Politics Unpacked

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

It's Spending Review day, and MPs were treated to a noisy PMQs after Kemi Badenoch promised to make it less like a courtroom and more like a pantomime.Hugo Rifkind unpacks the action from the Commons with The Times' Chief Political Commentator Patrick Maguire and the comedian Gráinne Maguire. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

As the government says the Spending Review is settled, ministers are still facing questions about the U-turn on the winter fuel allowance. Should the chancellor just admit she got it wrong?Plus: Hugo Rifkind unpacks the politics of the day with Libby Purves and James Mariott  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Nigel Farage says he wants to reopen a steelworks in South Wales and even open new coal mines. Is he winning the battle for Labour's post-industrial heartlands?Hugo Rifkind unpacks the politics of the day with Janice Turner and Sebastian Payne. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.