Newsnight - Season 46

First aired: 1/6/2025 66 episodes

Episodes

1. Starmer vs Musk

Aired: 1/6/2025

The prime minister defends his record as director of public prosecutions and accuses Elon Musk of spreading “poison, lies and misinformation” over UK grooming gangs. What does the row mean for UK-US relations? Plus, the government announces its plan to tackle the NHS backlog. We speak to a health minister. Interviews and insight with Victoria Derbyshire.

2. Elon Musk’s ‘Disinformation Endangering Me’

Aired: 1/7/2025

Minister for safeguarding Jess Phillips speaks for the first time about being called a 'rape genocide apologist' by Elon Musk. She tells us his posts have put her in danger but that she 'will not pander to fear'. And what do Musk’s posts mean for President Trump’s relationship with his allies? We hear from Trump’s former EU ambassador. Interviews and insight with Victoria Derbyshire.

3. Is the UK Economy in Trouble?

Aired: 1/8/2025

With UK borrowing costs the highest since 2008, how much trouble is chancellor Rachel Reeves and the UK economy in? Plus LA wildfires destroy huge swathes of the city. With Victoria Derbyshire.

4. The inferno that woke the world

Aired: 1/9/2025

As the worst-ever Los Angeles fires continue to burn and the destruction they’ve left behind is revealed, the political blame game has begun. What does the debate tell us about the imminent second Trump presidency? We hear from a tech billionaire and close ally of Elon Musk. With Faisal Islam.

5. Come Back, Rachel?

Aired: 1/10/2025

Rachel Reeves is in China, while the markets are volatile and borrowing costs are shooting up. Could this all doom the government economic agenda? Plus Nigel Farage on 2025's postponed local elections. With Paddy O'Connell.

6. Post Office Scandal: One Year On

Aired: 1/13/2025

It's a year since the Post Office Horizon scandal shot to the top of the political agenda following the ITV drama, Mr Bates vs The Post Office. In January 2024, some of the postmasters wrongly accused of theft and fraud appeared on Newsnight to describe how it wrecked their lives. They are back with us in a special programme to tell us what, if anything, has changed since then. And we ask the Post Office minister when they will finally receive compensation. With Victoria Derbyshire.

7. Anti-corruption minister resigns

Aired: 1/14/2025

Anti-corruption minister Tulip Siddiq becomes the second minister from Keir Starmer’s government to resign, even though she didn't break the ministerial code. So what did she do wrong? And should the prime minister have appointed her in the first place? We hear from our political panel. After the eldest victim of the Post Office Horizon scandal appeared on Newsnight last night, 92-year-old Betty Brown was invited to Westminster today to meet the Post Office minister. We bring you the latest on the scandal affecting thousands of Post Office submasters. Interviews and insight with Victoria Derbyshire.

8. End of the Gaza war?

Aired: 1/15/2025

As a ceasefire is announce in Gaza, will it stick? We are joined by a Gazan and an Israeli hostage family member. And back in the UK we grade Keir Starmer's report card after six months in power.

9. Grooming Inquiries: What's Changed?

Aired: 1/16/2025

The government announce a series of inquiries into the grooming gangs. Have they backtracked? Newsnight hears from a survivor and a campaigning MP. And economic growth is flat. But with tax rises coming into effect in April, the sluggish figures have fuelled further concerns that stagnant growth could persist in the UK for some time. How do you make growth grow? With Adam Fleming.

10. Will Trump Be Different, Second Time Round?

Aired: 1/17/2025

Donald Trump will be back in the White House on Monday. How will his governing style change, if at all? Plus, the US TikTok ban - vital to protect national security or a dangerous limit to free speech? Newsnight hears from the UK's most-followed TikToker Kyle Thomas. Hosted by Katie Razzall.

11. Trump’s Inauguration

Aired: 1/20/2025

Donald Trump returns to the White House, declaring an emergency on the US-Mexico border, the deportation of illegal immigrants and drilling for 'liquid gold' in a 'Golden Age' for America. He pledges to lead a US that will expand its territory - while claiming he'll be a peacemaker and a unifier. Can he do it? Interviews and insight with Victoria Derbyshire.

12. ‘Face of Capitol Riot’ Speaks

Aired: 1/21/2025

Newsnight speaks to Jacob Chansley, who was jailed for his involvement in the Capitol riot. He's now one of nearly 1,600 convicted or charged over the 6 January insurrection to be pardoned by freshly re-elected Donald Trump. We also hear from a former police officer who was trying to keep the peace. Plus, the Labour revolt over airport expansion. With Victoria Derbyshire.

13. Russian Spy Ships v Royal Navy

Aired: 1/22/2025

Russian spy ships have been spotted in UK waters around North Sea cables. Has Putin got his eye on Britain's critical infrastructure? And Prince Harry settles with The Sun over unlawful intrusion. Should he have had his day in court? With Victoria Derbyshire.

14. The Southport Murderer and the Missed Warnings

Aired: 1/23/2025

As Axel Rudakubana gets a minimum of half a century in jail for killing three little girls, why were the warning signs missed by authorities? Is Rachel Reeves about to change the Budget tax plan? And Donald Trump is set to send troops to the Mexico border. What will they do? With Paddy O'Connell.

15. Telford Survivor speaks to Newsnight

Aired: 1/24/2025

The row over releasing the leader of a Telford grooming gang. We hear live from the survivor demanding he stay locked up. And as The Traitors reaches its grand finale, we ask how it captured the national imagination.

16. Alarm in Greenland?

Aired: 1/27/2025

After threatening Colombia with tariffs, is President Trump about to do the same to Denmark to get Greenland? Interviews and insight with Victoria Derbyshire.

17. Can the Chancellor Bring Growth?

Aired: 1/28/2025

Newsnight previews Rachel Reeves's big speech on how she'll get the economy going. Is growth finally about to touch down in the UK? We ask two business leaders, including the boss of one of Britain’s leading firms, Sage. With Victoria Derbyshire.

18. Can Rachel Reeves Grow the Economy?

Aired: 1/29/2025

The chancellor says growth will drive every government policy. But can she deliver? And president Trump announces he'll house 30,000 illegal migrants in Guantanomo Bay. With Victoria Derbyshire.

19. Tragedy on the Potomac

Aired: 1/30/2025

President Trump blames diversity, equity and inclusion policies for the collision between a US Army helicopter and a passenger jet that likely killed 67 people, and borders minister Angela Eagle talks us through her new laws aimed at illegal migrants. Will they stop the boats? With Paddy O'Connell.

20. Canada PM candidate Mark Carney on US tariffs

Aired: 1/31/2025

Mark Carney, the front-runner to be the new Canadian PM, reacts to Donald Trump's tariff announcement. And, 5 years on from Brexit, are we happy or sad about it? With Faisal Islam.

21. Trump Backtracks on Tariff Threat

Aired: 2/3/2025

As the prime minister meets EU leaders in Brussels, President Trump cancels tariffs for Canada and Mexico. Can the American leader now be trusted when he threatens to impose tariffs? And why the new proposals to the Ofsted rating system are so divisive. With Victoria Derbyshire.

22. Trump: ‘Relocate from Gaza’

Aired: 2/4/2025

President Donald Trump's advice to Palestinians is to ‘relocate from Gaza’ as he meets with Israel’s prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu at the White House. And families affected by knife crime say it’s time for a new approach after 15-year-old Harvey Willgoose became the latest school stabbing victim. We hear from campaigners and the government’s school behaviour tsar. With Paddy O’Connell.

23. Failings in Nottingham Killer's Care

Aired: 2/5/2025

How did the system get it wrong with Nottingham attacker Valdo Calocane's care? We speak to the mother of one of the three killed, and another mother who says she fears there could be tragic consequences from what she says are failings in her own son’s healthcare. With Victoria Derbyshire.

24. Is Elon Musk Too Powerful?

Aired: 2/6/2025

Is Elon Musk too powerful? Elon Musk has declared war on US government waste, but critics say he's out of control. Is Musk operating outside his brief and should the world be worried? Plus, the Dutch prime minister tells Newsnight that Europe will unite to retaliate if Brussels is hit by US tariffs. What does that mean for the UK economy? With Paddy O’Connell.

25. Is it too late to regulate AI?

Aired: 2/7/2025

The world's leaders in artificial intelligence are sounding louder warnings that we are endangering humanity. Ahead of a key global summit, we hear from a key thinker, Berkeley's Professor Stuart Russell. And as Donald Trump brings USAID's work to a halt, aid agencies tell Newsnight that millions could die. With Katie Razzall.

26. Trouble for the Assisted Dying Bill?

Aired: 2/10/2025

Once described as having the ‘strictest’ safeguards in the world, the Assisted Dying Bill is under increased scrutiny as it’s revealed High Court judges won’t sign off on cases. Critics say this is a dangerous step, but others welcome the change. With Victoria Derbyshire.

27. Inside Trump’s Gaza plan

Aired: 2/11/2025

President Trump doubles down on his plan to expel two million Palestinians from Gaza. With the ceasefire-hostage deal hanging by a thread, what is President Trump's master plan - if there is one? We hear from a Gazan, a Trump insider and a former UK Middle East minister. Also, should Chelsea star Sam Kerr’s case have gone to court? With Victoria Derbyshire.

28. Has Trump pulled the plug on Ukraine?

Aired: 2/12/2025

Is President Trump about to sell out Ukraine to the Kremlin? And we hear from a small-boat asylum seeker after the government says he can no longer claim British citizenship.

29. Can Labour Save the NHS?

Aired: 2/13/2025

A Newsnight special looking at the future of the National Health Service. Can its problems be solved and how? Newsnight asks the Health secretary, Wes Streeting, live. Presented by Victoria Derbyshire.

30. Has Putin Won the War in Ukraine?

Aired: 2/14/2025

As presidents Trump and Putin begin to shape up their Ukraine deal, how will Europe pick up the pieces? With Adam Fleming.

31. Deal in the desert?

Aired: 2/17/2025

Hours before the US and Russia start talks in Saudi Arabia over the future of Ukraine, how do Kyiv and Europe stop matters being decided over their heads? We hear live from the German ambassador to the UK after Olaf Scholz calls talk of peacekeeping troops 'inappropriate'. Two former rugby internationals who have early-onset dementia call on the sport's bosses to stop fighting their legal claim. With Victoria Derbyshire.

32. A New World Order

Aired: 2/18/2025

As Donald Trump brings Vladimir Putin in from the cold with historic peace talks brokered by Saudi Arabia, Ukraine doesn’t have a seat at the table. Has President Zelensky been frozen out? We hear from a former Ukrainian prime minister as the crucial talks continue. And has Donald Trump’s White House been pressuring the Romanian government to give Andrew Tate his passport back? With Victoria Derbyshire.

33. Trump Calls Zelensky a 'Dictator'

Aired: 2/19/2025

Inside the extraordinary war of words in which Donald Trump calls Volodymyr Zelensky a 'dictator' after the Ukrainian President says he’s 'living in a disinformation space' created by Russia. Where did the Ukraine-USA relationship go so wrong, so quickly? Victoria Derbyshire sits down with the Kremlin's UK Ambassador for an in-depth interview.

34. Is Donald Trump Re-writing the International Rulebook?

Aired: 2/20/2025

How and why is President Trump transforming US relations with the rest of the world? With Paddy O'Connell.

35. How Is Donald Trump Reshaping Europe?

Aired: 2/21/2025

Starmer goes to Washington to meet the oncoming storm of President Trump. Will he offer up a hike in defence spending? And, in Germany, will the far right AFD, endorsed by JD Vance and Elon Musk, thrive in the weekend elections? We hear from them. With Nick Watt.

36. US Votes With Russia at UN

Aired: 2/24/2025

Three years to the day since Vladimir Putin launched his full-scale invasion of Ukraine, the US breaks with its Western allies to side with Russia at the United Nations. Meanwhile, French president Emmanuel Macron visits US president Donald Trump in the White House to try to persuade him to keep backing Kyiv. We speak to a former secretary general of Nato, and a senior Obama Pentagon official. With Victoria Derbyshire.

37. Will Starmer’s Move Satisfy Trump?

Aired: 2/25/2025

Sir Keir Starmer makes a big move ahead of his trip to Washington, slashing international aid spending to boost defence. Will it be enough to satisfy President Trump? We speak to aid chief David Miliband, who was foreign secretary under Gordon Brown, and a defence minister. Plus, Björn Ulvaeus from ABBA urges the UK government to lead the way on protecting artists from AI ripping them off. With Victoria Derbyshire.

38. Can Starmer Win Favour at the White House?

Aired: 2/26/2025

The prime minister is in Washington to make new friends, but will he get flattened by the Donald Trump steamroller? With Victoria Derbyshire.

39. Trump and Starmer on US-UK Trade Deal

Aired: 2/27/2025

Sir Keir Starmer meets President Trump in the White House for the first time. Is a UK-US trade deal on the cards and are we any closer to an end to the war in Ukraine? With Faisal Islam.

40. The Battle of the Oval Office: Trump v Zelensky

Aired: 2/28/2025

Just when you think you've seen everything, literally unprecedented scenes as Trump, Vance and Zelensky row in front of the cameras. Nick Watt picks the bones out.

41. US Warning to Zelensky

Aired: 3/3/2025

“America won't put up with it for much longer” - President Trump issues another warning to President Zelensky as Sir Keir Starmer presents his peacekeeping plan to MPs. Plus, Newsnight learns of mounting unease within the UK government regarding the viability of its nuclear deterrent in light of the warnings from the Trump administration that Europe needs to look after its own defence. Interviews and insight with Victoria Derbyshire.

42. Canada will never be the 51st state

Aired: 3/4/2025

As Canada calls US-imposed tariffs a 'dumb move', Newsnight speaks to Canada’s minister for foreign affairs on day one of a new trade war between the USA and Canada. Plus, President Zelensky folds in a single tweet. Did Trump’s approach to Ukraine have the desired effect? Interviews and insight with Victoria Derbyshire.

43. Does the Kremlin want peace?

Aired: 3/5/2025

We discuss President Putin’s response to the last few weeks; does he want peace? As the US pauses intelligence sharing with Ukraine, how are UK intelligence services responding? And one of the US's best-known lawyers on the fresh criminal investigation into the Tate brothers.

44. Europe rearms: too little, too late?

Aired: 3/6/2025

In Brussels the European Union welcomes Zelensky and plans for a rearmament programme to replace America's shield. Can it be done? With Faisal Islam.

45. Putin Launches Fresh Ukraine Attack

Aired: 3/7/2025

Is the latest Russian attack in Ukraine a sign Putin doesn't want peace or a signal he's planning for it? We ask one of Putin's top allies. And we speak to the Maltese Eurovision entry under fire for the C word. Or is it the K work?

46. Trump's Tariffs Spark Recession Fears

Aired: 3/10/2025

The US stocks plunge as President Trump refuses to rule out a recession caused by his tariffs. What does this mean for the global economy? And as key players land in Saudi Arabia for peace talks between US and Ukraine, what will the price be for peace? With Paddy O'Connell.

47. Dean Windass on His Dementia Diagnosis

Aired: 3/11/2025

Newsnight speaks to ex-footballer and Hull City legend Dean Windass, who was diagnosed with stage 2 dementia last year. He believes the fact he headed the ball 'tens of thousands of times' during his career is to blame. Plus, a deal is reached between the US and Ukraine which restores intelligence sharing and military assistance to Ukraine. We speak to Donald Trump's director for counter-terrorism Sebastian Gorka live from the White House. With Victoria Derbyshire.

48. Could AI replace my job?

Aired: 3/12/2025

The government lays out the rules for when to use artificial intelligence.

49. Wes Streeting on the NHS

Aired: 3/13/2025

Why is the government axing NHS England? Paddy O'Connell asks the health secretary, Wes Streeting. And one of Zelensky's key lieutenants has the latest on peace negotiations.

50. UK Benefit Cuts

Aired: 3/14/2025

The prospect of cuts in benefits, and many government departments, has triggered a cabinet wobble. Newsnight explores the anxieties behind the scenes and across the UK. And, the latest on Canada versus America. With Matt Chorley.

51. How Big Are the Benefit Cuts?

Aired: 3/17/2025

Is the government watering down its proposals on benefit cuts in the face of fierce opposition? Hearing from those for and against the welfare reforms. Plus, what’s happening to press freedom in the US? Insight and interviews with Victoria Derbyshire.

52. Putin or Trump: Who’s Calling the Shots?

Aired: 3/18/2025

President Trump hasn’t persuaded President Putin to agree to a full ceasefire in Ukraine today, so is the Russian leader playing for time, or playing Donald Trump? And we'll bring you a government interview about today's big benefits announcement. Insight and interviews with Victoria Derbyshire.

53. Young Men and Toxic Masculinity

Aired: 3/19/2025

Gareth Southgate and Netflix's Adolescence have put the toxic masculinity debate front and centre for young men. What do the teenagers at the heart of the story think? Victoria Derbyshire asks three of them. And how close to peace are Ukraine and Russia? Programme contains strong language.

54. Trouble in Trumpland

Aired: 3/20/2025

As President Trump orders the closure of the Department for Education, Elon Musk's role in the White House comes under fire. Can the richest man in the world be a White House fixer and run his companies at the same time? And Jack Rooke, creator of the hit TV show Big Boys talks about modern masculinity. With Paddy O'Connell.

55. UK Exposed?

Aired: 3/21/2025

A fire shuts down Europe's busiest airport - exposing Britain's vulnerability to sabotage - but will we learn from it? And the acclaimed director of Wolf Hall, Peter Kosminsky, on why British drama is in crisis - and why streamers like Netflix should pay to fix it. With Katie Razzall.

56. Turkey: Where Will It Lead?

Aired: 3/24/2025

Protests in Turkey grow after President Erdoğan's rival is put behind bars, but what does this mean for Turkey and the West? Plus, it's a huge week for Rachel Reeves and her Spring Statement - but where might the cuts come? Insight and interviews with Katie Razzall.

57. Spring Statement: More Cuts to Come

Aired: 3/25/2025

Newsnight reveals the chancellor will make further cuts to benefits to balance the books. Plus, the fallout continues following the US Signal chat revelation. Insight and interviews with Victoria Derbyshire.

58. Disability benefits cut again

Aired: 3/26/2025

The Chancellor had to find money in the Spring Statement, and she found it in the welfare budget. Personal Independence Payment and Universal Credit were again in the firing line. Victoria Derbyshire interviews Darren Jones, chief secretary to the Treasury. In the studio is former Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn, now an independent MP, the Conservative's Richard Fuller, and the Liberal Democrats' Munira Wilson.

59. Trade War Off?

Aired: 3/27/2025

The world is on the brink of a tit-for-tat trade war with tariffs at the heart of it all, but is Britain about to carve an opt-out? And one of the horrors of the Ukrainian war is the abduction of tens of thousands of children by Russia. We hear the extraordinary story of a young woman who rescued her brother. With Nick Watt.

60. No car tariff exemption?

Aired: 3/28/2025

Britain is unlikely to get a car tariff exemption from Donald Trump, Newsnight reveals. How will that hit our auto industry? And the Sentencing Council snubs the prime minister in a row over how ethnic minority offenders should be sentenced. Is there so-called ‘two-tier justice’ in the UK? With Faisal Islam.

61. Three terms for Trump?

Aired: 3/31/2025

The US president threatens to rip up the rule book once again, insisting he’s not joking about the prospect of going for an unprecedented third term. Will Trump change the constitution and run again? And as the government moves to begin abolishing the non-dom tax status, we hear from two millionaires calling for and against the change. With Victoria Derbyshire.

62. "Prepare for the worst"?

Aired: 4/1/2025

The world waits for President Trump's tariff announcements, and money expert Martin Lewis explains what UK households can do about their bills going up. With Victoria Derbyshire.

63. The Trump Tariffs

Aired: 4/2/2025

The US president has announced tariffs on over 175 nations and territories, with the UK being hit with 10% tariffs. Could this be the biggest trade shock in world history? We talk live to a senior aide to President Trump. And is Elon Musk about to quit the Trump administration?

64. UK responds to US tariffs

Aired: 4/3/2025

Stock markets are down and leaders across the globe are scrambling after those Trump-shaped tariffs. Will the UK water down online safety as the price of a deal with an unpredictable president? Nick Watt talks to the father of Molly Russell, who took her own life after viewing harmful content online. And we speak to an Irish surgeon recently returned from Gaza.

65. Global Stock Shock

Aired: 4/4/2025

Global stock markets plunge as China retaliates to President Trump's tariffs. Who are the biggest losers and are there winners too? We ask Sir Martin Sorrell. And why has the search for Malaysia Airlines Flight 370 stopped again? We hear from the wife of a passenger. With Adam Fleming.

66. Trump Threatens Iran

Aired: 4/7/2025

President Trump issues an ultimatum to Iran - negotiate with us on getting rid of your nuclear capabilities or risk military action. And Trump says there's no turning back on tariffs. We ask the business and trade secretary what the UK's response will be. With Victoria Derbyshire.