Politics Unpacked

Ed Vaizey is unpacking the politics of the day with Timandra Harkness and Matthew Bell. Is Robert Jenrick right about English identity, could Nigel Farage end up in Downing St, and are smartphones as bad as all that? Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Are Keir Starmer's freebies a legitimate part of his job? With Hugo away, Matthew Parris and Manveen Rana join Lara Spirit to unpack the politics of the day, including Sue Gray's pay packet and Reform's challenge to the Conservatives. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Alice Thomson, a sharp columnist known for her takes on social and political issues, and Robert Crampton, a commentator on contemporary debates, join the discussion. They tackle the divisive Scottish independence referendum, reflecting on its lasting impact ten years later. The conversation shifts to whether remote work is effective, exploring generational differences in work experiences. They also humorously debate the merits of self-service checkouts and ponder if the British should bid farewell to pints.

Hugo Rifkind, a political commentator, is joined by James Marriott, a keen observer of modern issues, and Libby Purves, an ethics-focused broadcaster. They dive into the BBC's responsibility regarding the Huw Edwards controversy and investigate whether Britain has lost touch with regional identities. The trio discusses the decline of Anglo-Saxon names and the diminishing presence of regional accents in a London-centric media landscape. Plus, Judge Libby tackles ethical dilemmas, from recycling practices to the pressures on political spouses.

This lively discussion features Hadley Freeman, a former columnist known for her incisive takes on social issues, alongside political commentator Patrick Maguire. They delve into the scandal surrounding Keir Starmer's failure to declare gifts from a Labour donor, raising questions about political ethics. The conversation also touches on Ed Davey's ambitions, the lessons the UK can learn from Italy, and Hadley's recent departure from the Jewish Chronicle. Expect witty insights and a few surprising anecdotes along the way!

This week features Ed Vaizey, a political commentator, alongside journalist Trevor Phillips and writer Miranda Green. They delve into the potential revival of Private Finance Initiatives, questioning their impact on public spending. The complicated relationship between Alex Salmond and Nicola Sturgeon takes center stage, highlighting ongoing political tensions. They also discuss the intriguing suggestion of Keir Starmer bringing Michael Gove into the fold, amusingly reflecting on his past criticisms while pondering the future of UK politics.

Manveen Rana, a sharp journalist known for her political insights, and Patrick Kidd, a thoughtful writer on social matters, dive into pressing issues like the potential cutbacks on benefits for pensioners. They unravel the ethical quandaries of controversial topics, such as a suicide pod designed for autonomous choices. The conversation highlights generational wealth disparities and the cultural clash over free speech in universities, leading to a curious exploration of how technology might replace human touch. It's a thought-provoking discussion on the intersection of politics and society.

Tim Shipman, the Sunday Times' chief political commentator, joins comedian Ria Lina to dissect the latest antics from Prime Minister's Questions. They humorously critique Rishi Sunak's unexpected endurance as leader and Keir Starmer’s adherence to his script. The duo navigates pressing topics like the £22 billion deficit, food security challenges, and the complexities of political accountability. With clever observations and sharp wit, they explore the dynamics of PMQs and the tension between humor and serious governance.

Hugo Rifkind is back to unpack the politics of the day, and all the other news, with the brightest minds from the Times and the Sunday Times.Today he's joined by James Marriott and Libby Purves to discuss why so many people are going straight from university to long-term sickness, whether ID cards could tackle illegal immigration, and 'Judge Libby' delivers her verdict on some of the ethical dilemmas of the day. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Hugo Rifkind is here to unpack the politics of the day, and plenty of other news, with the brightest minds from the Times and the Sunday Times.Today he's joined by Hadley Freeman and Patrick Maguire to discuss threats from the wealthy to flee the UK, Dominic Cummings' threat to start a new political party, and what we can tell about society from the rape case that has stunned France. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.