Politics Unpacked

Times Radio
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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!
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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.

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