Pressure mounts on Starmer to resign as British PM

Pressure mounts on Starmer to resign as British PM

Author: BBC World Service May 12, 2026 Duration: 28:26

More than 70 MPs from Britain's governing Labour party have publicly called on the prime minister Keir Starmer to stand down, following disastrous local elections results. Several senior ministers have urged him to set a timetable for his departure. Earlier Keir Starmer insisted he would not quit, and would fight any leadership challenge.

Also: Iran says it is ready to respond to any aggression, after President Trump dismissed its latest peace proposals and said the ceasefire was on "life support". Researchers are warning that increased ship traffic off South Africa, due to the closure of the Strait of Hormuz, is causing dangers for whales. Our correspondent returns home to Khartoum, which was battered during Sudan's civil war. The last remaining passengers are evacuated from the hantavirus-hit cruise ship, as the crew sets course for the Netherlands where it will dock for disinfection. We look at how AI centres are causing a shortage of memory chips, pushing up prices of tech products. The hugely popular online puzzle Wordle is being turned into a TV game show. And we're at the Cannes Film Festival with the inside track on movies to look out for this year.

The Global News Podcast brings you the breaking news you need to hear, as it happens. Listen for the latest headlines and current affairs from around the world. Politics, economics, climate, business, technology, health – we cover it all with expert analysis and insight. Get the news that matters, delivered twice a day on weekdays and daily at weekends, plus special bonus episodes reacting to urgent breaking stories. Follow or subscribe now and never miss a moment. Get in touch: globalpodcast@bbc.co.uk


Staying informed means navigating a constant stream of events, and the Global News Podcast from the BBC World Service provides a grounded, thorough digest of that flow. This isn't just a headline service; it's a twice-daily briefing that situates you within the day's most pressing stories, particularly focusing on complex, unfolding situations. Right now, that means dedicated coverage from across the Middle East, including Iran, Israel, Lebanon, and the Gulf states, offering clarity on regional dynamics and their global implications. Alongside that essential regional focus, the podcast consistently pulls back for a wider lens, bringing reports and context from every corner of the world. What you'll hear is the BBC's signature blend of on-the-ground reporting and measured expert analysis, all designed to build understanding rather than just summarize events. For a reliable, in-depth audio briefing that updates each weekday morning and evening, this podcast delivers a comprehensive picture of our world as it happens.
Author: Language: English Episodes: 100

Global News Podcast
Podcast Episodes
Right-wing populist party makes big gains in UK elections [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 27:24
Britain's right-wing populist party Reform makes gains as votes are counted in local elections. With a promise to reduce immigration, the party looks set to win council seats across the country, mostly at the expense of…
US, Iran exchange fire in Strait of Hormuz [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 29:35
The US says it struck Iranian military facilities after Iran targeted American warships crossing the Strait of Hormuz. Tehran claims the US was violating the ceasefire. President Trump says the ceasefire is still intact.…
Iran considering US proposal to end the war [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 32:03
US media reports say what's being considered is a 14-point memorandum of understanding with Iran, which could set a framework for more detailed nuclear negotiations. A senior member of Iran's parliament has dismissed it…
Couples looking for surrogates still going to Ukraine [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 29:54
For years, Ukraine has been one of the world’s leading hubs for commercial surrogacy - attracting couples from around the world with lower costs and more relaxed laws. Despite Russia’s full-scale invasion, the industry h…
Trump: Iran war could end with a deal [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 29:04
US media and Pakistan negotiators suggest Washington and Tehran are close to agreeing a deal to end the US-Israeli war on Iran. Donald Trump has warned the bombing would be more intense than before if Iran doesn’t agree…
US pauses operation to reopen Strait of Hormuz [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 29:51
President Trump is pausing efforts to help ships get through the Strait of Hormuz, amid what he called "great progress" towards a peace agreement with Iran. Meanwhile, Iran's foreign minister Abbas Araghchi holds talks i…
WHO: Hantavirus may have spread between humans [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 26:08
The World Health Organization says there may have been human-to-human transmission of a rare respiratory virus usually spread by rodents onboard a cruise ship off Africa's west coast. Three passengers have died and anoth…
US strikes Iranian boats in Strait of Hormuz [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 27:45
Growing fears for the ceasefire in the Middle East after the US and Iran trade fire as American forces try to open up the Strait of Hormuz to commercial shipping. President Trump said two US-flagged merchant vessels were…
US denies Iran's claim that it hit American warship [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 27:30
The US military says its warships have helped two US-flagged vessels transit the Strait of Hormuz, breaking an Iranian blockade. It's denied Iranian reports that one warship had been forced to turn back. Also: More than…
Trump plans to reopen Strait of Hormuz [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 25:38
The US is set to deploy navy destroyers, aircraft and troops in an operation to guide stranded ships through the Strait of Hormuz from Monday. President Trump called "Project Freedom" a humanitarian gesture, but Iran has…