Politics Unpacked

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.

Peter Mandelson is set to become Britain’s next ambassador to Washington, but does he have a plan to win over Donald Trump - and Elon Musk?Ed Vaizey unpacks the politics of the day, and all the other news, with Robin Brant and Timandra Harkness. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

A new YouGov polls shows the public doesn't see Kemi Badenoch as a PM in waiting - is their verdict a suprise?Plus, is Matthew Parris the British equivalent of a cowboy?Hugo Rifkind unpacks the politics of the day with Manveen Rana and Matthew Parris. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

It's the last PMQs of 2024, and Keir Starmer and Kemi Badenoch trade blows over the government's decision to restrict winter fuel payments.But some of the toughest questions come from the backbenches over the Waspi women campaign, with one MP calling the Starmer a "one-trick phony". Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Starmer's approval rating is the lowest of any Prime Minister after five months in Number 10 - is he a victim of circumstance, or of the fickle nature of modern politics?Hugo Rifkind unpacks the politics of the day with Libby Purves and Patrick Kidd. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Should MPs use parliamentary privilege to reveal the identity of an alleged Chinese spy? Is anti-bullying training 'woke'? And is the government's communications grid finally working?Lara Spirit unpacks the politics of the day, and all the other news, with Patrick Maguire and Hadley Freeman. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.