Joe Biden diagnosed with 'aggressive' prostate cancer

Summary

Global News Podcast Summary
Episode: Joe Biden Diagnosed with 'Aggressive' Prostate Cancer
Release Date: May 19, 2025
Host: Bernard Ecchio, BBC World Service

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1. Former US President Joe Biden Diagnosed with Aggressive Prostate Cancer

Overview:
In a significant revelation, Bernard Ecchio announced that former US President Joe Biden has been diagnosed with an aggressive form of prostate cancer. This diagnosis comes after Biden experienced increasing urinary symptoms, leading his doctors to identify a prostate nodule.

Details and Reactions:

• Diagnosis Details ([02:09]):
  Biden, aged 82, was diagnosed with prostate cancer that has metastasized to his bones. However, his office indicates that the cancer is hormone-sensitive, allowing for effective management. Biden and his family are currently reviewing treatment options with his doctors.

• Political Context ([03:25]):
  Biden, who left office in January, had previously abandoned his re-election campaign ten months prior due to concerns about his age and health, especially after a challenging debate performance against Donald Trump in June. This move was unprecedented in modern US political history and ultimately led to his vice president, Kamala Harris, losing to Trump.

• Official Reactions ([02:44]):

  • Donald Trump ([02:44]): Expressed sadness over the diagnosis, extending warm wishes to Biden's family and hoping for a speedy recovery.
  • Kamala Harris ([02:44]): Shared that she and her husband are saddened by the news, expressing confidence in Biden's strength and resilience.

• Public and Political Impact ([04:15]):
  Biden has been actively working to rebuild his legacy, participating in interviews and defending his mental health against recent criticisms and leaked audio recordings that questioned his cognitive abilities. Literature critiquing his presidency is emerging, highlighting challenges within the Democratic Party regarding his leadership.

Notable Quote:
Elton John voiced his frustration over policies impacting creative industries, although not directly related to Biden's diagnosis, it reflects the broader range of topics covered in the episode.

Elton John ([01:25]): "The danger is for young artists. They haven't got the resources to keep checking or fight Big Tech. If there is a lawsuit or anything like that, it's criminal and I feel incredibly betrayed."

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2. Israel’s Military Operations and Humanitarian Crisis in Gaza

Overview:
Israel has announced it will allow limited food aid into Gaza amidst a severe blockade and ongoing ground offensive against Hamas. This decision comes as Gaza faces the brink of famine, with international bodies and aid organizations raising alarms about widespread malnutrition.

Details and Impact:

• Humanitarian Situation ([05:45] Woody Davis):
  The Israeli blockade, in place for over 10 weeks, has led to a dire humanitarian crisis, with the entire population of Gaza at risk of starvation. Israel claims the limited food aid is to ensure the smooth execution of its military operations, specifically Operation Gideon's Chariot, aimed at defeating Hamas and securing hostages.

• Military Actions ([05:45]):
  The ground offensive has resulted in significant casualties, with approximately 500 people killed in recent Israeli strikes. Criticism has arisen regarding the closure of hospitals, including the Indonesian Hospital in northern Gaza, which Israel accuses Hamas of using for military purposes, thus halting essential medical services.

• International Response ([05:45]):
  The United Nations and global community have condemned Israel's actions, highlighting the exacerbation of the humanitarian crisis. Ceasefire negotiations in Qatar remain fragile, with no imminent agreements in sight.

Notable Quote:

Woora Davis ([05:45]): "Israel has bowed to American and International and some internal pressure to allow some basic food aid into Gaza. The humanitarian crisis, which Israel had denied was happening, is clearly becoming a big problem for Israel itself."

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3. Romania’s Presidential Election: Pro-EU Candidate Emerges Victorious

Overview:
Romania's recent presidential election concluded with the pro-European Union (EU) candidate, Nicolae Dan, securing a victory against the right-wing Eurosceptic George Simeon. This outcome comes amid a backdrop of political tension and high voter turnout.

Election Details ([08:32]):

• Candidates:

  • Nicolae Dan: Mayor of Bucharest and pro-EU candidate backed by the Save Romania Union party.
  • George Simeon: Right-wing Eurosceptic candidate with support for former US President Donald Trump.

• Outcome ([09:06] Sarah Rainsford):
  Dan's victory is seen as a relief by his supporters, who feared the rise of Simeon could lead to adverse effects on Romania's relationship with Europe and its economic future.

• Public Sentiment ([09:35]):
  On election night, Bucharest saw massive celebrations from Dan's supporters, many of whom were initially anxious about the results. High voter engagement and increased turnout favored Dan, tipping the scales in his favor.

Notable Quote:

Sarah Rainsford ([09:06]): "We are very delighted. I think Romania dodged the bullet tonight."

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4. Pope Leo’s Inaugural Mass and His Call for Love and Reconciliation

Overview:
Pope Leo commenced his papacy with an inaugural mass at St. Peter's Square, delivering a homily that emphasized the need for love, reconciliation, and criticism of exploitative economic systems.

Event Details ([09:35] Bethany Bell):

• Inauguration:
  Tens of thousands attended the mass, witnessing the Pope receive the symbols of his office, including the papal ring. The event was marked by global participation, including leaders like Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky and US Vice President J.D. Vance.

• Message ([12:53]):
  Pope Leo urged the remembrance of those suffering due to war in Gaza, Myanmar, and Ukraine, advocating for a just and lasting peace.

Notable Quote:

Pope Leo ([13:02]): "We cannot forget our brothers and sisters who are suffering because of war."

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5. France’s Plan to Build High-Security Prison in French Guiana

Overview:
France has unveiled plans to construct a high-security prison in French Guiana's Saint Laurent du Maronne, targeting dangerous criminals including drug kingpins and convicted jihadists. This facility draws historical parallels to the notorious Devil’s Island penal colony.

Details ([24:02] Bernard Ecchio):

• Facility Features:
  Scheduled to open in 2028, the prison aims to isolate leaders of organized crime and maintain national security.

• Historical Context ([25:30]):
  The new prison evokes memories of the Devil’s Island penal colony, which operated for over a century with a high mortality rate. However, officials assert that the new facility will not replicate its brutality.

Notable Quote:

Elton John ([25:14]): "You know the charge. Yours is the most terrible crime a human being can commit. I accuse you of a wasted life."

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6. Bombing of a Reproductive Clinic in Palm Springs, California

Overview:
A tragic bombing occurred at a fertility clinic in Palm Springs, California, where Edward Bartker—aged 25—allegedly detonated a bomb, resulting in his death and injuries to others. Bartker reportedly held pro-mortalist beliefs, opposing human childbirth.

Incident Details ([16:02] Jake Kwon):

• Motivation:
  Bartker expressed nihilistic ideation, believing life is meaningless and that human childbirth is morally wrong. His manifesto suggested a belief in preventing suffering by stopping births.

• Response ([17:08] Sarah Rainsford):
  Authorities conducted extensive searches, confirming no ongoing threat to the public. Efforts were made to secure the facility and attend to the aftermath, including saving embryos at the clinic.

Notable Quote:

Sarah Rainsford ([17:08]): "He had apparently uploaded a manifesto of sorts he had written online and describing himself as a pro-mortalist… he believes that it is better for people to not exist."

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7. Portugal’s Snap Parliamentary Election Results

Overview:
Portugal held a snap parliamentary election, resulting in the governing Right of Centre Democratic Alliance leading without achieving a majority. This marks the third election in three years, highlighting political volatility.

Election Details ([19:30]):

• Outcomes:
  The Democratic Alliance, led by Prime Minister Luis Montenegro, remains the largest party but struggles to form a majority. The main opposition, the Socialist Party, has lost seats, with the far-right Chega party gaining traction.

• Future Implications:
  President Marcelo Rebelo de Souza faces the challenge of forming a government that can secure parliamentary approval, especially with Montenegro's reluctance to collaborate with Chega.

Notable Quote:

Elton John ([21:15]): "Be committing theft, thievery on the highest scale and for young people or for everyone who's creative."

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8. Elton John’s Opposition to UK AI Copyright Law Exemptions

Overview:
Singer Elton John has publicly opposed the UK government's plans to exempt AI firms from copyright laws, arguing that such policies would constitute large-scale theft of creative content and harm young artists.

Details ([21:15] – [24:29]):

• Arguments Against AI Exemptions:
  John contends that allowing AI companies to use artist content without compensation undermines the value of creative work. He emphasizes the emotional and soulful aspects of human creativity that machines cannot replicate.

• Impact on Creatives:
  Young and emerging artists are particularly vulnerable, lacking the resources to combat the infringements by powerful tech corporations.

• Call to Action ([23:00] – [24:33]):
  John has declared his intention to fight the proposed laws in court, criticizing the government for prioritizing financial gains over artistic integrity.

Notable Quotes:

Elton John ([21:15]): "Be committing theft, thievery on the highest scale... It's criminal and I feel incredibly betrayed."

Elton John ([24:13]): "The government have no right to do this to my songs. They have no right to do it to anybody's songs."

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Conclusion

This episode of the Global News Podcast delves into a spectrum of critical global issues, from political upheavals and health crises to humanitarian disasters and the evolving intersection of technology and creativity. Through comprehensive reporting and firsthand accounts, the podcast provides listeners with in-depth insights into the pressing matters shaping our world today.

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Contact and Feedback:
For comments or to share your views on this episode, please email [e-mail] or connect with us on X using the hashtag #globalnewspod.

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This summary was prepared based on the transcript provided and aims to encapsulate the key points discussed in the podcast episode. All quotes are attributed accurately with corresponding timestamps.

Transcript

[Podcast Announcer]

This BBC podcast is supported by ads.

[News Correspondent]

Outside the uk.

[Advertiser]

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[Bernard Ecchio]

This is the Global News podcast from the BBC World Service. I'm Bernard Ecchio and in the early hours of Monday 19th May, these are our main stories. The former US President Joe Biden has been diagnosed with an aggressive fall form of prostate cancer. With Gaza on the brink of famine, Israel says it will allow basic amounts of food into the territory as it extends its ground offensive against Hamas. Near complete results from the second round of Romania's presidential election show the pro EU candidate has won. Also in this podcast, the singer Elton John says he'll fight plans in Britain during to exempt AI firms from copyright laws.

[Elton John]

The danger is for young artists. They haven't got the resources to keep checking or fight Big Tech. If there is a lawsuit or anything like that, it's criminal and I feel incredibly betrayed.

[Bernard Ecchio]

The former US President Joe Biden has been diagnosed with prostate cancer. A statement from his office said he had an aggressive form of the disease. Mr. Biden, who's 82, left office in January. Concerns about his age and health, highlighted by a calamitous debate performance against Donald Trump last June, forced him to abandon his re election campaign. I heard more from our correspondent Nomia Iqbal about the statement on Mr. Biden's health.

[News Correspondent]

Well, the statement said that last week Mr. Biden was seen because the doctors found a prostate nodule after he was experiencing increasing urinary symptoms. And then on Friday he was diagnosed with prostate cancer and it spread to the bone and so it's an aggressive form of the disease. But the statement goes on to say that the cancer appears to be hormone sensitive, which allows for effective management. And his office also says that the president and his family are reviewing treatment.

[Bernard Ecchio]

Options with his doctors and we've been getting some initial reaction.

[News Correspondent]

We have President Trump has put on his social media platform, he commented, saying that he and his wife were sad and to hear about the medical diagnosis. He said, to quote him, we extend our warmest and best wishes to Jill, Joe Biden's wife, and the family and we wish Joe a fast and successful recovery. At Kamala Harris, his former vice president said on X that she and her husband Doug were saddened to hear of this. And she said, joe is a fighter and I know he will face this challenge with the same strength, resilience and optimism that have always defined his life and leadership. We are hopeful for a full and speedy recover.

[Bernard Ecchio]

Well, Mr. Biden left office as the oldest ever serving US president, but his age and health forced him to abandon his re election campaign 10 months ago, didn't they?

[News Correspondent]

Yeah. Questions about his capacities dogged him throughout his presidency and they really peaked after that debate with President Trump on June 27. It was one of the most consequential debates, I'd say, in US History. Combined with his flagging poll numbers, his party had this huge panic over whether he could win in November. And then I remember clearly, he quit on July 21, Sunday. And that was less than a month before his party's convention, a few months before voters were heading to the poll. So it was totally, totally unprecedented in the modern political era. And as we know, the gamble, if that's how we saw it, didn't pay off because his vice president, Kamala Harris, lost to President Trump.

[Bernard Ecchio]

And Joe Biden has been back in the spotlight recently.

[News Correspondent]

He has, he's been trying to rebuild his legacy. I think he's in that sort of mode at the moment. He gave an interview to the BBC. He was on a US TV show, the View, and there he pushed back on claims that his mental health was in decline. And just this weekend there's been really damning audio from when he was questioned in 2022 about the classified documents. Where you can hear that is that he's pretty slow. There are also major books coming this week which are pretty scathing about him and basically saying he was cocooned from reality. Democrats were lost on how to deal with it and even now they won't speak openly about President Biden's mental health.

[Bernard Ecchio]

Nomia Iqbal, the Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has said Israel will allow a basic amount of food into Gaza after imposing a blockade on all humanitarian aid. Since early March, there have been repeated warnings that malnutrition had become widespread. And growing calls by Israel's allies, aid agencies and the UN to allow supplies in. The announcement came hours after Israel's military said it had begun extensive ground operations throughout Gaza to defeat Hamas and free hostages. Over the past week, some 500 people have been killed in Israeli strikes. Our correspondent in Jerusalem, Woora Davis, told me more about the Israeli announcement as regards food aid for the territory.

[Woora Davis]

Israel has bowed to American and International and some internal pressure from to allowed some basic food aid into Gaza. The humanitarian crisis, which Israel had denied was happening, is clearly becoming a big problem for Israel itself. Aid agencies and the UN had said that the entire population of Gaza was at risk of famine. People are going without food. There's been an Israeli blockade for more than 10 weeks now. So Israel, after a security cabinet meeting, will allow a basic amount of food aid in. But the justification given by Israel for that was because it is about to embark on a huge military operation called Operation Gideon's Chariot. And that military operation says Israel, doesn't want to be hampered by the possibility, the likelihood of famine and starvation in Gaza. So in many ways it's to allow the smooth running, as Israel will put it, of its military operation that it's to allow food aid into Gaza. All of this is happening, this enhanced military operation, putting tens of hundreds, if not thousands of Israeli military boots on the ground in Gaza. While the ceasefire talks in Qatar are said to be hanging by a thread, there is no sign of agreement between the Hamas and the Israeli delegations. So the Israeli military have announced this huge military operation. One of the most controversial parts of the operation will be to split Gaza into several parts and attempt to move tens of thousands of people down towards so called safe zones in southern Gaza. But that in itself will be hugely problematic. It's been criticized roundly by members of the United nations and the international community. And we've seen signs in the last 24 hours that this military operation, this enhanced military operation is well underway. In the last few hours, Israeli tanks and soldiers have been surrounding a hospital in northern Gaza, the Indonesian hospital, of course. Israel accuses Hamas and other militants of hiding within hospital grounds and using hospitals as command and control centers. But the situation at the Indonesian hospital, it was so egregious that patients and medical staff were unable to move, they were unable to perform their functions. So in effect, the hospital had to stop operating, it had to stop working. And that was one of three public hospitals in Gaza, in northern Gaza that have now closed down. So this is a very ominous period. Israel now in the next few days about to really ramp up this huge military operation in Gaza with all the consequences that will have for the territory's population of 2.1 million people.

[Bernard Ecchio]

Woora Davis in Jerusalem. Next to Romania, the pro EU candidate in the country's presidential election has emerged as the winner. With almost all of Sunday's votes now counted. Nikosur Dan, the mayor of Bucharest, was running against the right wing Eurosceptic George Simeon, who'd voiced support for the US President, Donald Trump. Claudia Nasui, a Romanian MP for the Save Romania Union party, which backed Nicosur. Dan said the victory was a great relief.

[Sarah Rainsford]

We are very delighted. I think Romania dodged the bullet tonight. So if we look at the first round of elections, the results were not very encouraging, actually. There was a fair chance that Mr. Simeon could win. And right now I think that the.

[Bernard Ecchio]

General atmosphere is that disaster was averted on Sunday evening. Our correspondent Sarah Rainsford, who was with Nicardan supporters in Bucharest, sent this report.

[Podcast Announcer]

We just didn't know how it was going to go. It was pretty much neck and neck in the opinion polls that we saw before the election day itself. And I think it was anyone's guess what the result might be. I think certainly the fact that more people have turned out to vote, there's quite a significant increase in turnout, seems to favour the Bucharest mayor, Nico Shodan. That was always the kind of thinking before the election, the second round, and it seems to be what has happened, or at least part of the story. But definitely I can just tell you right now where I am. I'm in the center of Bucharest and I'm with a massive crowd of people who are here waiting to see Nico Shodan appear. There's police here, there are metal barriers that have been put up. There are lots of cameras, lots of lights. There's a little stage. And of course, lots of people here are extremely relieved. This was the moment they were scared might not happen. I've actually spoken to quite a few supporters of Nikka Shodan in recent days who were worried that if George Simeon did win the election, they said that they thought for them that meant they actually might have to leave the country. They were talking about leaving in a matter of days because they were scared about what a Simeon presidency might mean for Romania, for its future direction, for its relations with Europe, for its economy. But of course, that's just half the picture in Romania. And there are plenty of supporters of George Sinon, who I've been speaking to as well in recent days, who really were hoping that voting for him was a vote for change. They talk a lot about traditional family values, they talk about Christianity, they talk about God quite a lot. And they also talk about Romania first. It's quite a Trumpian kind of narrative.

[Bernard Ecchio]

Sarah Rainsford In Romania, next to Rome, Pope Leo has received the symbols of office at his inaugural mass in St. Peter's Square. In his homily, he criticized economic systems that exploit the poor and the natural world. Tens of thousands of people attended from the Vatican. Bethany Bell reports.

[Bethany Bell]

Cheers from the crowd as Pope Leo appeared in his Popemobile and drove around St. Peter's Square. People waved flags and balloons. Some lifted up their babies for him to blame. This is a moment of excitement, joy and solemnity. People have come from across the world to be part of this historic occasion. Michelle from Germany said she came to Rome specifically to see Pope Leo.

[Bernard Ecchio]

It's very crazy because there are so many people. I don't heard much about him, but I think he's very nice and lovely.

[Elton John]

So I think it's okay.

[Bethany Bell]

Many of the tens of thousands here were Catholics, but there were also tourists in the crowd. Joe is from Missouri in the US it's great timing.

[Advertiser]

We're here to see the Pope's inaugural Mass. I think it's wonderful. First American Pope extra proud.

[Bernard Ecchio]

That was a surprise.

[Advertiser]

I think a surprise to the world. This is just inspiring no matter what denomination of Pope Christian you are.

[Bethany Bell]

During the service, Pope Leo received the special symbols of his papacy. He was visibly moved when the papal ring was placed on his finger. He appealed for love and reconciliation.

[Woora Davis]

Non potiamo dimenticare y fratelli le sorelle che soft.

[Bernard Ecchio]

We cannot forget our brothers and sisters who are suffering because of war. In Gaza, the surviving children, families and elderly are reduced to starvation. In Myanmar, new hostilities have cut short innocent young lives. Finally, war torn Ukraine awaits negotiations for a just and lasting peace.

[Bethany Bell]

The Pope met with the world leaders and ministers who attended the service. Among them were the Ukrainian President, Volodymyr zelensky and the U.S. vice president, J.D. vance. The bells rang out over St. Peter's Square, carrying with them the hopes for a more peaceful world.

[Bernard Ecchio]

Bethany Bell in Rome. Still to come, your five years in.

[Woora Davis]

Solitary confinement are at an end. You've paid part of your debt to.

[Bernard Ecchio]

France, a return to French Guyana for some of the most dangerous inmates in France.

[Advertiser]

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[Sarah Rainsford]

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[Elton John]

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[Sarah Rainsford]

Watch easy installation tips to protect roofs during and after [e-mail] I'm Zing Singh.

[Bernard Ecchio]

And I'm Simon Jack.

[News Correspondent]

And together we host Good Bad Billionaire.

[Bernard Ecchio]

The podcast exploring the lives of some of the world's richest people.

[News Correspondent]

In the new season, we're setting our sights on some big names.

[Bernard Ecchio]

Yep, LeBron James and Martha Stewart, to name just a few.

[News Correspondent]

And as always, Simon and I are trying to decide whether we think they're good, good, bad or just another billionaire that's good.

[Bernard Ecchio]

Bad Billionaire from the BBC World Service.

[News Correspondent]

Listen now wherever you get your BBC podcasts.

[Bernard Ecchio]

The suspect in the bombing of a reproductive clinic in Palm Springs, California has been identified. The 25 year old guy, Edward Bartker son, had reportedly uploaded a rambling manifesto online outlining his belief that human childbirth is morally wrong. Later, the FBI described him as having nihilistic ideation, a belief that life is meaningless. The man is accused of detonating a bomb outside the clinic, killing one person, which is believed to have been himself, and leaving several others injured. At a news briefing, the FBI's Achill Davis said bomb technicians were able to save all of the embryos at the facility and gave an update on the search of the suspect's home.

[Jake Kwon]

I can confirm they were executing a search warrant at that location in Twentynine Palms as a result of this explosion.

[Bernard Ecchio]

We do not believe that there's an.

[Jake Kwon]

Ongoing threat to the public in the Twentynine Palms area as a result of this investigation.

[Bernard Ecchio]

Our North America correspondent Jake Quan told me more about the suspect.

[Sarah Rainsford]

He's a local resident about an hour away from the blast site in the Palm Springs. He lives in this town called 29 Palms. This is a town where a large Marine base is located. He was living in this house with his mother. It appears that the suspect's motive was really the question after any bombing like this. And he had apparently uploaded a manifesto of sorts he had written online and describing himself as a pro mortalist which a belief that it is human nature to suffer and to cause suffering, that it is better for people to not exist. And this is why he is believed to have targeted the fertility clinic. And this is not like an abortion clinic. This is a fertility clinic where they provide services to expecting parents to provide ivf. And he believed that it was morally wrong for people to bring children into this world without their consent. So this is the picture that is emerging right now. And because the blast was so strong. This is one of the strongest blasts in Southern California, the police had said, and the body that was so mangled it took a while to identify and it's still not fully identified yet. But it is suspected that the victim is in fact the suspect himself.

[Bernard Ecchio]

And did the suspect make an audio clip before the alleged attack?

[Sarah Rainsford]

There is an audio that is being circulated. It appears that this is the suspect's audio, but the police has not yet fully confirmed that this audio in fact did belong to the suspect. There are other Internet traces where the suspect had shared his thoughts on the nature of humanity. He has a very bleak view of the world and he claims that he had decided to carry out this act when this other friend he had who shared some of these views about the pessimistic kind of worldview, had recently died, had in fact killed herself and this is what prompted him to do it. Now this post and this audio, we're still waiting for a full confirmation by the police, but it does really appear to be really belong to the suspect.

[Bernard Ecchio]

Jake Kwon Exit polls released after Portugal's snap parliamentary election put the governing Right of Centre Democratic alliance in first place, but again without a majority. This is the country's third election in as many years. Alison Roberts reports. The Democratic alliance, led by the incumbent Prime Minister Luis Montenegro, looks unable to secure a majority in the new parliament, even if it does a deal with the smaller, economically more radical liberal initiatives, as many commentators expect. Exit polls also point to the main opposition Socialist party shedding seats, perhaps even being overtaken by far right Chega, a party with which Mr. Montenegro has said he won't do any deals once the actual results are in. It's up to Portugal's president Marcelo Rebelo de Souza, to ask someone to form a government after hearing all parties. He said he'll only do so once he's sure the new government's programme won't be rejected. Alison Roberts the singer Elton John says he's ready to fight the British government in court if it presses ahead with plans to allow artificial intelligence or AI companies to use artist content without paying for it. He warned that ministers would be committing large scale theft if they exempted AI firms from copyright laws. A bill to review the use of data is going through the British Parliament. Elton John's reaction is part of a broader backlash from prominent musicians including Paul McCartney, Andrew Lloyd Webber and Ed Sheeran. He spoke to Laura Kuenssberg about companies using artists content without paying well, they'd.

[Elton John]

Be committing theft, thievery on the highest scale and for young people or for everyone who's creative. The fact that AI could run rampant without. You have to ask for approval and you have to have transparency. That's. It's quite simple, you know, if you know, if someone wants to use your song, ask and then you have to have the transparency and how is it being used, that's fine. But to actually, the danger is for young artists, they haven't got the resources to keep checking or fight Big Tech. If they. If there is a lawsuit or anything like that, it's criminal. And I feel incredibly betrayed. We're complaining about people's legacy, whether they're young songwriters, whether they're young playwrights, journalists, whatever. Some people aren't like me. They don't earn as much as I do. But they what they. When they're creative. And it comes from the human soul and not a machine. Because a machine isn't capable of writing anything with any soul in it. If you've got to get rid of that and you're going to rob young people of their legacy and their income, it's a criminal offence, I think. I think the government are just being absolute losers and I'm very angry about it. As you can tell. Big Tech has so much money and if you're a young person, you're fighting Big Tech, good luck. It's really disrespectful. It's really disheartening. I supported the government. I did a thing for them at St. Paul's Cathedral when Keir Starmer said, I want to help young people in the music business, I want to support them. Well, he's not doing it. And I did that show and I did it because I believed, but I'm not believing so much now.

[Bernard Ecchio]

And if the government continues to stick their fingers in their ears, what are.

[Podcast Announcer]

You prepared to do?

[Bernard Ecchio]

Are you not just as one as.

[Podcast Announcer]

The most successful Solomon fighters?

[Elton John]

They'll fight all the way law. I mean, I mean, if it takes going to the court or whatever, we will fight this. And the government are being so stupid.

[Bernard Ecchio]

And how do you see this battle? Is it, you know, capitalism versus creatives or is it all about Tech Bros versus the traditions that we've had for so long?

[Elton John]

Well, the government said we're going to overturn this because of financial privilege. That says that answers your question. A machine can't create anything. It can, but it doesn't have a soul. It doesn't have a heart, it doesn't have human feeling, it doesn't have passion. What machines have passion. Human beings, when they create something, are doing it. They believe in what they're creating is something good. Whether it's good or not, it doesn't matter. They're trying to create something that will bring pleasure to lots of people. Machines are incapable of doing that.

[Bernard Ecchio]

But do you really think that the UK government would be strong enough if.

[Podcast Announcer]

They take your side, to make Elon.

[Bernard Ecchio]

Musk and Mark Zuckerberg pay?

[Elton John]

It's no good putting a Beabadooby song, for example, and put it into computer saying write me a song like Biba Doobie or write me an article like Marina Hyde from the Guardian. That is just, it's just horrible. It's just, it's, it's George Orwell times a thousand. The government have no right to do this to my songs. They no right to do it to anybody's songs. Anybody's prose, anybody's journalism, anybody's creative ability. They have no right to sell us down the river. And this is what they're doing.

[Bernard Ecchio]

And if Keir Starmer was sitting in.

[Podcast Announcer]

This seat, what would you say to him today?

[Elton John]

Wise upon Elton John?

[Bernard Ecchio]

The British government, including the British Prime Minister Keir Starmer, says it is seeking a solution that will enable creative industries and AI companies to flourish. France is to build a high security prison in the South American jungle for the most dangerous criminals, including drug kingpins and convicted jihadists. The Justice Minister said The facility will open in 2028. As Joe Inwood reports, it will be located in French Guiana, home of the infamous penal colony Ile du Diable, or Devil's island, the location for the classic film Papillon.

[Elton John]

You know the charge. Yours is the most terrible crime a human being can commit. I accuse you of a wasted life.

[Advertiser]

Guilty.

[Jake Kwon]

It exposed the brutality of French penal colonies. As Steve McQueen's Papillon tries to survive, then escape the place they call Devil's Island. Papillon told the true story of Henri Charriere, wrongly convicted of murder and held in French Guiana. It was also where Captain Alfred Dreyfus, falsely accused of treason, was held. A controversy that divided pre World War I France. This proposal from the hardline Justice Minister will not resurrect Devil's island, but the comparisons are inevitable. Gerald Damenin said the new facility will be built in the town of Saint Laurent du Maronne and will hit organized crime at all levels. The plan would involve isolating the heads of drug trafficking networks. The original Devil's island operated for 100 years from 1892. It was a place from which huge numbers did not return with a death rate of around 70%. But Henri Charriere did live to tell the tale, floating to freedom on a sack of coconuts.

[Advertiser]

I'm still here.

[Bernard Ecchio]

Joe Inwood reporting. And that's all from us for now. But there'll be a new edition of the Global News Podcast later. If you want to comment on this podcast or the topics covered in it, you can send us an email. The address is globalpodcastbc.co.uk. you can also find us on X at bcworldservice. Use the hashtag globalnewspod. This edition was mixed by Massoud Ibrahimkal. The producer was Liam McSheffrey. Approved by Charles Sanctuary. The editor is Karen Martin. I'm Bernaz Ecchio. Until next time. Goodbye.

[News Correspondent]

I'm Zing Singh.

[Bernard Ecchio]

And I'm Simon Jack.

[News Correspondent]

And together we host Good Bad Billionaire.

[Bernard Ecchio]

The podcast exploring the lives of some of the world's richest people.

[News Correspondent]

In the new season, we're setting our sights on some big names.

[Bernard Ecchio]

Yep, LeBron James and Martha Stewart, to name just a few.

[News Correspondent]

And as always, Simon and I are trying to decide whether we think they're good, bad or just another billionaire.

[Bernard Ecchio]

That's good. Bad Billionaire from the BBC World Service.

[News Correspondent]

Listen now, wherever you get your BBC podcasts.