

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

Jan 30, 2026 • 42min
Will Labour Lose The By-Election?
As well as today's Politics Unpacked, which sees Ed Vaizey discuss China, Iran and left-wing AI with Michael Binyon and Cindy Yu, we've got an in-depth look at the by-election in Gorton and Denton.Times chief political commentator Patrick Maguire and political scientist Rob Ford profile the constituency, and analyse whether Labour can hold off the challenge from the Green Party and Reform UK. By-election: 32'15 Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Jan 29, 2026 • 34min
Reheated Centrism Or One-Nation Opportunity?
Kemi Badenoch has called on centrist Conservatives hoping to influence the party to "get out of the way" - is the Tory one nation tradition dead, or an electoral opportunity?Hugo, Matthew Parris and Juliet Samuel debate the future of the party and unpack the politics of the day. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Jan 28, 2026 • 48min
DPMQs: The Last Time He'll Get This Gig?
With the PM in China, David Lammy stands in for Keir Starmer at deputy PMQs. But can Andrew Griffith land a blow for the Tories?Hugo Rifkind unpacks the exchanges in the House of Commons with Patrick Maguire, Stefan Boscia and Chris Ward, parliamentary secretary in the Cabinet Office. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Jan 27, 2026 • 32min
Is Burnham 'Done and Dusted'?
As Labour backbenchers call on Starmer to reverse the ban on Andy Burnham standing as an MP, a cabinet minister says the decision is 'done and dusted'.Hugo unpacks the politics of the day with Libby Purves and James Marriott. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Jan 26, 2026 • 31min
The Burnham Backlash
The prime minister is facing a backlash from some Labour MPs after the party blocked Greater Manchester Mayor Andy Burnham's attempt to become an MP - did Keir Starmer have any other choice? Hugo Rifkind unpacks the politics of the day with Seb Payne and Charlotte Ivers Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Jan 23, 2026 • 30min
Trump Unites All Sides (In Outrage)
Donald Trump has falsley claimed that Nato soldiers, including those from the UK, stayed "a little off the front lines" in Afghanistan. And, who will win in an electoral test of strength between Keir Starmer and Andy Burnham?Ed Vaizey unpacks the politics of the day with Michael Binyon and Alys Denby. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Jan 22, 2026 • 36min
Trump's Bewildering Week
Donald Trump says he's bringing peace to the world - in Gaza, Ukraine and Greenland. After sending Europe into a tailspin, what's really changed?Hugo Rifkind unpacks the politics of the day with Fraser Nelson and Alice Thomson. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Jan 21, 2026 • 42min
PMQs: Starmer’s Best Yet?
Sir Keir Starmer says he will not yield to Donald Trump over the future of Greenland, calling recent criticism of the Chagos deal an attempt to force the issue -- did this rebuke to Trump spark his best performance yet?Hugo Rifkind unpacks the exchanges from the Commons with Patrick Magurie, Stefan Boscia and Andy Parsons. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Jan 20, 2026 • 29min
Trump Turns On Starmer
Join Jenni Russell, an insightful political commentator, and James Marriott, a keen political columnist, as they delve into the latest clash between Donald Trump and UK politics. They dissect Starmer's approach to Trump, unpack motivations behind Trump's remarks on the Chagos Islands and Greenland, and explore potential strategic errors. The conversation extends to public sentiments on defense spending, social media's impact on youth, and parallels drawn between celebrity family feuds and political dynamics. A thought-provoking dialogue with sharp commentary!

Jan 19, 2026 • 31min
Did Starmer Pull His Punches?
Keir Starmer has said Donald Trump is "completely wrong" to threaten tariffs against countries that oppose his plan to take control of Greenland. But the Prime Minister stopped short of announcing retaliatory measures. Is this pragmatic diplomacy or weakness?Hugo Rifkind unpacks the politics of the day with Charlotte Ivers and Sebastian Payne. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.


