

Politics Unpacked
The Times
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

Aug 6, 2025 • 34min
The Chancellor’s ‘Impossible Trilemma’
With a £50 billion gap in the public finances, it is looking increasingly difficult for Rachel Reeves to avoid raising taxes.Hugo Rifkind unpacks the politics of the day with Janice Turner and Cindy Yu. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Aug 5, 2025 • 32min
Will The UK-France Migrant Deal Cut Through?
The government's 'one-in, one-out' migrant deal with France is coming into force - but can the public be persuaded by technocratic solutions? And should Neil Kinnock stop advising Rachel Reeves to raise taxes?Hugo Rifkind unpacks the politics of the day with Times columnists James Marriott and Libby Purves. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Aug 4, 2025 • 35min
Farage's Growing Entourage
Reform UK's new justice adviser doesn't agree with everything Nigel Farage says - does it matter? And can Farage keep tabs on his growing entourage? Hugo Rifkind unpacks the politics of the day with Seb Payne and Charlotte Ivers. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Aug 1, 2025 • 33min
Not So Silly Season
August is supposed to be a quiet time for politics but the Prime Minister has an array of thorny issues to contend with - from Heathrow's expansion plan, to foreign criminals and the fact that no one wants to name their baby after him.Harry Wallop unpacks the politics of the day with Alys Denby and Phil Tinline. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Jul 31, 2025 • 34min
PM's "Knee-Jerk Reaction" On Palestine
Top lawyers are warning Starmer he'll be breaking international law if he follows through with the recognition of a Palestinian State, and Conservative leader Kemi Badenoch called the move a "knee jerk reaction" - does she have a point ?Geoff Norcott is joined by Claire Cohen and Matthew Parris to unpack the politics of the day. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Jul 30, 2025 • 32min
Starmer's Palestine Plan
Israel has criticised Keir Starmer's plan to recognise a Palestinian state if conditions do not improve in Gaza, but many of the Prime Minister's MPs will feel he didn't act quickly enough. Has the PM had a change of heart or is this just gesture politics?Geoff Norcott unpacks the politics of the day with Jane Mulkerrins and Alice Thomson. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Jul 29, 2025 • 33min
Trump's Advice To Starmer
On his visit to Scotland, President Trump gave Keir Starmer his unsolicited advice for how to beat Nigel Farage at the next election - but should the Prime Minister listen to him?Michael Binyon is joined by Sarah Ditum and James Marriott to unpack the politics of the day. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Jul 28, 2025 • 36min
A MAGA British Summer
Keir Starmer meets Donald Trump at his Turnberry golf course today, where the president's love of Scotland has sparked talk of a 'MAGA British summer'. But on the domestic front, the prime minister has some thorny issues to contend with.Michael Binyon unpacks the politics of the day with Charlotte Ivers and Seb Payne. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Jul 25, 2025 • 30min
Battle With The BMA
Keir Starmer has appealed in The Times directly to doctors not to strike - but is this falling on deaf ears? And how does this bode for Labour’s future relations with the unions? Ed Vaizey unpacks the politics of the day with Michael Binyon and Thangam Debbonaire. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Jul 24, 2025 • 30min
Badenoch's Chainsaw Conservatives
Kemi Badenoch says the chainsaw-wielding president of Argentina would be “the template” for her government - could could she be Britain's answer to Javier Milei?Ed Vaizey unpacks the politics of the day with Manveen Rana and Fraser Nelson. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.