After more than a decade of civil war, rebel forces in Damascus say they've ended Bashar al-Assad’s rule. His ally Russia says he’s left the country. Laura and Paddy are joined by Joe Pike to discuss the latest developments - and assess what impact it might have on the wider Middle East. Plus, Deputy Prime Minister Angela Rayner tells Laura Labour’s planning reforms will end development chaos. But what will the impact be on local communities? You can join our Newscast online community here: https://tinyurl.com/newscastcommunityhere 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. Newscast brings you daily analysis of the latest political news stories from the BBC. It was presented by Laura Kuenssberg and Paddy O’Connell. It was made by Ben Mundy with Bella Saltiel. The technical producer was Michael Regaard. The assistant editor is Chris Gray. The editor is Sam Bonham.
BBC Sounds, Music, Radio podcasts.
So padding.
We've been told we have to be.
Short because the news is long.
Oh, I thought it's because we were normally too long.
Well, it's more the fact that events speak for themselves, so there's no need for us to plump the cushions of news.
Well, that sounds very sensible.
So should we get on with it?
Please.
Newscast.
Newscast from the BBC.
I like landscapes.
I don't think I'm being rude.
Jabbing unemployed people who are overweight.
That is not the agenda.
It's the fun police working overtime.
A star is born.
Elon.
So perked that America let this happen.
Frankly, I think we need a British Trump.