Politics Unpacked

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.

Elon Musk has continued his attacks on the UK government, but why is he inserting himself into European politics? Does he want to be a global statesman? And what will this mean for his new friend Nigel Farage? Ed Vaizey unpacks the politics of the day with Michael Binyon and Gaby Hinsliff  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The government has begun 2025 by targeting people-smuggling gangs after channel crossings rose by a quarter last year. Plus, as Starmer is booed for queue-jumping for a toboggan ride on holiday, is it the most offensive thing a Brit can do?Ed Vaizey unpacks the politics of the day with Manveen Rana and Matthew Syed Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The 2025 New Years Honours list has being released, with Former England football manager Gareth Southgate and actor Stephen Fry amongst those to be knighted. But how have politicians fared? James Marriott and Libby Purves join Ed to unpack the politics of the day, and much more. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The membership row between Kemi Badenoch and Nigel Farage rumbles on, but is anyone winning? And what do members of Reform UK get for their money?David Runciman and Zoe Strimpel join Hugo to unpack the politics of the day including Badenoch v Farage, how to be an ex-leader, and where does Elon Musk find the time? Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The economy hasn't grown since Labour came to power, can the government continue blaming the Tories?Plus, christmas jumpers and showbiz PR scandals. Hugo Rifkind Unpacks the politics of the day with Hadley Freeman and Matthew Syed. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Peter Mandelson is set to become Britain’s next ambassador to Washington, but does he have a plan to win over Donald Trump - and Elon Musk?Ed Vaizey unpacks the politics of the day, and all the other news, with Robin Brant and Timandra Harkness. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

A new YouGov polls shows the public doesn't see Kemi Badenoch as a PM in waiting - is their verdict a suprise?Plus, is Matthew Parris the British equivalent of a cowboy?Hugo Rifkind unpacks the politics of the day with Manveen Rana and Matthew Parris. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

It's the last PMQs of 2024, and Keir Starmer and Kemi Badenoch trade blows over the government's decision to restrict winter fuel payments.But some of the toughest questions come from the backbenches over the Waspi women campaign, with one MP calling the Starmer a "one-trick phony". Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Starmer's approval rating is the lowest of any Prime Minister after five months in Number 10 - is he a victim of circumstance, or of the fickle nature of modern politics?Hugo Rifkind unpacks the politics of the day with Libby Purves and Patrick Kidd. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Should MPs use parliamentary privilege to reveal the identity of an alleged Chinese spy? Is anti-bullying training 'woke'? And is the government's communications grid finally working?Lara Spirit unpacks the politics of the day, and all the other news, with Patrick Maguire and Hadley Freeman. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Keir Starmer faces a cabinet split as Wes Streeting criticises Ed Miliband's decision to oppose military action against Assad in Syria when he was the party's leader in 2013, but was Ed really to blame? Ed Vaizey unpacks the politics of the day with Seb Payne and and the I newspaper's Jane Merrick Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Kemi Badenoch gives an interview in which she claims sandwiches aren't 'real food' - and says she identifies with a murderous Game of Thrones character.Hugo Rifkind is joined by Matthew Syed and Jenni Russell to unpack the politics of the day, including the Tory leader's lunch habits. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Kemi Badenoch attacks Keir Starmer for his views on immigration when he was a lawyer - but can a letter be the tip of the iceberg? And does the prime minister eventually get the better of the leader of the opposition?Hugo Rifkind unpacks the angry exchanges from the Commons with the help of Sunday Times chief political commentator Tim Shipman and comedian Ria Lina. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

After David Lammy tells the Commons that Assad is the "rat of Damascus", does the foreign secretary have a habit of playing to the gallery?Plus: A first hand account from the court room during the Gisèle Pelicot rape trial.Hugo Rifkind unpacks the politics of the day with James Marriott and Janice Turner.  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

With Reform polling well and attracting more Tory defectors - including Suella Braverman's husband - who would you put your money on to dominate the right of politics by the next election?Hugo Rifkind unpacks the politics of the day with Hadley Freeman and Patrick Maguire Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Kemi Badenoch is Washington, but won't meet Donald Trump - who prefers Nigel Farage anyway. And why does Angela Rayner think Keir Starmer is like a civil servant?Ed Vaizey unpacks the politics of the day with Trevor Phillips and Gaby Hinsliff.  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Keir Starmer sets out six milestones for voters to judge his premiership, but did his speech reboot his premiership?Hugo Rifkind unpacks the speech and the politics of the day with Manveen Rana and Matthew Syed.  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Kemi Badenoch asks Keir Starmer why he appointed a "convicted fraudster" to be his transport secretary.Hugo Rifkind unpacks the action at prime minister's questions with the help of Tim Shipman, Lara Spirit and comedian Alex Kealy. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Keir Starmer is planning to set six numerical targets for the government to achieve before the next election, but do targets lead to results? And should the Louise Haigh accept thousands of pounds in severance pay?Hugo Rifkind unpacks the politics of the day with Libby Purves and James Marriott. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.