news team by emailing us at webnews@metro.co.uk.

For more stories like this, check our news page.

MORE: Farage and Reform MPs storm out of Commons during Prime Minister’s Questions

MORE: Moment Russian drone wave hits Lviv destroying UNESCO church and killing six

MORE: How Putin’s troops were targeted with boobytrapped boots rigged with explosives

I used to think roasting radishes was just a fad, to add a bit of colour to a meal. But these are lovely, their heat subdued, flavoured with vinegar, lemon and honey.

They’re delicious served with baked salmon – ideally something that’s not too assertive, so other fish dishes work well (very good with bream or red mullet) – or as part of a range of spring vegetables dishes (with asparagus, goat’s cheese and spinach tart, say).

Willow Burn Hospice, based in Lanchester, County Durham, developed the book with support from North-East housebuilder Amethyst Homes, which helped fund the project through a charity golf day.

The book features the story of Will O’Burn, the hospice’s rabbit mascot, and is designed to gently introduce children to conversations about loss and remembrance in a way that feels safe and approachable.

Rachel Quince, deputy chief executive and head of fundraising and marketing at Willow Burn Hospice, said: “We are thrilled that with help from some very special supporters, including Amethyst Homes, that we can bring this story and fantastic resource to fruition.

“Storytelling and characters like Will O’Burn can help young people navigate loss by opening the door to meaningful conversations without pressure, fear or overwhelm.”

The book, titled Will O’Burn and the Friends Who Remember, is a collaboration between author Victoria Downes and illustrator Helen Turner, and is set for publication in June 2026.

It was funded through contributions from Amethyst Homes, Conside Masonic Lodge, Durham Freemasons, Rotary Club of Consett, Wolsingham School and Willow Burn Hospice.

Funding was raised through Amethyst Homes and the Dysart Group’s annual charity golf day, which forms part of a series of activities that have raised more than £5,000 for the hospice to date.

Other fundraising activities have included the 180-mile Coast to Castle cycling challenge from Tynemouth to Edinburgh and a mortgage matching scheme with the Mortgage Advice Bureau, which also directed donations to the hospice.

Richard Bass, managing director at Amethyst Homes, said the project reflects the company’s commitment to supporting the community.

Mr Bass said: “As a local business, we are keen to support vital charities in our area.

“Willow Burn is central to the community, and we are pleased our fundraising is helping young people navigate the complex emotions of grief.”

Established in 2013, Amethyst Homes has built more than 600 properties across the North-East and is currently developing sites in Consett, East Sleekburn, Guide Post and Newcastle.

The company supports a range of charities and community initiatives across the region.

Wales boss Craig Bellamy laughed off the surreal subplot earlier on Wednesday, adding he had not spoken to Cooper since the former Swansea City, Nottingham Forest and Leicester City head coach was appointed by Brondby in September 2025.

Brondby’s communications director Soren Hanghoj rejected Barbarez’s claim and said the player’s omission was a “club decision”, adding: “And there are not that many Wales fans in Brondby after all.”

There will, though, be a sizeable contingent of Bosnian fans who make the trip to the Cardiff City Stadium with their side needing to beat Wales to remain on track to reach their first World Cup since 2014.

The winners in south Wales on Thursday are guaranteed a home final against the winners of Italy or Northern Ireland on Tuesday, 31 March.

Ranked 71st in the world, the Bosnians were edged out of automatic qualification by Austria when they conceded late in a final group game decider in Vienna.

“We cannot compare these two games, against Wales and Austria,” said Barbarez.

“We took some conclusion from the Austria game and we have spoken about it for three days about the experience we have taken from it.

“We have a plan and every eventuality is covered, including penalties and extra time. We are optimistic. These are the games you play football for.”

Forty-year-old former Manchester City striker Edin Dzeko is among the group of players who have travelled to Cardiff, though he is not guaranteed to start.

His Schalke team-mate Nikola Katic, formerly of Rangers and Plymouth Argyle, said: “The atmosphere in these kind of matches here is always brilliant and we will give our best.

“This is a serious team we are playing against, but we will play our own game and we are prepared for every eventuality.

“We have not had much success as a nation in the play-offs before, but that is not important for us; it is new for a lot of our players and our team is much stronger than previous sides.”

Strictly Come Dancing professional Nadiya Bychkova has announced she is leaving the BBC show after nine years – just days after Karen Hauer said she was leaving the series

Another professional dancer has confirmed their departure from Strictly Come Dancing – just weeks after speculation of significant changes to this year’s line-up. Nadiya Bychkova revealed her exit in an Instagram statement today, Wednesday, March 25. This follows Karen Hauer’s announcement that she is leaving the show after 14 years.

In her message, Nadiya, who joined in 2017, said her Strictly journey is “evolving”. Alongside a photograph of herself on the Strictly dance floor, she wrote: “After 9 wonderful years, this part of my journey with Strictly Come Dancing is evolving.”

The announcement follows reports of substantial upheaval among the Strictly professional dancers ahead of the upcoming series.

Karen and Nadiya are amongst several stars rumoured to have been dropped by BBC bosses.

Gorka Marquez, Luba Mushtuk, and Michelle Tsiakkas have all reportedly been let go as part of efforts by executives to bring “fresh faces” into the professional roster. For the latest TV and showbiz gossip sign up to our newsletter

Nadiya, who has previously partnered with Davood Ghadami, Lee Ryan, David James, Dan Walker, Matt Goss, Tom Dean, and most recently, Chris Robshaw in 2025, said: “There is something truly special about being part of a programme that plays such a big part in so many people’s lives and I want to thank all those who have sent beautiful messages over the last few weeks and those who have voted, shouted, supported, celebrated and cheered during every series.

“I also want to take a moment to appreciate all those who have helped me along the way: my partners, my fellow professionals, the judges and brilliant people behind the scenes,” Nadiya penned. “I joined the show as an athlete and a double world champion. Along the way I have learned so much about myself and other people. I have grown, not only professionally, but personally and creatively.”

Reflecting on her journey on the BBC programme, the dancer added: “Strictly has allowed me to discover new sides of myself, develop new skills, and evolve as an artist in ways I will always be grateful for.

“This isn’t the end… I look forward to being part of the Strictly world for many years to come in ways I am beginning to explore,” Nadiya affirmed. “I’ve changed a lot since I first stepped onto that dance floor, not just as a performer, but as a person and I can honestly say I’ve never felt more like myself.”

Looking to the future, Nadiya said: “I’m excited to have time to focus on new projects, and to spend more precious time with my beautiful daughter. Life feels full of possibilities.” She added: “I danced before Strictly, I loved dancing on the show and I plan to keep dancing for many years to come. Thank you for all the love and support along the way,” concluding her message with a white heart emoji.

The BBC also issued a statement following Nadiya’s announcement. It stated: “We would like to say a huge thank you to Nadiya Bychkova for her incredible contribution to Strictly Come Dancing. Since joining the show nine years ago, Nadiya has brought elegance, artistry, and unwavering dedication to the ballroom, and she will always remain a cherished member of the Strictly family.

“Over the years, Nadiya has delivered countless memorable performances, showcasing not only her exceptional talents as a dancer and choreographer but also her brilliance as a teacher to all her celebrity partners.

“A consummate professional, Nadiya embodies the very best of what Strictly stands for. We are deeply grateful for everything she has given to the show and wish her every success for the future.”

The gang were paraded for the cameras out the front door of the Criminal Courts of Justice by officers that night, seen smirking and laughing, as they were in the courtroom, despite the prospect of being jailed for life

Advertisement

A trio of Dublin gangsters shocked a courtroom with foul-mouthed outbursts as they were finally jailed for their crimes.

The Hennessey mob’s downfall began with a chaotic court appearance where members hurled abuse at a judge and Gardaí. Dean Fitzsimons, now beginning an eight-and-a-half-year sentence, called Judge Paula Murphy a “slut” as she decided whether to grant him, his father Kenneth and his pals Jason, Devon and Brandon Hennessy bail during a late-night special court appearance last February.

Meanwhile, Jason ‘Jay’ Hennessy Jr interrupted a prosecuting officer who was giving evidence about his ownership of trucks during the bail hearing, throughout which the five thugs laughed and joked.

“They were my father’s trucks so watch what you’re f*cking saying,” Hennessy Jr shouted during proceedings before accusing the officer of “talking b*llocks”.

The gang were paraded for the cameras out the front door of the Criminal Courts of Justice by officers that night, seen smirking and laughing, as they were in the courtroom, despite the prospect of being jailed for life.

On February 12, last year, Barry Moore, an associate of the gang, had been lured to the Hennessys’ headquarters at Sheephill Avenue in Dublin, as the gang believed he was an informant. Moore was tortured over several hours, with the word “rat” branded on his belly with a cattle iron.

They also threatened to rape the former associate, who was left seriously injured from the horrific ordeal. Moore refused to give evidence, and four of the men were ultimately able to plead to a lesser charge of assault causing harm instead of false imprisonment and assault causing serious harm.

Four of the five defendants faced life in prison had the trial gone on. Devon Hennessy, meanwhile, pleaded guilty at an earlier juncture, ultimately securing himself the lesser sentence of just three years.

Still, the arrests of the men for the gruesome attack brought about an abrupt end for the mob, which had ruled the Corduff drugs scene with fear and force for several years.

On Wednesday (March 25), Gang leader Jason Hennessy Jr, 29, received eight and a half years in prison for his role in the brutal attack on Moore. The mobster had become infamous after making an appearance on the Virgin Media documentary ‘Inside the K’, which documented the activities of the brave gardaí policing the area.

In it, Hennessy Jr was seen trying to square up to police, hurling abuse at them. The court heard how his drug gang was embroiled in several feuds, including at one point against Glen Ward, the infamous Finglas-based mobster known as ‘Mr Flashy.’

Ensure our latest stories always appear at the top of your Google Search by making us a Preferred Source. Click here to activate or add us as your Preferred Source in your Google search settings.

The rival gangs had been at odds for some time, with police monitoring threats made by both sides in an increasingly tense feud. In 2023, one such feud the Hennessys were caught up in came to a boiling point when gunman Tristan Sherry barged his way into Browne’s Steakhouse in Blanchardstown and opened fire on Christmas Eve.

Sherry managed to fire several shots at Jason Hennessy Sr, who was enjoying a Christmas meal with family. The head of the Hennessy family was gravely injured and died days later in hospital.

The gunman was set upon by several of the Hennessy gang as they violently kicked, stamped, stabbed and shot him to death. Associates Michael Andrecut, 23, Noah Musueni, 18, and David Amah, 19, were all convicted of Sherry’s murder.

Three others, including Hennessy’s young son Brandon, 22, who has now received a consecutive six year sentence for the attack in Moore, were convicted of violent disorder in relation to the terrifying incident.

Another associate, 19-year-old Juares Kumbu, was jailed for two years for removing the gun from the scene. In the aftermath of the shooting and double murders at Browne’s Steakhouse, officers were conducting round-the-clock patrols in Corduff, to snuff out further retaliation.

Jason Hennessy Jr has been in and out of court over a series of incidents, including in 2018 when he avoided prison with a suspended sentence for violent disorder after the court heard how he reportedly launched an attack in Dublin’s D’Olier Street on May 23, 2015.

One of the victims had been knocked to the ground by a large group of teenagers while walking down the road with his friend. The court was told Hennessy Jr had returned to his car, retrieved a hammer and attacked the man further, causing an injury to the tendons on his fingers and a 4cm head wound requiring stitches.

He and his gang were known for making light of their crimes, often posting pictures and videos to social media in which they brazenly bragged about their criminality.

“Having now considered our position in light of that decision, taking into account all the circumstances, we have determined that while Palestine Action remains proscribed and support for it remains unlawful under the Terrorism Act, we must continue to enforce the law and this is likely to involve the arrest of those committing offences.”

A new report presented to the County Durham and Darlington NHS Foundation Trust (CDDFT) board on Wednesday (March 25) outlined significant improvements to the service, alongside the latest findings from its ongoing “look-back” review into patient care.

Board members were told the service has undergone a “complete modernisation” since a damning Royal College of Surgeons review in 2025 identified “decade-long systemic failures, missed warnings and serious concerns about patient safety”.

But the update comes amid continued scrutiny over the past running of the service under former clinical lead surgeon, Amir Bhatti, who remains employed by the trust on full pay but is barred from all clinical duties while investigations are ongoing.

The trust said that new leadership has been brought in, additional specialist surgeons appointed, and care is now delivered through a fully multidisciplinary, guideline-led model aligned with national best practice.

However, trust leaders acknowledged that while quality has improved, the service remains under strain.

Waiting times are still longer than they should be, with 361 patients waiting for a first appointment at the end of February this year.

Darlington Memorial Hospital (Image: NORTHERN ECHO)

Speaking at the meeting, interim chair Alison Marshall said it was vital patients continued to have confidence in the service despite its troubled past.

She said: “It’s too late for some of the women who came to harm, which we caused in the past. It’s important to note that it’s still a safe service.

“There may be some women out there unwilling to use the service, and it would be a tragedy if women didn’t use the service if they really need it.

“We are now a safe service, but I also understand that hasn’t always been the case.”

The University of North Durham Hospital (Image: NORTHERN ECHO)

Alongside efforts to improve current services, the trust continues to investigate past care through a major look-back exercise.

So far, 578 cases have been identified, with 357 reviewed. Of those, 45 involved moderate harm and nine involved more serious harm, including one death.

The review focuses on cases from 2023 to early 2025, but discussions are ongoing about widening its scope, with input from legal advisers, patient groups, regulators and other NHS trusts.

Around 1,500 cases are now under review in total, with more than 1,000 still outstanding, and additional independent clinical reviewers are being recruited to speed up the process.

Mr Amir Bhatti (Image: SUPPLIED)

The developments come as Durham Police continues to investigate the care provided to women treated by the service.

Amir Bhatti, who was clinical lead during the period when failures occurred, is no longer in that role and is prohibited from seeing or treating patients.

The highly-paid consultant was responsible for breast cancer surgery at the trust, and was also director of an outsourced private clinic, which an investigation revealed was paid a share of nearly £6 million over six years to treat women.

Mr Bhatti ran NHS “two-week-wait” clinics at Darlington Memorial Hospital, University Hospital North Durham, and Spire Hospital in Washington, through companies including Durham Surgical Services.

Spire Hospital in Washington (Image: Stuart Boulton/NORTHERN ECHO)

Mr Bhatti also operated on patients at the private practice, Washington Spire Hospital.

However, Spire has confirmed that the doctor isn’t currently practising clinically at Spire Washington, and they are not currently conducting a recall into his patients.

On his General Medical Council (GMC) profile, Dr Bhatti is still registered with a licence to practice.

Nearly 1,500 breast surgery cases, carried out between January 2023 and February 2025, are being examined as part of a major “look-back” exercise by the trust.

However, more than a thousand reviews into breast cancer treatment provided by the trust remain unresolved.

The trust confirmed Mr Bhatti remains employed on full salary while formal processes are ongoing.

One former patient, Yvonne, 85, from Belmont, Durham, said she was “shocked” the surgeon is still employed.

Yvonne, from Belmont, Durham, was a former patient of Mr Bhatti (Image: NORTHERN ECHO)

She described being left waiting for hours for appointments and said she was only seen “for two minutes in total”.

“No one should go through the experiences I did,” she said. “I’m completely shocked that he’s still working at the trust.”

Despite the progress made, the trust acknowledged at Wednesday’s meeting the seriousness of past failings and the impact on patients.

In its report, it said improvements “in no way diminish” its responsibility for “unacceptable” failures and the harm caused to women, adding that it continues to offer its “heartfelt apologies” to those affected.

Chief executive Steve Russell previously said the trust is continuing to contact patients and offer support, including clinical reviews and psychological care, but admitted: “It is taking us longer than we would like to get through the reviews and give answers to the women.”

The trust says its focus now is on completing the look-back exercise, which has seen more independent reviewers brought in to try to get through the backlog of looking into past cases.