Politics Unpacked

Times Radio
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Dec 5, 2025 • 31min

Britain’s Move On Frozen Russian Assets

In this insightful discussion, Alys Denby, opinion editor at City A.M., and former diplomatic editor Michael Binyon explore the UK's strategy to utilize £8 billion of frozen Russian assets to support Ukraine. They analyze Putin's surprising warm reception in India and its implications for global politics. The conversation also touches on the impact of social media on public accountability and the potential effects of Labour's workers' rights reforms on employment. Light-hearted anecdotes about festive celebrations provide a refreshing balance to the serious topics.
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Dec 4, 2025 • 35min

Can Farage Lure Jenrick?

Nigel Farage wants a “reverse takeover” of the Tory party, but he's not interested in any Reform UK-Conservative Party pact at the next election - could he lure Robert Jenrick to join Reform? Hugo Rifkind unpacks the politics of the day with Matthew Parris and Juliet Samuel. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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Dec 3, 2025 • 43min

PMQs: She's Completely Losing The Plot

Political heavyweight Gabriel Pogrund, Sunday Times Whitehall editor, and Guto Harri, former Downing Street communications chief, discuss Kemi Badenoch's standout performance at PMQs. They analyze the implications of her budget-focused strategy and the tensions surrounding the OBR's resignation. Delving into cabinet infighting, the duo assesses how Badenoch's tactics may challenge Whitehall unity. The conversation also touches on Keir Starmer's credibility and policy reversals, making for a lively exploration of current political dynamics.
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Dec 2, 2025 • 31min

Why Is Starmer Bringing Up Brexit?

Keir Starmer says the UK is still facing consequences of Brexit vote's 'wild promises' - why is the prime minister bringing up Brexit? Hugo Rifkind unpacks the politics of the day with Libby Purves and Patrick Kidd. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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Dec 1, 2025 • 31min

Did The Chancellor Lie To Cabinet?

The Prime Minister has denied that he and the Chancellor misled the cabinet, and the country, over the state of the nation's finances - has he put the question to bed?Hugo Rifkind unpacks the politics of the day with Charlotte Ivers and Sebastian Payne. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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Nov 28, 2025 • 31min

Labour's Grown-Up Politics

Thangham Debbonaire, a Labour peer and MP, defends her party's recent decision to abandon day-one unfair dismissal rights, sparking a lively debate with political analyst Michael Binyon. They explore the mixed voter reactions to the budget, the implications of minimum wage structures, and the rise of the Green Party as a potential threat. The discussion also touches on Trump's rhetoric on migration and its impact on political discourse, concluding with a light-hearted look at their morning routines compared to celebrities.
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Nov 27, 2025 • 30min

Is The Budget The Chancellor's Obituary?

Rachel Reeves has told Times Radio she is determined to remain in Number 11 Downing Street, and that she wasn't going to have her political obituary written today - how might this play out with Labour’s election chances? Hugo Rifkind unpacks the politics of the day with Robert Colvile and Megan Kenyon  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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Nov 26, 2025 • 23min

PMQs: Most Chaotic Budget Yet?

The OBR may have mistakenly released Reeves' budget too early, but it was just in time for Prime Minister's Questions. Hugo Rifkind unpacks the exchanges with The Times' Chief Political Correspondent Patrick Maguire. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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Nov 25, 2025 • 33min

Another 'Omnishambles' Budget?

Rachel Reeves has told Labour MPs she'll survive Wednesday's budget, and be back for years to come. Is it set to be worse than previous budget disasters, including George Osborne's 'omnishambles' in 2012?Hugo Rifkind unpacks the politics of the day with Ed Vaizey and James Marriott. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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Nov 24, 2025 • 31min

Is the Chancellor Still In Control?

It’s been a year since Rachel Reeves told the CBI she'd steer clear of extra borrowing or new tax rises. After a weekend spent defending her position, is the Chancellor really in control?Hugo Rifkind unpacks the politics of the day with Seb Payne and Charlotte Ivers.  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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