Politics Unpacked

Rachel Reeves is in China for trade talks, despite the UK's economic woes. When should politicians give in to pressure and cancel a foreign trip?Ed Vaizey unpacks the politics of the day with Seb Payne and Miranda Green. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The pound is falling in value and government borrowing costs are rising - are the economic walls closing in on Rachel Reeves?Hugo Rifkind unpacks the politics of the day with Manveen Rana and Michael Binyon. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

PMQs Unpacked is back for the new year and today Keir Starmer and Kemi Badenoch clash over whether there should be a national inquiry into child sexual abuse by grooming gangs. Hugo Rifkind unpacks the exchanges from the Commons with the help of Sunday Times chief political commentator Tim Shipman and comedian Alistair Barrie.  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Calls for a national inquiry into the grooming gangs scandal are being led by the Conservatives, Reform UK and Elon Musk, but would it delay the action needed to protect children from abuse?Hugo Rifkind unpacks the politics of the day with James Marriott and Libby Purves Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Without naming him directly, Keir Starmer has denounced Elon Musk for spreading falsehoods about the child sex abuse scandal. Has the PM changed his strategy for dealing with the billionaire?Hugo Rifkind unpacks the politics of the day with Hadley Freeman and Lara Spirit. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Michael Binyon, a former diplomatic editor for The Times, and writer Gaby Hinsliff dive into Elon Musk's contentious relationship with UK politics. They discuss Musk's motivations for engaging in European affairs and the potential implications of his friendship with Nigel Farage. The duo raises concerns about foreign influence in domestic politics and explores generational attitudes towards job security, reflecting on how younger people prioritize stability in their careers amid shifting public opinions on figures like Musk.

The government has begun 2025 by targeting people-smuggling gangs after channel crossings rose by a quarter last year. Plus, as Starmer is booed for queue-jumping for a toboggan ride on holiday, is it the most offensive thing a Brit can do?Ed Vaizey unpacks the politics of the day with Manveen Rana and Matthew Syed Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The 2025 New Years Honours list has being released, with Former England football manager Gareth Southgate and actor Stephen Fry amongst those to be knighted. But how have politicians fared? James Marriott and Libby Purves join Ed to unpack the politics of the day, and much more. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The membership row between Kemi Badenoch and Nigel Farage rumbles on, but is anyone winning? And what do members of Reform UK get for their money?David Runciman and Zoe Strimpel join Hugo to unpack the politics of the day including Badenoch v Farage, how to be an ex-leader, and where does Elon Musk find the time? Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The economy hasn't grown since Labour came to power, can the government continue blaming the Tories?Plus, christmas jumpers and showbiz PR scandals. Hugo Rifkind Unpacks the politics of the day with Hadley Freeman and Matthew Syed. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.