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Politics Unpacked

Latest episodes

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Jun 25, 2025 • 39min

PMQs: Rayner's Rough Ride Over Welfare

With Keir Starmer away at the Nato summit, it's deputy prime minister's questions (again). Angela Rayner faces questions from Mel Stride about the mounting rebellion over welfare cuts.Ed Vaizey unpacks the action with Patrick Maguire and Gráinne Maguire. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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Jun 24, 2025 • 29min

Why Was Starmer Out Of The Loop?

There was little sign of British influence as the US attacked Iran and then announced a ceasefire. Does it throw Starmer's judgement into question, or is the UK better off out of the loop?Hugo Rifkind unpacks the politics of the day with James Marriott and Sarah Ditum  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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Jun 23, 2025 • 31min

Is The UK Internationally Irrelevant?

Donald Trump's unilateral attack on Iran exposes the limit to which Britain can influence events in the Middle East. Should we be happy with the role of bystander?Hugo Rifkind unpacks the politics of the day with Sebastian Payne and Carol Lewis. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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Jun 20, 2025 • 31min

Is There A "Window" For Iran Diplomacy?

Donald Trump's given Iran a "two-week" reprieve for negotiations and David Lammy has gone to Geneva for talks with the Iranian foreign minister. But can their diplomacy work?Ed Vaizey is joined by columnists Michael Binyon and Jane Merrick to unpack the politics of the day.  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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Jun 19, 2025 • 33min

How Will The UK Respond If Trump Attacks?

Donald Trump is reported to have approved a plan to attack Iran, and the world waits to see if he uses it. But how will Keir Starmer respond?Hugo Rifkind unpacks the politics of the day with Matthew Parris and Claire Cohen.  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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Jun 18, 2025 • 45min

PMQs: Keir Starmer's 'Bag Carrier' Lifts The Lid

Chris Ward, Labour MP and parliamentary private secretary to Keir Starmer, provides a unique insider perspective on the dynamics of Prime Minister's Questions. He reveals the essential role of aides during these high-stakes sessions. Angela Rayner and Chris Philp tackle pressing topics like immigration policy and accountability in leadership, highlighting the strategic atmosphere of PMQs. They also discuss the transformation of parliamentary exchanges into more public-focused discussions, prioritizing genuine engagement over traditional political rivalry.
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Jun 17, 2025 • 33min

Trump The Interventionist

Donald Trump has demanded "a complete give up" from Iran in its conflict with Israel. But will wading into Middle Eastern affairs irk isolationists in his own party?Hugo Rifkind unpacks the politics of the day with Lara Spirit and James Marriott. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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Jun 16, 2025 • 33min

Starmer's Grooming Gangs U-Turn

Having spent months resisting calls for a national inquiry into the grooming gangs scandal, Keir Starmer changes his mind. How can he navigate the difficult politics of another prime ministerial U-turn? Hugo Rifkind unpacks the politics of the day with Seb Payne and Jane Mulkerrins. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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Jun 13, 2025 • 29min

Israel Strikes Iran

Israel attacked Iran's nuclear programme overnight - is there anything the West can do to influence the situation? Or are Britain and the US reduced to the role of bystanders? Ed Vaizey unpacks the news and politics of the day with Matthew Syed and Emily Sheffield. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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Jun 12, 2025 • 27min

Tax Speculation Haunts Reeves

The Chancellor’s been defending the Spending Review, and she’s determined not to lose hope despite gloomy GDP figures. But can she escape a summer of speculation about tax rises to come? Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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