

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

Dec 13, 2024 • 28min
Streeting Goes For Miliband
Keir Starmer faces a cabinet split as Wes Streeting criticises Ed Miliband's decision to oppose military action against Assad in Syria when he was the party's leader in 2013, but was Ed really to blame? Ed Vaizey unpacks the politics of the day with Seb Payne and and the I newspaper's Jane Merrick Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Dec 12, 2024 • 28min
Kemi's War on Sandwiches
Kemi Badenoch gives an interview in which she claims sandwiches aren't 'real food' - and says she identifies with a murderous Game of Thrones character.Hugo Rifkind is joined by Matthew Syed and Jenni Russell to unpack the politics of the day, including the Tory leader's lunch habits. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Dec 11, 2024 • 41min
PMQs: Tip Of The Iceberg
Kemi Badenoch attacks Keir Starmer for his views on immigration when he was a lawyer - but can a letter be the tip of the iceberg? And does the prime minister eventually get the better of the leader of the opposition?Hugo Rifkind unpacks the angry exchanges from the Commons with the help of Sunday Times chief political commentator Tim Shipman and comedian Ria Lina. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Dec 10, 2024 • 32min
Lammy Hams It Up Over Syria
After David Lammy tells the Commons that Assad is the "rat of Damascus", does the foreign secretary have a habit of playing to the gallery?Plus: A first hand account from the court room during the Gisèle Pelicot rape trial.Hugo Rifkind unpacks the politics of the day with James Marriott and Janice Turner. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Dec 9, 2024 • 33min
Would You Buy Shares In The Tories?
With Reform polling well and attracting more Tory defectors - including Suella Braverman's husband - who would you put your money on to dominate the right of politics by the next election?Hugo Rifkind unpacks the politics of the day with Hadley Freeman and Patrick Maguire Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Dec 6, 2024 • 30min
'Don't Bet Against Farage'
Kemi Badenoch is Washington, but won't meet Donald Trump - who prefers Nigel Farage anyway. And why does Angela Rayner think Keir Starmer is like a civil servant?Ed Vaizey unpacks the politics of the day with Trevor Phillips and Gaby Hinsliff. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Dec 5, 2024 • 22min
Starmer's Six Milestones
Keir Starmer sets out six milestones for voters to judge his premiership, but did his speech reboot his premiership?Hugo Rifkind unpacks the speech and the politics of the day with Manveen Rana and Matthew Syed. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Dec 4, 2024 • 41min
PMQs: Conviction Politicians, Not Politicians With Convictions
Kemi Badenoch asks Keir Starmer why he appointed a "convicted fraudster" to be his transport secretary.Hugo Rifkind unpacks the action at prime minister's questions with the help of Tim Shipman, Lara Spirit and comedian Alex Kealy. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Dec 3, 2024 • 32min
Too Many Targets?
Keir Starmer is planning to set six numerical targets for the government to achieve before the next election, but do targets lead to results? And should the Louise Haigh accept thousands of pounds in severance pay?Hugo Rifkind unpacks the politics of the day with Libby Purves and James Marriott. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Dec 2, 2024 • 41min
The Sickness Benefits Trap
Hugo is joined by Fraser Nelson to discuss whether the benefits system is trapping the people it's supposed to help, and unpacks the politics of the day - including Starmer's 'relaunch' - with Patrick Maguire and Emma Duncan. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.


