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Politics Unpacked

Latest episodes

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May 28, 2025 • 32min

Reeves' Spending Squeeze

After police chiefs publicly raised their concerns about budget cuts making it harder to keep us all safe, Rachel Reeves is under renewed pressure over government spending.  Hugo Rifkind unpacks the politics of the day with Alice Thomson and Robert Crampton.  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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May 27, 2025 • 32min

Farage Attacks 'Unpatriotic' Starmer

Nigel Farage has branded Keir Starmer as “one of the most unpatriotic prime ministers in our history" - is there a lack of patriotism on the left? Hugo Rifkind 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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May 26, 2025 • 34min

Labour vs Reform on Welfare

As Labour inches along its huge benefits u-turn, Nigel Farage says he would restore winter fuel payment and end the two child benefit cap. Is Reform becoming a big state, big benefits party now?Hugo Rifkind unpacks the politics of the day with Carol Lewis and Patrick Kidd.  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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May 23, 2025 • 35min

Labour's Tricky Week

Ed Vaizey is joined by Jane Merrick and Albie Amankona to discuss a week of big challenges for the government - from the EU reset to the U-turn on winter fuel to finally signing off the Chagos deal. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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May 22, 2025 • 35min

Trump's Oval Office Takedowns

Mouths were agape when Donald Trump confronted South Africa's President Cyril Ramaphosa with false claims of white genocide.Hugo Rifkind unpacks the politics of the day with Matthew Syed and Manveen Rana. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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May 21, 2025 • 43min

PMQs: Starmer U-Turns On Winter Fuel

Keir Starmer said more pensioners would get the winter fuel payment at PMQs. But had Kemi Badenoch even noticed the U-turn?Hugo Rifkind unpacks the action in the Commons with The Sunday Times' Chief Political Commentator Tim Shipman and the SNP's Westminster leader Stephen Flynn. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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May 20, 2025 • 34min

Tories Sink In The Polls

The Tories have fallen to fourth place in the latest Times/YouGov poll - behind the Liberal Democrats for the first time in six years. Plus, Keir Starmer might've landed his EU reset deal, but Boris Johnson has labelled him the 'orange-ball chewing gimp of Brussels'.Hugo Rifkind unpacks the politics of the day with Janice Turner and James Marriott. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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May 19, 2025 • 29min

Has Starmer Surrendered?

Keir Starmer's deal with the European Union will allow closer co-operation on security, food standards and travel - but will all that come at the expense of the British fishing industry?Hugo Rifkind unpacks the politics of the day with Patrick Maguire and Jane Mulkerrins.  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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May 16, 2025 • 33min

The Price Of Starmer's EU Reset

Gaby Hinsliff, a sharp columnist and author, teams up with Michael Binyon, a former diplomatic editor for The Times, to dissect Keir Starmer's growing ties with Europe. They explore the significance of the European political community summit in Tirana, debating the evolving UK-EU relationship amidst geopolitical tensions. With a blend of humor, they also touch on lighter moments, like a taxi driver's comically absurd political travel choices, while addressing serious issues such as immigration and the ongoing crisis in the prison system.
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May 15, 2025 • 33min

How Big Is The Space To The Left Of Starmer?

As the Prime Minister adopts increasingly tough rhetoric on immigration, can his opponents on the left offer a populist alternative?Hugo Rifkind unpacks the politics of the day with Manveen Rana and Matthew Parris Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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