

Matt Chorley's Urgent Questions
BBC Radio 5 Live
Matt Chorley brings you the biggest interviews, latest news and best analysis from the heart of Westminster every weekday. It's politics, but not as you know it...
Episodes
Mentioned books

Feb 2, 2026 • 31min
How much trouble is Peter Mandelson in?
How much trouble is Peter Mandelson in?Are student loan changes immoral?Why are there so many German spuds?Who will be the MMP for St Helens North?Matt Chorley brings you the who, what, where, why and when of British politics.
If you've got urgent questions... then email Chorley@bbc.co.uk

Jan 30, 2026 • 39min
How has a century of TV changed our politics?
1. How has a century of TV changed our politics?
2. What did Nick Robinson do to attract Tony Blair's attention?
3. When have you nodded off?
4. Who will be the MMP for Tipton and Wednesbury?Matt Chorley brings you the who, what, where, why and when of British politics.If you've got urgent questions... then email Chorley@bbc.co.uk

Jan 29, 2026 • 41min
Will Reform crash & burn like the SDP in the 1980s?
Will Reform crash & burn like the SDP in the 1980s?Is politics full of sulkers?What will critics make of the Melania film?Who will be the MMP for Birmingham Selly Oak? Matt Chorley brings you the who, what, where, why and when of British politics.
If you've got urgent questions... then email Chorley@bbc.co.uk

Jan 28, 2026 • 46min
Did Dara Ó Briain find Deputy PMQs funny?
Dara Ó Briain, Irish stand-up and TV presenter, chats about PMQs and the craft of topical gags. Kim Darroch, veteran US envoy, reflects on posting beyond capitals. Lee Turner, ex-ambassador to Ukraine and Austria, shares stories of influence and security. Francis Guy, former envoy to Yemen and Lebanon, recounts evacuations, diplomacy in crises and the art of hosting.

Jan 27, 2026 • 43min
What's the naughtiest thing Shabana Mahmood has ever done?
What's the naughtiest thing Shabana Mahmood has ever done?What can politicians learn from Jaws?Should there be a time limit on Traitors spoilers?Who will be the MMP for Motherwell, Wishaw and Carluke?Matt Chorley brings you the who, what, where, why and when of British politics.
If you've got urgent questions... then email Chorley@bbc.co.uk

Jan 26, 2026 • 30min
Will Braverman feel at home in Reform?
Will Braverman feel at home in Reform?
What are Labour MPs saying about Starmer and Burnham?
Did the King influence Trump on Afghanistan?
Who will be the MMP for Southampton Test?
Matt Chorley brings you the who, what, where, why and when of British politics.
If you've got urgent questions... then email Chorley@bbc.co.uk

Jan 23, 2026 • 52min
Do Labour MPs want a Burnham comeback?
1. Do Labour MPs want a Burnham comeback?
2. What did William Waldegrave learn from working with three PMs?
3. What's it like being lectured by Boris Johnson?
4. Who will be the MMP for Brentwood and Ongar?
Matt Chorley brings you the who, what, where, why and when of British politics.
If you've got urgent questions... then email
Chorley@bbc.co.uk

10 snips
Jan 22, 2026 • 49min
Is there NOW a route to Number 10 for Andy Burnham?
James Lyons, former Director of Communications for Keir Starmer, discusses the potential political path for Andy Burnham following Andrew Gwynne's resignation and the implications for Labour. David Pinto-Dushinsky shares his personal journey with stammering in politics, emphasizing the need for inclusivity and support in public roles. The panel also debates strategies for addressing Donald Trump and the challenges of political messaging, highlighting the significance of representation and role models in overcoming stigma.

9 snips
Jan 21, 2026 • 32min
Did Trump just de-escalate the Greenland row?
David Baddiel, a witty writer and comedian, joins to share insights on his show 'Cat Man' and the unique chaos of Prime Minister's Questions (PMQs). He hilariously critiques political exchanges, highlighting the theatrical performances and jabs that define UK politics. Baddiel also champions the virtues of cats and proposes a quirky idea for periodic internet blackouts to boost mindfulness. The duo delves into the implications of Trump's recent comments on Greenland and their impact on UK diplomatic relations.

Jan 20, 2026 • 37min
Why won't Badenoch kick out Truss?
Why won't Badenoch kick out Truss?How does Starmer respond to Trump calling the UK stupid?Is a shortage of haggis winding you up?Who will be the MMP for Brentford and Isleworth?Matt Chorley brings you the who, what, where, why and when of British politics.
If you've got urgent questions... then email Chorley@bbc.co.uk


