Politics Unpacked

Russia says there is "a lot ahead to be done" on the Ukrainian ceasefire deal; what concessions can Donald Trump realistically extract from Vladimir Putin? Ed Vaizey unpacks the politics of the day with Michael Binyon and Claire Fox.  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Keir Starmer has announced he is abolishing NHS England, the quango in charge of NHS standards. Is he the chainsaw-wielding disruptor the UK didn't know it had? Hugo Rifkind unpacks the politics of the day with Manveen Rana and Matthew Syed. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Kemi Badenoch accuses Keir Starmer of talking 'trash' as she attacks Labour's record on the cost of living.  Hugo Rifkind unpacks the action from the Commons chamber with the help of Tim Shipman, Theo Usherwood and comedian Geoff Norcott. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Keir Starmer says the current benefits system "unsustainable, indefensible and unfair" - will the public, and his own party, agree?Hugo Rifkind unpacks the politics of the day with Libby Purves and James Marriott. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Hugo Rifkind unpacks the politics of the day, including: Elon Musk's spat with a Polish minister, Reform UK descends into infighting, and what are the politics of the Barbour jacket?With Jane Mulkerrins and Tom McTague. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

As President Trump reverses tariffs just days after introducing them, and claims he can get Putin to agree to a peace deal for mysterious reasons, is his unpredictability a strength or weakness?Ed Vaizey unpacks the politics of the day with Timandra Harkness and Michael Binyon.  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Britain controls our nuclear deterrent, but the missiles are leased from the Americans - so what happens if the US decided not to help?Hugo Rifkind unpacks the politics of the day with Manveen Rana and Matthew Parris. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Keir Starmer makes a pointed response to JD Vance after the US Vice President referred to "troops from some random country", and Kemi Badenoch offers her support over Ukraine.Hugo Rifkind unpacks the exchanges from the Commons chamber with the help of Tim Shipman, Lara Spirit and comedian Gráinne Maguire. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

After Donald Trump's abrupt halt to US military aid for Ukraine, how will Keir Starmer and the rest of Europe respond? 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 is uniting Europe's leaders around support for Ukraine, but as more and more money is given to the war effort, will the public start to wonder if it's really worth it?Hugo Rifkind unpacks the politics of the day with Jane Mulkerrins and Patrick Maguire. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Keir Starmer returns from his trip to Washington where his meeting with Trump seemed to go pretty well - but has Starmer really secured wins for the UK? Or is it all theatrics? Ed Vaizey unpacks the politics of the day with Jane Merrick and Timandra Harkness  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Despite European leaders, including Keir Starmer, meeting Trump at the White House this week, Trump is still planning a deal with Ukraine without a security guarantee. Does anyone in Europe know how to respond to him?Hugo Rifkind unpacks the politics of the day with Manveen Rana and Matthew Syed Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

PMQs Unpacked is back - and today Keir Starmer clashes with Tory leader Kemi Badenoch over the UK's planned increase in defence spending. Hugo Rifkind unpacks the action from the Commons chamber with the help of Tim Shipman, Lara Spirit and comedian Ahir Shah. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

What can Keir Starmer learn from Emmanuel Macron cosying up to Donald Trump?Hugo Rifkind unpacks the politics of the day with Katy Balls and James Marriott. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

A centre-left government kicked out by the electorate, with immigration the dominant issue... Are there lessons from the German election for Keir Starmer and Labour?And what is KMT, or Kemi Mean Time? Hugo Rifkind is joined by Patrick Maguire and Jane Mulkerrins. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Starmer is under pressure to increase defence spending ahead of his trip to Washington next week, but where will the money come from and will the public accept cuts elsewhere?Ed Vaizey unpacks the politics of the day with Michael Binyon and Zoe Strimpel. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Half of voters think it is in Britain’s interest to stand up to Donald Trump over Ukraine, but would it even make a difference?Hugo Rifkind unpacks the politics of the day with Matthew Parris and Manveen Rana. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

President Trump and Elon Musk put their friendship on full display in an hour long interview on Fox News. Will their bromance last? Hugo Rifkind unpacks the politics of the day with Alice Thomson and Robert Crampton. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

After claims she exaggerated her CV, Rachel Reeves' entry in Who's Who is found to be at fault. Will it cut through with the public?Hugo Rifkind unpacks the politics of the day with Libby Purves and James Marriott. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Hugo is unpacking the politics of the day with Patrick Maguire and Jane Mulkerrins.Should we all calm down over Trump's plans for Ukraine? What do the right-wing thinkers gathering for a conference in London really believe? And Patrick has, inevitably, been to Keir Starmer's local pub in North London. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

A new book by Times and Sunday Times journalists Patrick Maguire and Gabriel Pogrund charts Keir Starmer's rise to power, his journey from promising unity to taking on the Labour left, and raises questions about whether it is him - or chief of staff Morgan McSweeney - who is really in charge. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Trump and Putin have agreed to negotiate the end of the war in Ukraine, but where does this leave Kyiv?Hugo Rifkind unpacks the politics of the day with Fraser Nelson and Manveen Rana. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Keir Starmer criticises Kemi Badenoch's repetitive questioning, as the Tory leader finds herself on the defensive over immigration law.Hugo Rifkind unpacks the action from the Commons chamber with the help of Tim Shipman and comedian Gráinne Maguire.  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Donald Trump's tariffs will have a big impact the UK steel industry, but unlike EU leaders, Starmer isn't going to retaliate - does he have a plan?Hugo Rifkind unpacks the politics of the day with Libby Purves and James Marriott. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

After Keir Starmer tells his cabinet they need to be the "disrupters if you don't want to be disrupted", can they live up to the billing - and is this just a reaction to the rise of Reform UK? Hugo Rifkind unpacks the politics of the day with Emma Duncan and Patrick Maguire.  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

With growth forecast to be less than a measly one percent this year, can Keir Starmer build his way out of the bad news?Ed Vaizey unpacks the politics of the day with Robin Brant and Zoe Strimpel. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

As Kemi Badenoch sets out a new migration policy and Labour attacks Nigel Farage over his views on the NHS, are the Tories and Labour panicking about Reform's rise in the polls?Hugo Rifkind unpacks the politics of the day with Matthew Parris and Manveen Rana. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Kemi Badenoch continues her scattergun approach to questioning Keir Starmer, jumping from the Chagos Islands deal to voice coaches to drilling for oil in the North Sea.Hugo Rifkind unpacks the action from the Commons chamber with the help of Tim Shipman and comedian Marcus Brigstocke.  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Donald Trump has suspended the hefty tariffs on Mexico and Canada that he threatened after last-minute negotiations with the two US neighbours...is this the president showing the world just how favorable complying with his terms can be? Hugo Rifkind unpacks the politics of the day with Libby Purves and James Marriott.  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

A new book reveals that Keir Starmer closest advisers have doubted his ability to lead. Does it matter if he acts more like an HR manager than a politician?Hugo Rifkind unpacks the politics of the day with the book's author Patrick Maguire, and Lara Spirit  Pre-order a copy of 'Get In: The Inside Story of Labour Under Starmer' at timesbookshop.co.uk. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

It's the fifth anniversary of Brexit - is Ed a remoaner, what's gone wrong for the centrists, and is it time for boomers to open their pockets?Ed Vaizey unpacks the politics of the day with Zoe Strimpel and Robin Brant. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In the first Times Radio focus group of 2025, we find out whether voters who backed Labour at the general election are suffering from buyer's remorse.Hugo Rifkind is joined by pollster James Johnson, of JL Partners.  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Kemi Badenoch goes on the offensive over the government's plans for growth, but Keir Starmer thinks she's going to be 'the next lettuce'.Hugo Rifkind unpacks the action from the Commons chamber with the help of Tim Shipman and comedian Lucy Porter.  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The government has rejected advice to widen the definition of extremism, but how can it stop attacks from angry "loners" like in Southport?Plus, why is Ed Miliband hiring a vanity photographer?Hugo Rifkind unpacks the politics of the day with Libby Purves and James Marriott Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

After 45 minutes on the phone, and Donald Trump saying Keir Starmer is "a very good person", the transatlantic relationship seems to be on solid ground. But is it in the PM's best interests to cosy up to the US President?Hugo Rifkind unpacks the politics of the day with Patrick Maguire and Jane Mulkerrins.  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In the wake of the sentencing of the Southport killer, Nigel Farage has called for an apology after he was accused of spreading fake news. But is he just politicising the attack?Ed Vaizey unpacks the politics of the day with Zoe Strimpel and Miranda Green. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Hugo is unpacking the politics of the day with Matthew Parris and Manveen Rana.Matthew argues that liberals are going soft on Donald Trump, and it's time for them to stiffen their spines. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Kemi Badenoch accuses Keir Starmer of "educational vandalism" over his plans for schools. Who came out on top, and do some in Labour think she's got a point? Hugo Rifkind unpacks the action from the Commons chamber with the help of Tim Shipman, Lara Spirit and the comedian Athena Kugblenu. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Keir Starmer denied a 'cover-up' after his government was accused of withholding information about the Southport killer, did he get it wrong?Hugo Rifkind unpacks the politics of the day with Libby Purves and James Marriott  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Donald Trump returns as U.S. president after one of the most extraordinary election comebacks in modern history, but what will Trump part two look like? Will he smile or frown on Keir Starmer and the UK? Will his tariffs hurt Britain? And why have Suella Braverman and Liz Truss been invited to the inauguration? Hugo Rifkind unpacks the politics of the day with Patrick Maguire and Jane Mulkerrins Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Lib Dem leader Ed Davey has positioned himself as pro-Europe and anti-Trump. Can he appeal to the urban voters that Labour may lose as they pick their fight with the Tories and Reform? Ed Vaizey unpacks the politics of the day with Robin Brant and Alys Denby.  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

As a fragile ceasefire is agreed between Israel and Hamas, is this a peek into Donald Trump's new world order?Hugo Rifkind unpacks the politics of the day with Matthew Syed and Zoe Strimpel. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Kemi Badenoch questions Keir Starmer about the state of the economy and his support for Chancellor Rachel Reeves.Hugo Rifkind unpacks the action from the Commons chamber with the help of Patrick Maguire, Lara Spirit and comedian Geoff Norcott. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The chancellor shrugs off calls to resign after Keir Starmer is pressed about her future. Is there really any chance of her losing her job, and should the prime minister do a better job of defending her?Hugo Rifkind unpacks the politics of the day with James Marriott and Libby Purves.  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Rachel Reeves is looking for ways to grow the economy in the long-term, but may still have to cut spending - how will the party react?Hugo Rifkind unpacks the politics of the day with Janice Turner and Patrick Maguire. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Rachel Reeves is in China for trade talks, despite the UK's economic woes. When should politicians give in to pressure and cancel a foreign trip?Ed Vaizey unpacks the politics of the day with Seb Payne and Miranda Green. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The pound is falling in value and government borrowing costs are rising - are the economic walls closing in on Rachel Reeves?Hugo Rifkind unpacks the politics of the day with Manveen Rana and Michael Binyon. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

PMQs Unpacked is back for the new year and today Keir Starmer and Kemi Badenoch clash over whether there should be a national inquiry into child sexual abuse by grooming gangs. Hugo Rifkind unpacks the exchanges from the Commons with the help of Sunday Times chief political commentator Tim Shipman and comedian Alistair Barrie.  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Calls for a national inquiry into the grooming gangs scandal are being led by the Conservatives, Reform UK and Elon Musk, but would it delay the action needed to protect children from abuse?Hugo Rifkind unpacks the politics of the day with James Marriott and Libby Purves Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Without naming him directly, Keir Starmer has denounced Elon Musk for spreading falsehoods about the child sex abuse scandal. Has the PM changed his strategy for dealing with the billionaire?Hugo Rifkind unpacks the politics of the day with Hadley Freeman and Lara Spirit. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.