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
King Charles praises NATO in address to US Congress [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 30:19
President Trump has called the bond between the US and the UK a friendship "unlike any other on Earth" at a state dinner attended by King Charles and Queen Camilla. Earlier in a historic address speech to Congress, King…
UAE quits oil cartel Opec after six decades [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 28:14
The United Arab Emirates says quitting the Opec and Opec+ groups of major oil producing nations will provide more flexibility. The move is being seen as a blow to the groups' de facto leader Saudi Arabia. Also, Russia ha…
King Charles visits the US to smooth frayed relations [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 28:50
King Charles and Queen Camilla arrive in the US to smooth over frayed relations between Washington and London. President Trump hosts afternoon tea at the White House. We'll look at whether the royal visit will make a dif…
Suspect due in court after shooting at Trump press dinner [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 25:50
The Californian man suspected of trying to storm the White House Correspondents’ Dinner in Washington attended by President Trump and other senior administration figures is due in court to face charges of assaulting a fe…
Motives of suspected Washington gunman under scrutiny [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 33:12
The suspected gunman at the White House correspondents' dinner, Cole Tomas Allen, is a 31-year-old Californian who reportedly worked as a tutor. Donald Trump says the suspect had a manifesto and "hatred in his heart" - b…
Donald Trump evacuated from dinner after shots fired [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 24:47
A person is in custody after shots fired at event with President Trump. He praised the secret service operative who'd intercepted him. The US president and the first lady were unharmed. Also with Mr Trump was the US Vice…
The Happy Pod: I invented a way for my brother to communicate [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 26:29
Ari wanted to help his brother Ben engage with the world after he lost the ability to walk, talk or move his hands. So he designed and built him a bespoke communication and entertainment system - allowing him to chat, go…
US and Iran travel to Pakistan for peace talks [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 27:25
US and Iran delegations are travelling to Pakistan for further peace talks - but there might not be a direct meeting between the two sides. We ask our world affairs editor about the likelihood of progress in Islamabad, a…
Spain dismisses reports US wants it suspended from Nato [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 31:35
Nato says there is no provision for members to be suspended - after reports the US is considering trying to suspend Spain over its stance on the Iran war. Spain's Prime Minister, Pedro Sánchez has dismissed the reports.…