Politics Unpacked

Matt is joined by Tim Shipman, Lara Spirit and the politics students of Vyners School to pause and unpack the exchanges at Prime Minister's Questions. Keir Starmer says the government's illegal migration bill won't deter channel crossings, while Rishi Sunak calls Starmer 'just another lefty lawyer'.Plus columnists Alice Thomson and Robert Crampton discuss Gary Lineker, making flashing a criminal offence, and how to get children reading with author Anthony Horowitz. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Ahead of Rishi Sunak's trip to France for the first Anglo-French summit in five years, Matt discusses the state of relations between Paris and London. He's joined by the former ambassador to the UK Sylvie Bermann, and a French teacher gives the prime minister tips for his conversation with Emmanuel Macron.Plus columnists Iain Martin and Dorothy Byrne discuss the government's plan to stop small boats crossing the channel, Sue Gray's new job, and why the UK has become more socially liberal in such a short space of time. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Sir Jeremy Fleming, the director of the intelligence agency GCHQ, is stepping down after nearly six years in the role. Matt speaks to two of his predecessors, Sir David Omand and Sir Francis Richards, about what it takes to run the UK's intelligence, cyber and security agency.Plus columnists Rachel Sylvester and John Stevens on Boris Johnson putting his dad forward for a knighthood, why Keir Starmer is dodging questions over Sue Gray, and what Jeremy Hunt has in store in the budget . Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The Northern Ireland Minister and self-styled Brexit hardman Steve Baker sits down with Matt and Times Political Editor Steve Swinford for a frank discussion about the severe depression and anxiety he has suffered since the EU referendum.He also discusses Rishi Sunak's Brexit deal, being the admin on every Whatsapp group in Westminster, and says it's fanciful to think Boris Johnson could return to Downing Street. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In 2021 Frank Field, now Lord Field, was told he had weeks to live. 18 months on he tells Matt he's published his memoirs and is 'just happily waiting for the end'. He talks about his faith, his clashes with Gordon Brown, his relationship with Margaret Thatcher and his advice to Jeremy Corbyn.Plus: Columnists India Knight and Jimmy McLoughlin discuss doing government business on Whatsapp, politicians keeping their hands in their pocket and vaccinating chickens. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Matt is joined by Tim Shipman and Lara Spirit to pause and unpack the exchanges at Prime Minister's Questions. Keir Starmer claims that the average family in Britain will be poorer than in Poland by 2030, and Rishi Sunak says the Labour leader should stop making unfunded spending commitments.Plus: Columnists Alice Thomson and Robert Crampton discuss Matt Hancock's Whatsapp messages, docking child benefit for missing school and whether vaping is safe for young people. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Daniel Finkelstein and David Aaronovitch have been the cleverest duo on the podcast for nearly three years. Today Matt and Danny say goodbye to David, who is leaving The Times, with an hour long special in which they discuss the Brexit deal, trust in politicians and listener questions for the 'Cerberus of Columnists'. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Betty Boothroyd, the first female speaker of the House of Commons, has died aged 93. Matt is joined by current speaker Sir Lindsey Hoyle to reflect on her no-nonsense style, humour and charm.And Nigeria decides: After Africa's most populous country went to the polls over the weekend to choose a new president, we hear how the election is unfolding and what's at stake.Plus columnists Rachel Sylvester and Giles Coren discuss the Brexit deal, Keir Starmer's economic plan and what are Anglo-Saxon shore forts? Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Matt hosted this year's Parliamentary Book Awards, where he sat down with winner and children's TV legend Floella Benjamin.Columnists Manveen Rana and Katy Balls discuss the surprising number of people who want to be Tory MPs, the public's continued support for Ukraine, and Therese Coffey's suggestion that we eat more turnips.Plus: Matt heads to Turnips restaurant in London's Borough Market to find out more about the environment secretary's favourite seasonal vegetable. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The Times Radio focus group returns, this time with a group who voted Conservative in 2019 but say they currently plan to back Labour. Matt is joined by James Johnson from J.L Partners to discuss his findings, which aren't all good news for Keir Starmer - one voter calls him a 'wooden turncoat'.Plus columnists James Marriott and Jane Merrick on the government's plan to reduce the backlog for asylum claims, Keir Starmer's five 'national missions' and ITV's Mark Pougatch remembers football commentator John Motson. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Matt is joined by Tim Shipman and Lara Spirit to pause and unpack the exchanges at Prime Minister's Questions. Rishi Sunak says he'll keep fighting until he gets a new Brexit deal for Northern Ireland, while Keir Starmer asks if he'll let MPs vote on his plan.Plus columnists Alice Thomson and Robert Crampton discuss whether Digital ID cards are inevitable, why there's a tomato shortage, and Robert showcases his impression of William Hague. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

After SNP leadership candidate Kate Forbes faces questions about her views on gay marriage, Matt discusses the role of faith in politics with columnists Daniel Finkelstein and David Aaronovitch, while former Lib Dem leader Tim Farron says she should be honest about her religious beliefs.Plus: Over the last six months, employees at 60 British businesses have been taking part in an experiment - can they move to a four-day working week without losing any pay? Now the results are in, Matt speaks to some of the firms who took part to find out whether it could be replicated across the country. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Baroness Ashton was the first - and last - Briton to lead European foreign policy, with an in-tray including Iran's nuclear programme, natural disasters and talks in Ukraine during the 2014 pro-democracy protests.She tells Matt what it was like to sit across the table from Putin, and whether she became a lightning rod for critics of the EU at home.Plus columnists Rachel Sylvester and Camilla Long compare rewriting Roald Dahl's books to tearing down a museum, and discuss whether we should bother listening to economic forecasts. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Twenty years on from the march against the Iraq War, Patrick Maguire is joined by historian Phil Tinline to ask whether protests ever actually work. They hear from some of the people who have organised the UK's biggest recent marches, including the ban on fox hunting, tuition fees and Brexit, to reflect on how effective their protests really were. Plus the New Statesman's Rachel Cunliffe and former Number 10 adviser Jimmy McLoughlin discuss whether women are routinely subjected to victim blaming after Lancashire Police released the health information of missing person Nicola Bulley, why Liz Truss is staging her comeback, and the state of Britain's courts. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Patrick Maguire get's the latest polling on Nicola Sturgeon’s possible successor with Dr Emily Gray from Ipsos and explores the wider implication of her resignation on the UK political landscape. Expert analysis comes from former deputy leader for the SNP Jim Sillars, Scottish Political Editor Kieran Andrews and Katy Balls from The Spectator.  Plus columnists Manveen Rana and James Marriott discuss whether modern politicians have gone soft, whether cancel-culture is taking over book publishing and the reaction to Lancashire police releasing personal information about missing mother Nicola Bulley.   Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Patrick Maguire presents highlights from the reaction to Nicola Sturgeon's resignation as First Minister live on Times Radio. The Conservatives' Ruth Davidson, Labour's Shadow Scotland Secretary Ian Murray, SNP MP Angus Macneil and pollster Sir John Curtice all speak on a dramatic morning in British politics.Plus Alex Massie and Matt Chorley reflect on her achievements and shortcomings. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

A decade after the Commons voted to introduce civil marriage for same-sex couples, Patrick Maguire looks back at a moment of change for the country and the Conservative Party with former MP Matthew Parris, former culture secretary Dame Maria Miller and former equalities minister Baroness Featherstone.Columnists Robert Colvile and Dorothy Byrne consider whether the Brexit summit at Ditchley Park was an innocent meeting of minds or remainer skulduggery.Plus Patrick is joined by historian Andrew Lownie to imagine what might have happened if Edward VIII hadn't abdicated. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

New polling for the Times shows that 70% of voters think the Conservatives give the impression of being sleazy and disreputable - up from 51% in April 2021. Patrick Maguire asks what Rishi Sunak can do to turn the page on propriety before the next election, with former independent MP Martin Bell and former Downing Street chief of staff Lord Barwell.Plus columnists Libby Purves and Martha Gill on whether government credit cards are a scandal or not and the guestlist for King Charles' coronation. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

What do Queen Victoria, Arthur Conan Doyle, Charles Dickens and an anonymous prostitute have in common? They all wrote letters to The Times that rewrote history.Matt is joined by Letters Editor Andrew Riley and Archive Editor Rose Wild to dip into the notable notes that changed Britain.Plus Manveen Rana and Jimmy McLoughlin discuss tax, Turkey and avoiding parking fines. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Matt talks to shadow health secretary Wes Streeting about NHS pay, Labour's relationship with the unions and his experience as a gay Anglican - before he plays our own version of the word association game 'Mallet's Mallet'.Plus columnists James Marriott and India Knight discuss amateur detectives disrupting the search for Nicola Bulley, the rules of modern etiquette and the new Conservative deputy chairman's support for the death penalty. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Matt is joined by Patrick Maguire to pause and unpack the exchanges between Rishi Sunak and Keir Starmer at Prime Minister's Questions. With Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky in Westminster to address Parliament, both leaders talk tough on Putin.Plus columnists Alice Thomson and Robert Crampton on policing porn, whether MPs should be awarded a medal after leaving office, and how to pronounce 'Türkiye'. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Scotland's first minister Nicola Sturgeon is under pressure following the row over her gender reforms and a drop in the polls.But is she in serious trouble, or will the dominant force in Scottish politics continue to confound her critics?Matt hears from former Scottish Conservative leader Ruth Davidson, the SNP's Emma Roddick, politics professor John Curtice and Times columnist Alex Massie.Plus Finkelvitch: Daniel Finkelstein and David Aaronovitch are back to discuss Rishi Sunak's cabinet reshuffle, Liz Truss's lack of apology and their collection of political badges.  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Liz Truss is back to make the case for her tax-cutting agenda. Does she have a point, and is anyone listening? Matt is joined by journalist Katy Balls, pollster Patrick English and economists Paul Johnson and Mark Littlewood.Plus columnists Rachel Sylvester and Libby Purves discuss Boris Johnson, petrol prices and the death of satirist Kit Hesketh-Harvey. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

All week, people in politics have been asking whether the next general election is going to be a similar result to 1992 - when Labour were expected to win but lost, or like 1997 when Labour won in a landslide victory. Who better to ask than former Labour leader Neil Kinnock?In a wide-ranging chat, Neil talks about the challenge of facing Margaret Thatcher at PMQs, sharing funny tweets with Keir Starmer, how he feels about the trans-debate given his grandson has transitioned, and what Labour need to do to win the next election. Plus columnist Iain Martin and former head of Channel 4 News Dorothy Byrne on the rumoured comebacks of Boris Johnson and Liz Truss, Iain's defence of Brexit and commemorating political moments with blue plaques. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The Prime Minister has been in office for 100 days, a big achievement by recent standards. Matt has some exclusive polling from YouGov showing what the public thinks of his performance so far, and discusses the scale of the electoral task ahead of him.Plus columnists India Knight and James Marriott discuss whether false modesty is worse than bragging, the Times investigation into the practices of British Gas debt collectors, and what to do with jade vaginal eggs. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Matt Chorley, Tim Shipman and Lara Spirit pause and unpack the exchanges at Prime Minister's Questions. Rishi Sunak accuses Keir Starmer of siding with 'extremist protestors and union bosses', but the Labour leader says that's 'rank pathetic'.Plus columnists Alice Thomson and Robert Crampton discuss whether Therese Coffey will clean up the environment, fines for wood burning stoves and the bird charity removed from Twitter for posting about woodcocks. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Three years after the UK left the European Union, Matt hosts a panel of experts from The Times to answer questions sent in by readers. Plus columnists Daniel Finkelstein and David Aaronovitch discuss whether Rishi Sunak is the new John Major, and whether he's heading for an election like 1992 or 1997. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Why do politicians find it so hard to say sorry? After Nadhim Zahawi declined to apologise following his sacking by the Prime Minister, Matt discusses the art of the political apology with US author Marjorie Ingall and The Times' Matthew Parris.Plus columnists Rachel Sylvester, Libby Purves and Paul Johnson discuss the government's NHS blueprint, whether we need to change the way we think about old age, and what happens to young people after a recession. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Patrick Maguire sits in for Matt Chorley and tests his theory that speeches in the House of Commons aren't as good as they used to be. He looks back at some famous moments in the chamber with speechwriter Jessica Cunniffe and historian Nigel Jones, while Times sketchwriter Quentin Letts defends the modern MP.Plus columnists Matthew Syed and Manveen Rana debate the survival of Nadhim Zahawi, the politics of Rod Stewart, and Matthew's battle with biscuits. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The Times Radio Focus Group meets for the first time in 2023. James Johnson from J.L Partners leads a group of swing voters from across the country as they give their views on Rishi Sunak, Keir Starmer and Nadhim Zahawi.Plus columnists India Knight and James Marriott discuss a crackdown on laughing gas, and will artificial intelligence will make creativity redundant? Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Matt Chorley, Tim Shipman and Lara Spirit pause and unpack the exchanges at Prime Minister's Questions. This week, Keir Starmer asks Rishi Sunak if being prime minister is too big a job for him, and Sunak accuses him of playing 'petty politics' over Nadhim Zahawi's tax affairs.Plus columnists Alice Thomson and Robert Crampton discuss same sex marriages, Robert's trip to meet voters in Blyth Valley, and whether toddlers are getting more precocious. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

One in four terminally ill people of working age find themselves in poverty. For them and their families, the agony of grief is compounded by financial worries.Matt hears from people pushed to bankruptcy by their illness, and discusses the Marie Curie charity campaign to give them the state pension.Plus Finkelvitch: Columnists Daniel Finkelstein and David Aaronovitch ask whether it's time to sack Nadhim Zahawi, failures in the probation service, and political fantasists. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

As Rishi Sunak gets ready for a cabinet trip to Chequers and Keir Starmer plans an outing for his team, Matt asks if a political away day is a good way to build morale - or whether it's all flip charts, trust exercises and sitting on the floor.David Davis talks about his trip to Chequers with Theresa May, William Hague reflects on taking Tory MPs to a hotel in casual dress, and we hear about the Lib Dem away day that was visited by a six foot man dressed as a bee.Plus Times columnists Rachel Sylvester and Libby Purves discuss the prime minister and propriety, whether technology is making us unhappy and Nicola Sturgeon asking why 16-year-olds can't drink in a pub. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Party political broadcasts have been around for nearly 100 years, featuring everything from men sitting woodenly behind desks to yogic flying.How are they made, do they change anyone’s vote and why are some of them so odd? Matt is joined by Tory advertising guru Maurice Saatchi, Labour filmmaker Mark Lucas, cross-party producer Nick Frost and Times TV critic Carol Midgley.Plus columnists Katy Balls and Jimmy McLoughlin discuss whether Sunak is standing up to his party over tax cuts, why Starmer is at Davos, and why Andy Murray isn’t allowed to go to the toilet. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Nice to see the polls, to see the polls nice? Matt looks at exclusive polling showing that while the Conservatives are losing young voters, they have lost twice as many older voters who make up their base. He speaks to YouGov's Patrick English, Onward director Seb Payne and academic Dr Will Jennings, before a Tory council leader and peer play our version of the conveyer belt game.Plus Times Columnists James Marriott and Jenni Russell ask whether food has reached peak snobbery, the departure of New Zealand's Jacinda Ardern, and whether it's worth reporting a stolen bike. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Matt is joined by Tim Shipman to pause and unpack the exchanges at Prime Minister's Questions. This week, Keir Starmer challenges Rishi Sunak on the 'lethal chaos' in the NHS, while Sunak says Starmer is in the pocket of the unions. Plus columnists Alice Thomson and Robert Crampton on the dangers of bringing cake to the office, misogyny in the Metropolitan Police and beyond, and why it's tough to be a dad. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Matt takes to the streets to find out about Britain's litter problem. He speaks to a listener who's found everything from sex toys to a sawn-off shotgun, a plogger - a jogger who picks up litter - and the leader of The Rubbish Party.Plus Finkelvitch: Columnists David Aaronovitch and Daniel Finkelstein contemplate our changing attitude to the police, whether Rishi Sunak's latest climbdown is a sign of strength or weakness, and if adverts showing Keir Starmer in Mick Lynch's pocket are effective. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The Conservative Democratic Organisation is a new group calling for Tory party members to have a greater say in how the party is run, and who it elects as leader. Matt speaks to one of its key players, Lord Greenhalgh, who says Boris Johnson is "electoral gold dust" and will be back in Number 10 by the end of the year. Former MP Matthew Parris says the plan risks blowing up the party altogether.Red Box Reporter Lara Spirit has been back in the archives to learn about the general election of 1835 and the birth of the manifesto.Plus Times columnist Rachel Sylvester and IFS Director Paul Johnson discuss the launch of the Times Health Commission, and whether high street shops are making a comeback. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Matt talks to Gary Lineker about exclusive polling for Times Radio showing which job the public thinks is harder - being prime minister, or being a professional footballer. He also explains why he thinks politicians should be paid more, before Emmerdale actor turned farmer Kelvin Fletcher and TV chef Clodagh McKenna make the case for their professions.Plus columnists Matthew Syed and Katy Balls discuss the hardest jobs they've ever had, the risks of shutting down Andrew Bridgen, and reports that Boris Johnson is looking for a safe seat. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Talk about making a drama out of a political crisis. If there's one man who's turned the defining moments of our age into hits on stage and screen, it's James Graham.The writer behind This House, Brexit: The Uncivil War, Quiz and Best of Enemies talks to Matt about using drama to create a public square for opposing political views, and why he won't be writing an epic operetta about Liz Truss.Plus India Knight and James Marriott on the Americanisation of British journalism podcasts and their plans for retirement. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Matt and Tim Shipman are back to pause and unpack the exchanges at the first PMQs of 2023, which sees Keir Starmer accuse Rishi Sunak of going from 'clapping nurses to sacking them' and MPs condemning comments by Andrew Bridgen.Plus columnists Robert Crampton and Manveen Rana discuss whether we're getting used to strikes, if it's OK to wear slippers to work, and a new technology that can create a realistic avatar of a dead person. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

After Ken Clarke told us better-off patients may have to start paying for GP appointments, Matt looks at the case for reforming general practice and hears about other healthcare systems around the world.Plus columnists Daniel Finkelstein and David Aaronovitch on exclusive polling for the programme showing that just eight per cent of people would be "delighted" by a Conservative victory, and why politicians are keeping silent about Prince Harry. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Matt's back, and he's joined by political big beast Ken Clarke to discuss a career spanning more than 50 years in the Commons and some of the biggest jobs in government. The former health secretary thinks the well-off may have to start paying to see a GP. Columnists Rachel Sylvester and Libby Purves discuss whether the Duke of Sussex should be removed from the line of succession, and whether Labour can think the unthinkable on the NHS.Plus, Times Red Box Reporter Lara Spirit is counting down every election since the 1832 Great Reform Act. This week, it's Earl Grey vs the Duke of Wellington. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

How can the smaller political parties win in 2023 when the electoral system is stacked against them and they are struggling for the public's attention?Patrick Maguire sitting in for Matt talks to YouGov's Tanya Abraham, The Times' Political Reporter Geri Scott and the Green Party Deputy Leader Zack Polanski, before taking a look at the electoral map around the UK.Plus: Columnists Melanie Reid and Robert Colvile discuss how to be a ghostwriter and whether Liz Truss is about to make a comeback. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The Liberal Democrats are stuck at a distant third in the opinion polls, with a leader many people still haven't heard of. Do a series of by-election wins mean they could once again be a serious electoral force?Patrick Maguire sitting in for Matt, is joined by the Lib Dem deputy leader Daisy Cooper, YouGov's Tanya Abraham and journalist Nick Tyrone. He also speaks to historian and author John Campbell about the origins of the party and what it can learn from the past. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Patrick Maguire in for Matt Chorley talks to the architect of New Labour, the former cabinet minister Lord Mandelson. They discuss Keir Starmer "sorting out the extremists" within the party, the challenge still facing him to get Labour into power and the need to avoid political gimmicks. Plus columnists Alice Thomson and Robert Crampton ask what's the point of politicians making new year relaunch speeches, whether all children should study maths until 18 and if it's okay for former prisoners to earn lots of money from their notoriety. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Are the Conservatives heading for a period out of office, or can they confound expectations before the next General Election?Sitting in for Matt, Patrick Maguire speaks to Tory-watchers Henry Hill, Salma Shah and pollster Patrick English. They're joined by former cabinet minister David Davis, who thinks Sunak is in with a chance but says "God help us" if Boris Johnson returns.Plus: Finkelvitch is back, with columnists Daniel Finkelstein and David Aaronovitch discussing the similarity between rail strikes and the bakers' strikes of the 1970s and how Labour will cope with increased scrutiny and a sometimes hostile press. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Last year, to mark 300 years since Robert Walpole became Prime Minister, Matt Chorley learnt about every PM through history each week. This year, Nigel Fletcher from the Centre for Opposition Studies has gone through every Leader of the Opposition and as a festive treat you'll be able to listen to each episode on the podcast this weekIn this episode, Harriet Harman, Ed Miliband, Jeremy Corbyn and Keir Starmer Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Last year, to mark 300 years since Robert Walpole became Prime Minister, Matt Chorley learnt about every PM through history each week. This year, Nigel Fletcher from the Centre for Opposition Studies has gone through every Leader of the Opposition and as a festive treat you'll be able to listen to each episode on the podcast this weekIn this episode, Margaret Beckett, William Hague, Iain Duncan-Smith and Michael Howard Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Last year, to mark 300 years since Robert Walpole became Prime Minister, Matt Chorley learnt about every PM through history each week. This year, Nigel Fletcher from the Centre for Opposition Studies has gone through every Leader of the Opposition and as a festive treat you'll be able to listen to each episode on the podcast this weekIn this episode, Robert Carr, Michael Foot, Neil Kinnock and John Smith Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.