Politics Unpacked

The looming domestic problem in the government's in-tray is the impact of war in the Middle East on the British economy - will the government need to intervene? Hugo Rifkind unpacks the politics of the day with Libby Purves and Seb Payne. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Donald Trump has demanded the "unconditional surrender" of Iran and says he wants to choose its next leader. But does he have any idea of how to achieve that?Guto Harri unpacks the news and politics of the day with Alys Denby and Michael Binyon. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Was the UK slow off the mark to respond to US-Israel attacks on Iran, are we now struggling to adjust to the speed of events? We also discuss the increasingly aggressive language being used by the US to describe the conflict.Hugo Rifkind unpacks the politics of the day with Matthew Syed and Daisy McAndrew.  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Kemi Badenoch accuses the government of being too slow off the mark on Iran and throws out a few memorably unique phrases at Labour backbenchers. Keir Starmer hits back at the Tories for shrinking the defence budget.Hugo unpacks PMQs with Patrick Maguire, Tim Shipman and Stefan Boscia. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Donald Trump says America’s relationship with Britain has changed, warning the UK is “not such a recognisable country” anymore. What's happened to Keir Starmer hugging the US president close?Hugo Rifkind unpacks the politics of the day with Charlotte Ivers and James Marriott. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Donald Trump says he is "very disappointed" that Keir Starmer didn't initially allow the US to use British airbases to attack Iran - a position the Prime Minister has now reversed. Should the UK resist being dragged into America's war? And would that threaten the 'special relationship'?Hugo Rifkind unpacks the news and politics of the day with Libby Purves and Sebastian Payne. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Zack Polanski has declared an "existential crisis for the Labour Party" following a "seismic" by-election victory in Gorton and Denton. But does the result mean it's curtains for Keir Starmer?Ed Vaizey unpacks the politics of the day with Cindy Yu and Michael Binyon. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Is there an economic cost to falling net-migration? Will there be another government U-turn on student loans? And does Andrea Jenkyns' blue box look more like a biscuit tin? Hugo unpacks the politics of the day with Matthew Parris and Juliet Samuel.  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In a rowdy session of PMQs before the Gorton and Denton by-election, Keir Starmer attacks both the Greens and Reform - but Kemi Badenoch accuses Labour of being the "paedo-defenders party". Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The House of Commons has long steered clear of debating the royal family - until today. MPs have been told they are free to discuss Prince Andrew, following his withdrawal from public royal duties, but what are the rules when it comes to debating a royal - and what, exactly, can they say?Hugo Rifkind unpacks the politics of the day with Sarah Ditum and Patrick Kidd  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The government hopes to tackle the sensitive and costly system for children with special education needs and disabilities (SEND) in England - but will Labour MPs support the reforms, or force Starmer into yet another U-turn?Hugo Rifkind unpacks the politics of the day with Charlotte Ivers and Seb Payne. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The royal family faces its biggest crisis in decades following the arrest of Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor, who has denied wrongdoing. Does this weaken the monarchy, or has the King done enough to separate himself from his brother?Ed Vaizey unpacks the news and politics of the day with Alys Denby and Michael Binyon. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor has been arrested on suspicion of misconduct whilst in public office. He's the first senior Royal figure to be taken into custody in modern history. He denies wrongdoing. Hugo Rifkind unpacks the story - plus the other politics of the day - with Megan Kenyon and Sarah Ditum.  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Robert Jenrick sets out Reform’s economic case aiming to make the party credible. But without Farage on the stage, is it losing its radical edge? Hugo unpacks the politics of the day with Janice Turner and Robert Crampton. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The Reform UK 'shadow cabinet' has assembled. Nigel Farage has appointed Robert Jenrick, Suella Braverman and Zia Yusuf to key roles - but will voters be convinced that the party is truly a government-in-waiting?Hugo Rifkind unpacks the politics of the day with Libby Purves and James Marriott. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Cabinet ministers believe Sir Keir Starmer may now survive beyond May because Labour's leadership contenders are too busy squabbling to unite behind a successor. But can the PM get through the next few months without another self-inflicted wound?Hugo Rifkind unpacks the politics of the day with Cindy Yu and Patrick Kidd. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Sir Keir Starmer has survived to the end of a torrid week - will he find solace focusing on the internatonal agenda?Ed Vaizey unpacks the politics of the day with Alys Denby and Michael Binyon. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The trouble for Keir Starmer continues, as cabinet minister Lisa Nandy calls recent events 'unforgivable', and talks of briefings from Number 10 'dripping in misogyny'. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The PM faces questions over giving peerages to Peter Mandelson and Matthew Doyle, with Kemi Badenoch accusing him of 'stuffing government with hypocrites and paedophile apologists'.Hugo Rifkind unpacks the exchanges from the Commons with Patrick Maguire and Ayesha Hazarika.   Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

After a political whirlwind caused by the Mandelson scandal came close to ending Sir Keir Starmer's premiership, some of his supporters claim the media is addicted to drama - do they have a point?Hugo unpacks the politics of the day with Libby Purves and James Marriott. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Keir Starmer has lost a second senior aide, less than 24 hours after the departure of chief of staff Morgan McSweeney.Are we now in the terminal phase of Keir Starmer's premiership?Hugo Rifkind unpacks the politics of the day with Charlotte Ivers, Sebastian Payne and Patrick Maguire. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Keir Starmer is clinging on as Prime Minister and more details of Peter Mandelson's alleged misconduct could still emerge - so is his fate now sealed?Ed unpacks the politics of the day with Daisy McAndrew and Alys Denby. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Keir Starmer says he’s sorry for believing Peter Mandelson’s lies, as anger grows over Mandelson’s appointment as ambassador to the US - but is his apology enough? Or could it prove fatal to Starmer’s leadership?Hugo Rifkind unpacks the politics of the day with Matthew Syed and Sarah Ditum.  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Keir Starmer described Peter Mandelson as a "liar" who "betrayed our country" at PMQs today.But he also admitted that he had been aware of Mandelson's ongoing relationship with Jeffrey Epstein when he appointed him as US ambassador.Can the Prime Minister survive this growing scandal?Hugo Rifkind unpacks the exchanges in the House of Commons with The Times' Chief Political Commentator Patrick Maguire and the comedian Marcus Brigstocke. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

After Peter Mandelson tells the Times he can't escape his connections with Jeffrey Epstein, the uproar over allegations he leaked sensitive government emails to the late paedophile financier grows.Hugo Rifkind unpacks the politics of the day with James Marriott and Libby Purves.  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Peter Mandelson is out of the Labour Party and Keir Starmer says he'd like to see him out of the House of Lords - but have the peer's links with Jeffrey Epstein damaged the prime minister?Hugo unpacks the politics of the day with Charlotte Ivers and Seb Payne.   Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

As well as today's Politics Unpacked, which sees Ed Vaizey discuss China, Iran and left-wing AI with Michael Binyon and Cindy Yu, we've got an in-depth look at the by-election in Gorton and Denton.Times chief political commentator Patrick Maguire and political scientist Rob Ford profile the constituency, and analyse whether Labour can hold off the challenge from the Green Party and Reform UK. By-election: 32'15 Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Kemi Badenoch has called on centrist Conservatives hoping to influence the party to "get out of the way" - is the Tory one nation tradition dead, or an electoral opportunity?Hugo, Matthew Parris and Juliet Samuel debate the future of the party and unpack the politics of the day.  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

With the PM in China, David Lammy stands in for Keir Starmer at deputy PMQs. But can Andrew Griffith land a blow for the Tories?Hugo Rifkind unpacks the exchanges in the House of Commons with Patrick Maguire, Stefan Boscia and Chris Ward, parliamentary secretary in the Cabinet Office.  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

As Labour backbenchers call on Starmer to reverse the ban on Andy Burnham standing as an MP, a cabinet minister says the decision is 'done and dusted'.Hugo unpacks the politics of the day with Libby Purves and James Marriott. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The prime minister is facing a backlash from some Labour MPs after the party blocked Greater Manchester Mayor Andy Burnham's attempt to become an MP - did Keir Starmer have any other choice? Hugo Rifkind unpacks the politics of the day with Seb Payne and Charlotte Ivers Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Donald Trump has falsley claimed that Nato soldiers, including those from the UK, stayed "a little off the front lines" in Afghanistan. And, who will win in an electoral test of strength between Keir Starmer and Andy Burnham?Ed Vaizey unpacks the politics of the day with Michael Binyon and Alys Denby. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Donald Trump says he's bringing peace to the world - in Gaza, Ukraine and Greenland. After sending Europe into a tailspin, what's really changed?Hugo Rifkind unpacks the politics of the day with Fraser Nelson and Alice Thomson.  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Sir Keir Starmer says he will not yield to Donald Trump over the future of Greenland, calling recent criticism of the Chagos deal an attempt to force the issue -- did this rebuke to Trump spark his best performance yet?Hugo Rifkind unpacks the exchanges from the Commons with Patrick Magurie, Stefan Boscia and Andy Parsons. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Donald Trump has attacked Britain’s decision to hand over the Chagos Islands, using it to argue that the US needs Greenland. As relations with Washington grow more unpredictable, how should Keir Starmer respond? Hugo Rifkind unpacks the politics of the day with Jenni Russell and James Marriott.  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Keir Starmer has said Donald Trump is "completely wrong" to threaten tariffs against countries that oppose his plan to take control of Greenland. But the Prime Minister stopped short of announcing retaliatory measures. Is this pragmatic diplomacy or weakness?Hugo Rifkind unpacks the politics of the day with Charlotte Ivers and Sebastian Payne. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Robert Jenrick becomes Reform UK’s newest MP after defecting from the Conservatives. Who has come out on top, and have we really seen a reshaping of the right of British politics?Ed Vaizey unpacks the politics of the day with Michael Binyon and Alys Denby. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Kemi Badenoch sacks Robert Jenrick after claiming to have clear evidence he was planning defecting to Reform UK.Hugo Rifkind unpacks the politics of the day with Matthew Parris and Juliet Samuel. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Kemi Badenoch mocks Keir Starmer over his latest U-turn, while he claims the Tories have had 'more positions than the 'Kama Sutra'.Hugo Rifkind unpacks the exchanges from the Commons with Gabriel Pogrund, Stefan Boscia and Susie McCabe.  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The government is to criminalise non-consensual deepfakes after concerns were raised about the capabilities of Elon Musk's Grok AI. Can the government control what happens online? And should it?Hugo Rifkind unpacks the politics of the day with Megan Kenyon and James Marriott. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Former Tory Chancellor (well, briefly) Nadhim Zahawi becomes Reform UK's highest profile defection yet - but does it make Nigel Farage's party look like a home for Tory has-beens? Hugo Rifkind unpacks the politics of the day with Charlotte Ivers and Seb Payne. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Rachel Reeves is set to announce a bailout for pubs following a backlash over plans to hike business rates. It's the 12th major U-turn since Labour entered office - are they demonstrating confidence, or chaos?Ed Vaizey unpacks the politics of the day with Sonia Sodha and Michael Binyon. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Donald Trump doesn't pretend his foreign interventions are part of a noble cause. Did we prefer it when US presidents hid their blunt motives with insincerity?Hugo Rifkind unpacks the politics of the day with Matthew Syed and Sarah Ditum.  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

It's the first PMQs of the year, and Hugo and Patrick Maguire are joined in the studio by Reform UK leader Nigel Farage. As they unpack the exchanges from the Commons, they discuss voting for sending troops to Ukraine, Donald Trump's raid on Venezuela, and how Farage will change PMQs if he makes it into Downing Street. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

After the US raid on Venezuela, the UK government has tried not to make a splash and condemn Trump. But with Greenland in his sights, will they continue to defer to his judgement?Hugo Rifkind unpacks the politics of the day with Libby Purves and James Marriott Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Keir Starmer’s turned off his out-of-office, and he’s planning a big push on the cost of living in 2026 - but will his survival strategy actually work?Hugo Rifkind unpacks the politics of the day with Seb Payne and Charlotte Ivers.  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Keir Starmer is being held back by the "fringe obsessions" of the civil service, according to his former director of strategy Paul Ovenden. So how can the Prime Minister tackle the "weirdness" of Whitehall?Ed Vaizey unpacks the politics of the day with Cindy Yu and Michael Binyon. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

It's been an eventful year in politics and the party leaders will be hoping to set the right tone for 2026 - so what can we expect in the new year?Ed Vaizey unpacks the politics of the day for the final time in 2025, with Sarah Ditum and Emma Duncan.  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The New Year's Honours list has raised eyebrows, with some recipients having previously been at the centre of culture war controversies. So who should really get a gong?Ed Vaizey unpacks the news and politics of the day with Libby Purves and Patrick Kidd. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The prime minister has been urged to deport Egyptian activist Alaa Abd El Fattah, after he apologised for social media posts apparently calling for violence against Zionists and the police.But as successive governments backed his release from an Egyptian jail, will anyone listen to critics including Liz Truss?Ed Vaizey unpacks the politics of the day with Jack Blackburn and Albie Amankona. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.