

Politics Unpacked
Times Radio
Hugo Rifkind unpacks the the politics of the day - and the stuff that's even more important - with the brightest brains from the Times and Sunday Times.You can listen to Hugo on DAB, smart speaker or app 10am-1pm Monday to Friday. If you like what you hear, then read more at http://www.thetimes.com/ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Episodes
Mentioned books

Dec 19, 2025 • 33min
Are Ministers Running Scared Of The Voters?
Nearly ten million voters could see their local elections delayed until 2027, which Nigel Farage claims is to stop him winning more councils - does he have a point?Guto Harri unpacks the politics of the day with Alys Denby and Michael Binyon Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Dec 18, 2025 • 33min
Trump Derangement Syndrome
TDS, or Trump Derangement Syndrome, is apparently the irrational desire to criticise the US President Donald Trump. But with his approval ratings slipping in the polls, is he in serious trouble over his handling of the economy?Hugo Rifkind unpacks the politics of the day with Matthew Parris and Juliet Samuel. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Dec 17, 2025 • 45min
PMQs: Does Starmer Have the Baubles?
In the final PMQs of the year, Kemi Badenoch challenges Keir Starmer on growth, taxes and claims he doesn’t have the “baubles” to stop the doctors’ strike. Starmer hits back, arguing that Badenoch’s Christmas wish list would freeze the minimum wage...Hugo Rifkind unpacks the Commons exchanges with Josh Glancy, Stefan Boscia and Ahir Shah. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Dec 16, 2025 • 35min
Donald Trump vs The BBC
Donald Trump has sued the BBC for $10 billion over an edit of his January 6th speech in a Panorama documentary. Could the corporation's survival be threatened if it doesn't settle with the US president?Hugo Rifkind unpacks the politics of the day with Libby Purves and Patrick Kidd. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Dec 15, 2025 • 32min
Burnham, Reform & Clarkson Bans MPs
Does Andy Burnham want to be PM? Reform UK has become Britain’s largest party by membership, and Jeremy Clarkson is the latest pub owner to bar Labour MPs from his pub.Hugo Rifkind unpacks the politics of the day with Seb Payne and Emma Duncan. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Dec 12, 2025 • 29min
Starmer's Shuttle Diplomacy
Former diplomatic editor Michael Bingham and City A.M.'s Alice Denby dive into the urgent diplomacy surrounding Ukraine, analyzing Keir Starmer's efforts for peace. They discuss the implications of Donald Trump's position and the risk of temporary resolutions with Russia. The duo also explores NATO's readiness in the face of cyber threats and U.S. pressure on Europe. From calls to rejoin the customs union to the impact of AI on misinformation, they tackle cultural shifts and the political landscape with sharp insight.

Dec 11, 2025 • 34min
Are Labour's Peerages Hypocritical?
Keir Starmer has appointed 25 new peers, despite having pledged to shrink and even abolish the House of Lords in the past - how could that affect trust in politics?Hugo unpacks the politics of the day with Matthew Syed and Salma Shah. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Dec 10, 2025 • 45min
PMQs: A Caretaker Prime Minister
Panto season hits PMQs, with Badenoch calling Starmer a “caretaker PM,” Starmer accusing her of job-saving panic, and Lindsay Hoyle asking MPs to stop the pantomime auditions.Hugo Rifkind is joined by Patrick Maguire and Andrew Hunter Murray to unpack the exchanges in the House Of Commons. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Dec 9, 2025 • 35min
Does Rayner Have A Plan For Power?
Angela Rayner has expressed "frustration" with slow progress delivering on workers' rights. Now she's on the backbenches, is she going to be creating problems for Keir Starmer, and could she end up as leader?Hugo Rifkind unpacks the politics of the day with Megan Kenyon and Patrick Kidd. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Dec 8, 2025 • 31min
Are Starmer Loyalists Losing Faith?
Charlotte Ivers, a political journalist focused on UK dynamics, and Cindy Yu, a journalist keen on international affairs, discuss the shifting loyalty within Labour towards Keir Starmer. They analyze the implications of Labour Together surveying for potential successors and reflect on MPs' frustrations with Starmer's leadership. The duo dives into the political resilience of Nigel Farage amidst controversies and explore the ongoing debate around a national grooming gangs inquiry. They also touch on the cultural resonance of chicken wings in contemporary society.


