Politics Unpacked

Matt Chorley explores the Economic Crime Bill designed to crack down on the flow of dirty money to the UK.PLUS: Carol Lewis and Roger Boyes discuss the situation in Ukraine and house prices. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Matt Chorley charts the rise and fall of the Sunday political TV shows with Sunday Shows at 50. Last week, we looked at the birth of Weekend World and this week, we look at how David Frost dominated the Sunday shows for over a decade. Interviewees including his son Wilfred Frost, his editor Barney Jones, Trevor Phillips, Peter Mandelson, Chris Evans, politicians including Neil Kinnock, Tony Blair, and William Hague, and prominent journalists Jeremy Vine and John Humphrys. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Matt Chorley broadcasts live from Cardiff. He spoke to Welsh Secretary Simon Hart and he dives into the story of the Welshman who founded Donetsk in Ukraine.PLUS COLUMNISTS Will Hayward and Bronwen Weatherby talk about the Welsh response to Ukraine and policing in Wales. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Matt Chorley and the Times Red Box Editor Patrick Maguire pause the action to analyse the exchanges between Boris Johnson and Sir Keir Starmer at Prime Minister's Questions. PLUS: Alice Thomson and Robert Crampton discuss Matt Hancock finding love and the comeback of liberal democracy. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Matt Chorley charts the rise of Vladimir Putin and how he became such a fierce adversary of the West.PLUS Daniel Finkelstein and David Aaronovitch discuss whether Britain rises to the occasion when it comes to conflict. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Matt Chorley charts the rise of Volodymyr Zelenskyy. The former lawyer, actor and comedian who is now leading Ukraine in war with Vladimir Putin. PLUS Libby Purves and Rachel Sylvester discuss helping Ukrainian refugees and petty past convictions. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Matt Chorley charts the rise and fall of the Sunday political TV show, starting by going behind-the-scenes of the heavyweight, sometimes heavy-going, Weekend World which launched in 1972. The brainchild of John Birt, it was fronted first by Peter Jay, then later the formidable former Labour MP Brian Walden, and then finally former Conservative MP Matthew Parris. From Walden’s complex interviewing format, to a relaunch which cost Parris his wonky teeth, this is the story of a show which made political and journalistic careers.Interviewees including Peter Jay, former Times economics editor and first Weekend World presenter; Matthew Parris, Weekend World's last presenter; producers David Aaronovitch, Trevor Phillips and Peter Mandelson, politicians including Neil Kinnock, Tony Blair, and William Hague, and prominent journalists Jeremy Vine and John Humphrys. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

As Putin mounted his invasion of Ukraine, Matt Chorley analyses the global political and economic impact. GUESTS: Melanie Podolyak, James Johnson, Mick Antoniw and Danny Finkelstien. PLUS India Knight & James Marriott Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Matt Chorley and Chief Political Commentator of the Sunday Times Tim Shipman pause the action to analyse the exchanges between Boris Johnson and Keir Starmer at Prime Minister's Questions. PLUS: Alice Thomson and Robert Crampton discuss the days news Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Emmanuel Macron is one of Europe's key figures during the Ukraine crisis, but has failed to find a diplomatic solution. Matt Chorley finds out what his ambitions are and what he's really like. PLUS: Danny Finkelstein and David Aaronovitch Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

On the 21st of February 1972, President Nixon landed in China - Matt Chorley asks how that visit changed US/ China relations in the following 50 years. PLUS: Libby Purves and Rachel Sylvester discuss the day's news. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Matt Chorley speaks to the Bishop of Exeter about levelling up the south west and talks about politics in the area with Patrick English from YouGov and the University of Exeter's Dr Hannah Bunting. Plus Alice Thomson and Sir Michael Barber discuss the day's news. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

As veteran MPs quit the Commons, a new Yougov poll for Times Radio reveals 1 in 5 want to be an MP. Matt Chorley speaks to those leaving and those looking to arrive in the Commons about what life is like on the green-benches.PLUS: India Knight and James Marriott discuss the latest scandal to hit the Royal Family and new curriculum guidelines for schools.  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Matt Chorley speaks to journalists from England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland to get the news from the four corners of the UK. This week: How do attitudes towards immigration differ in each country? PLUS: James Forsyth and Rosamund Urwin discuss what the government can do about the cost of living crisis and Britain's baby shortage. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Live from Glasgow, Matt Chorley speaks to Polling guru Sir John Curtice to take the temperature of Scottish politics before Ross Greer from the Scottish Greens and Scottish Liberal Democrat leader Alex Cole Hamilton debate the role of the smaller parties.PLUS Helen Stewart and Kenny Farquharson discuss the days news. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Matt Chorley speaks to Scottish Labour leader Anas Sarwar about problems for the party and whether they can regain Labour's lost love.PLUS Melanie Reid and Alex Massie discuss Boris Johnson's leadership and Valentine's Day. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Matt Chorley is joined by Tony Blair, Donald Trump, Theresa May, Jeremy Corbyn and Boris Johnson. Well...sort of. Five lookalikes explain what it's like impersonating British politicians.PLUS: Melanie Reid and James Forsyth discuss British Foreign policy towards Europe in the face of the Ukraine crisis, and whether Scotland could introduce women-only train carriages. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

With all the job changes in Downing Street, Matt Chorley speaks to Jack Brown, the former Historian in residence at 10 Downing Street and author of "Number 10 and hears from former advisers and permanent secretaries on why where you sit in No 10 really matters. Plus the Times' James Marriott and Carol Lewis talk about being envious and Labour's stance on defence. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Matt Chorley and Chief Political Commentator of the Sunday Times Tim Shipman pause the action to analyse the exchanges between Boris Johnson and Keir Starmer at Prime Minister's Questions.PLUS Alibert: Alice Thomson and Robert Crampton discuss heshuffle, teachers and farmers. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Matt Chorley speaks to the Times’ Crime and Security Editor Fiona Hamilton, Regional London Director of the IOPC, Sal Naseem, and he speaks to two former Met heads Dr Victor Olisa and Shabnam Chaudri. And Finkelvitch, Daniel Finkelstein and David Aaronovitch on when jokes have gone too far and University Challenge. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Despite raising taxes Boris Johnson and Rishi Sunak think they're Thatcherites, but some of their MPs think they're socialists. We speak to the people who knew the Iron Lady best to find out what Thatcherism is...Plus Rachel Cunliffe and Rachel Sylvester discuss the day's news 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, he's learning about each Leader of the Opposition with Nigel Fletcher from the Centre for Opposition Studies.Each month you'll find a collection of episodes on the podcast. This month it's Charles James Fox, George Ponsonby, George Tierney and Henry Petty. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

What is the press gallery? Hundreds of journalists across different media organisations are now able to report from the Houses of Parliament. We take you back to 1738 where journalists had to fight to be able to report on what went on in the House of Commons with News UK archivist Nick Mays, former Political Editor of the Times, Philip Webster and Times Radio's Carole Walker. Plus columnists chat with FORMEL, James Forsyth and Melanie Reid, on resignations and scrapping exams. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Matt Chorley speaks to Veteran Political Journalist Michael Crick about his incredibly detailed biography of Brexit's Nigel Farage "One Party After Another".PLUS: India Knight and James Marriott on the cost of living crisis and Botox. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Matt Chorley and Chief Political Commentator of the Sunday Times Tim Shipman pause the action to analyse the exchanges between Boris Johnson and Keir Starmer at Prime Minister's Questions.PLUS ALIBERT: Robert Crampton and Alice Thomson discuss the Office of the Prime Minister and men behaving badly. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

After explosive scenes in the House of Commons, Matt Chorley unpacks what happened with the Times Red Box Editor Patrick Maguire.PLUS FINKELVITCH: Daniel Finkelstein and David Aaronovitch talk about the relationship between politicians and police and Jimmy Savile. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Matt Chorley speaks to an unofficial focus group of women called Sue Gray to find out what they think about the report and Boris Johnson. Plus Opinium pollster Chris Curtis goes through what the public think.COLUMNISTS Rachel Sylvester and Susie Boniface talk about levelling up and Boris Johnson's chances in the next general election. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Matt dives into the real spiking threat in nightclubs with chair of the Home Affairs Select Committee Dame Diana Johnson, St John's Ambulance, nightclub operator Peter Marks and student organisations trying to tackle this at their universities.PLUS FORMEL: James Forsyth and Melanie Reid talk tax, Johnson's plea to MPs and political location hotspots. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Matt Chorley speaks to the former Editor of the Jewish Chronicle about Holocaust Memorial Day and the threat of anti-Semitism in the UK today. PLUSJames Marriott and Martha Gill discuss reasons to be positive Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Matt Chorley and The Sunday Times' Tim Shipman pause the action and ring the bell in yet another Prime Minister's Questions dominated by Partygate and the prospect of Sue Gray's report. PLUSAlice Thomson and Robert Crampton discuss the top stories of the day. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

As Liz Truss continues negotiations to fix the Northern Ireland protocol, Matt Chorley speaks to political analysts and MPs on both sides of the Assembly to ask whether the island of Ireland is on the path to reunification.PLUS Danny Finklestein and David Aaronovitch react to the Police announcing that they will investigate Downing Street parties. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Matt Chorley speaks to Times Diplomatic Correspondent Catherine Philp, Former Defence Secretary Liam Fox, former UK Ambassador to Ukraine Leigh Turner and others to find out what's happening in Ukraine and what it means for the UK and the rest of the world. PLUSLibby Purves and Rachel Sylvester discuss the latest from Westminster. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Everyone is talking about letters of no confidence this week so Matt looks through letters which have shaped politics down the years, from campaigns to get prime ministers to change their policies, to Harold Wilson's letter to Daniel Finkelstein about watching the muppets. Daniel Finklestein, Dr Kit Kowol and Professor Richard Toye speak what we can learn from political letters.PLUS FORMEL: James Forsyth and Melanie Reid on the political tv drama we're in and train announcements. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

What makes a politician defect and change political sides? Matt talks to four politicians who decided to jump and how they kept it a secret including; Alan Howarth, Douglas Carswell, Anna Soubry and Dr Phillip Lee.PLUS KNIGHT AT THE MARRIOTT... India Knight and James Marriott discuss taking responsibility and why rule breakers get ahead. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

As Boris Johnson claims 'he was not told' the Downing Street party would breach lockdown regulations, Matt Chorley and Patrick Maguire pause the action between the exchanges at the dispatch box to explain what's going on.PLUS Alice Thomson and Robert Crampton discuss Boris Johnson's leadership woes and swimming in the Serpentine. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Matt Chorley speaks to Times Chief Political Correspondent Henry Zeffman, former SpAd Kirsty Buchanan and head of the Institute of Economic Affairs Mark Littlewood to find out who the woman behind the photo ops really is. PLUSDaniel Finkelstein and David Aaronovitch discuss fairness in politics.  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Matt Chorley talks to Sir Mark Walport, Professor Linda Bauld and The Science Media Centre's Fiona Fox about going from anonymous scientists in front of a microscope to media sensations during a pandemic.PLUS: Libby Purves and Rachel Sylvester talk Operation Red Meat, the BBC licence fee and more. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Matt Chorley hears from people who were in the room with previous Conservative Prime Ministers as they were forced out from office. The Times' Political Editor Steven Swinford analyses how close Boris is to following them.PLUS: Melanie Reid and James Forsyth discuss the latest Number 10 Downing Street party to be revealed. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Matt Chorley catches up with former civil servant, cancer patient and listener Clair Fisher about being moved into a hospice and why palliative care needs to be considered in the Health and Social Care bill.PLUS COLUMNISTS: India Knight and Hugo Rifkind talk about Boris Johnson's leadership, art degrees and dogs wearing clothes. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

With Boris Johnson under fire for the latest party allegations, Matt Chorley and Patrick Maguire pause the action between the exchanges at the dispatch box to explain what's going on. PLUSAlice Thomson and Robert Crampton discuss parties and farming. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Matt Chorley and former Number 10 Pollster James Johnson convene the Times Radio focus group to find out what they think about the latest Number 10 party revelations. PLUSDaniel Finkelstein and David Aaronovitch discuss Michael Gove's lift incident. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Matt Chorley speaks to former Ambassador to the US Kim Darroch, Times Diplomatic Editor Roger Boyes, and former senior civil servants Jill Rutter and Simon Fraser about the issues facing the Foreign Office, and what it can do to get back on top. PLUSThe Times Libby Purves and the Mirror's Susie Boniface talk party-gate and living forever. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The Danish political drama is back this year. Matt Chorley speaks to the show's creator Adam Price about life imitating art, what really happens in Danish politics and what to expect in season four.PLUS COLUMNIST FORMEL: James Forsyth and Melanie Reid talk about the Downing Street flat inquiry and the cost of living. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Matt Chorley looks back a year since the Capitol riots with Jamie Roberts and Robert Moore who were there. Also he spoke to Barbara Walter and Carlton Larson on the future of US democracy and a possible civil war.PLUS COLUMNISTS: Knight at the Marriott, India Knight and James Marriott, discuss compulsory vaccines, culture wars and loving pets more than children. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

A special PMQs Unpacked episode after Prime Minister's Questions was pushed back to 3pm. Matt Chorley takes over the role of Tim Shipman and pauses the action in the Commons with Mariella Frostrup.PLUS it's Wednesdays so it's our columnist duo Alibert, Alice Thomson and Robert Crampton on care homes and vaccine exemptions. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Matt Chorley speaks to Times Chief Political Commentator Henry Zeffman, former Labour MP Anna Turley, pollster Kelly Beaver and Financial Times journalist Seb Payne about Keir Starmer's speech resetting Labour's agenda, patriotism, and the flag. PLUSDaniel Finkelstein and David Aaronovitch discuss political nomenclature. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Carole Walker, sitting in for Matt Chorley, speaks to historian Brenda Van Coppenolle, and Conservative politicians Geoffrey Clifton Brown and Nicholas Soames about political dynasties in the UK.PLUSThe Times' Rachel Sylvester and the New Statesman's Rachel Cunliffe discuss schools, covid and France. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In a Christmas special, fellow Times Radio presenter Luke Jones speaks to Matt Chorley about growing up in Taunton, working in Westminster and what he loves about presenting politics without the boring bits. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

PM Christmas Special: Matt Chorley and historian and author Andrew Gimson dive into the lives of British Prime Ministers. This episodes goes through all the Prime Ministers from Margaret Thatcher to Boris Johnson. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Matt Chorley speaks to a focus group of the podcast's regular Columnists who write for The Times discussing the politics of 2021. In part 2 of 2, Matt asks the group how they'll spend Christmas and which Times Columnist would make the best Prime Minister. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.