Politics Unpacked

In the final Prime Minister's Questions of the year, the insults are flying: Rishi Sunak accuses Keir Starmer of engaging in "political tittle-tattle", while Starmer brands Sunak the donkey of the Tories' nativity. Matt is joined by Ayesha Hazarika, Tim Shipman and Lara Spirit to pause and unpack the exchanges from the Commons chamber.Plus: Columnists Robert Crampton and Alice Thomson discuss at what age people start to feel like adults, how to avoid arguments about politics over Christmas, and Robert's biceps.  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Four years on from Boris Johnson's 2019 General Election victory, Matt goes 'polling in the deep' with a panel of experts to find out how the British public's views have changed and how they're likely to vote when they go back to the polls.PLUS: A taster of the latest episode of How to Win An Election, where political masterminds Peter Mandelson, Polly Mackenzie and Daniel Finkelstein discuss how to build a war chest and what to do with it. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

While Rishi Sunak gives evidence to the Covid inquiry, at Westminster his MPs are debating whether to back his Rwanda policy. Can he find a way out of his nightmare before Christmas, and save his premiership? Matt is joined by three wise experts to look at the options.Plus: Tom McTague, Libby Purves and Calum Macdonald discuss the state of the Covid inquiry, David Cameron's row with Humza Yousaf and whether Keir Starmer can take the countryside.  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

From Rishi Sunak being fined for not wearing a seatbelt, to David Cameron's surprise return to the cabinet, to Nigel Farage's trip to the jungle, 2023 has been a wild ride in news and politics. Private Eye editor and Have I Got News For You team captain Ian Hislop joins Matt to sprint through the best, worst and weirdest moments of the past year.Plus: Columnists James Marriott and India Knight discuss the Conservative Party using a rude meme, whether it's okay to make fun of vegans, and help James improve his flexibility. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Rishi Sunak faces resignations and rebellions over his immigration policy, with questions being asked about his survival as prime minister. Will his emergency press conference be enough to persuade his critics to back him? Matt is joined by The Times' Political Editor Steven Swinford and Politics Professor Philip Cowley to gauge the scale of unrest within the Conservative Party.Plus: Times Radio's Calum MacDonald explains what we learned from Boris Johnson's second day of evidence at the Covid inquiry. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Boris Johnson is on oath to tell the truth at the Covid inquiry, as he explains what worked and what didn't as the British state struggled to respond to the deadly virus.Matt is joined by Times Radio's Calum MacDonald to break down the key moments including his disappearing Whatsapp messages, the role of Dominic Cummings, and why there was so much swearing in Number 10.Plus: It's PMQs Unpacked, with Rishi Sunak and Keir Starmer clashing over Rwanda and Starmer sharing more dad jokes.Matt is joined by Lara Spirit and Tim Shipman (just about) to pause and analyse the action. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

As editors of regional newspapers challenge the BBC for threatening their future, Matt details why local journalism has been in such steep decline over the last decade. He asks culture minister Sir John Whittingdale what the government can do to help, and looks at new ways local reporters are funding their journalism. Plus: A taster of the latest episode of How to Win An Election, where political masterminds Peter Mandelson, Polly Mackenzie and Daniel Finkelstein discuss how to deal with the legacy of a former leader. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Author David Torrance, Ramsay MacDonald's granddaughter Iona Kielhorn, and Patrick Maguire discuss the formation of Britain's first Labour government under MacDonald. They explore MacDonald's humble origins, luck in achieving success, and the historical context of the election that propelled Labour to prominence in British politics.

Broadcasting legend Trevor McDonald is arguably the most recognisable face (and voice) in British news broadcasting history. He talks to Matt about his 60-year career including interviewing Saddam Hussein, Colonel Gaddafi, and securing the first interview with Nelson Mandela after his release from prison.Plus: Columnists India Knight and James Marriott discuss Omid Scobie's penchant for publicity, whether reality really is stranger than fiction, how much is too much to spend on biscuits, and how to become a Freeman of London. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The headlines are dominated by statistics about who is coming to the UK and why; but what is it like to come to Britain as a child refugee, without your parents or the ability to speak English, and make a success of life in the UK? Somali born Hashi Mohamed arrived in North London aged 9. He tells Matt about his journey to becoming a top barrister and author, why people from poor backgrounds face the same obstacles he did, and why he is put off from a career in politics.Plus: Columnists Jenni Russell and Matthew Parris discuss the legacy of Henry Kissinger, whether mental health sickness leave has led to a spike of skivers, and whether we should mourn cuts to Newsnight. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.