

Politics Unpacked
Times Radio
Hugo Rifkind unpacks the the politics of the day - and the stuff that's even more important - with the brightest brains from the Times and Sunday Times.You can listen to Hugo on DAB, smart speaker or app 10am-1pm Monday to Friday. If you like what you hear, then read more at http://www.thetimes.com/ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Episodes
Mentioned books

Feb 14, 2025 • 23min
Is Keir Starmer Just a Pawn?
A new book by Times and Sunday Times journalists Patrick Maguire and Gabriel Pogrund charts Keir Starmer's rise to power, his journey from promising unity to taking on the Labour left, and raises questions about whether it is him - or chief of staff Morgan McSweeney - who is really in charge. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Feb 13, 2025 • 34min
Trump Accused Of Betraying Ukraine
Trump and Putin have agreed to negotiate the end of the war in Ukraine, but where does this leave Kyiv?Hugo Rifkind unpacks the politics of the day with Fraser Nelson and Manveen Rana. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Feb 12, 2025 • 42min
PMQs: Open Borders & Lefty Lawyers
In this engaging discussion, political journalist Tim Shipman offers a sharp analysis of PMQs, while comedian Gráinne Maguire injects humor into the proceedings. Labour leader Keir Starmer finds himself on the defensive against Kemi Badenoch's probing questions about immigration law. The conversation dives deep into the complexities of recent court rulings on refugee policies and the urgent need for legislative reforms, all within a backdrop of escalating political tensions and debates about human rights. Expect insights paired with witty commentary!

Feb 11, 2025 • 28min
Can The UK Avoid A Trade War?
Donald Trump's tariffs will have a big impact the UK steel industry, but unlike EU leaders, Starmer isn't going to retaliate - does he have a plan?Hugo Rifkind unpacks the politics of the day with Libby Purves and James Marriott. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Feb 10, 2025 • 32min
Is Labour The Disrupter - Or The Disrupted?
After Keir Starmer tells his cabinet they need to be the "disrupters if you don't want to be disrupted", can they live up to the billing - and is this just a reaction to the rise of Reform UK? Hugo Rifkind unpacks the politics of the day with Emma Duncan and Patrick Maguire. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Feb 7, 2025 • 28min
Build Baby Build
With growth forecast to be less than a measly one percent this year, can Keir Starmer build his way out of the bad news?Ed Vaizey unpacks the politics of the day with Robin Brant and Zoe Strimpel. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Feb 6, 2025 • 29min
Are Labour And The Tories Panicking Over Reform?
As Kemi Badenoch sets out a new migration policy and Labour attacks Nigel Farage over his views on the NHS, are the Tories and Labour panicking about Reform's rise in the polls?Hugo Rifkind unpacks the politics of the day with Matthew Parris and Manveen Rana. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Feb 5, 2025 • 36min
PMQs: The Kemi Pivot
Tim Shipman, a seasoned political journalist, joins comedian Marcus Brigstocke for a unique take on recent political events. They dissect Kemi Badenoch's chaotic questioning of Keir Starmer, hopping between topics like the Chagos Islands and oil drilling. The discussion humorously critiques the absurdity of politics today, touching on voice coaching's influence on public perception and the theatrical nature of parliamentary exchanges. With wit and insight, they navigate the absurdities of current legislation while highlighting key energy policy debates.

Feb 4, 2025 • 32min
The President Who Cried Tariff
Donald Trump has suspended the hefty tariffs on Mexico and Canada that he threatened after last-minute negotiations with the two US neighbours...is this the president showing the world just how favorable complying with his terms can be? Hugo Rifkind unpacks the politics of the day with Libby Purves and James Marriott. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Feb 3, 2025 • 33min
Keir's Not Driving The Train
A new book reveals that Keir Starmer closest advisers have doubted his ability to lead. Does it matter if he acts more like an HR manager than a politician?Hugo Rifkind unpacks the politics of the day with the book's author Patrick Maguire, and Lara Spirit Pre-order a copy of 'Get In: The Inside Story of Labour Under Starmer' at timesbookshop.co.uk. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.


