
Politics Unpacked
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.
Latest episodes

Apr 17, 2025 • 32min
Starmer Risks Trade Stand-Off With Trump
The government insists it won't have to choose between trade with Donald Trump's America and the European Union, but can the prime minister continue the tricky balancing act? Hugo Rifkind unpacks the politics of the day with Manveen Rana and Matthew Parris. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Apr 16, 2025 • 35min
Defining A Woman
Robert Crampton, a columnist for The Times known for his insights on social issues, and Alice Thomson, an interviewer and commentator focusing on current affairs, dive into the recent Supreme Court ruling defining a woman. They discuss the potential political fallout for Labour over gender-critical stances. The duo explores the generational divide in feminism regarding transgender rights and emphasizes the emotional dimensions for younger trans individuals, along with overarching themes of inclusivity and societal expectations.

Apr 15, 2025 • 28min
Too Cosy With China?
The Government's move to seize control of British Steel has highlighted the extent of Chinese involvement in the UK's critical infrastructure - is the UK too cosy with China? Plus, our columnists reveal their favourite hymns. Hugo Rifkind unpacks the politics of the day with Libby Purves and Patrick Kidd. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Apr 14, 2025 • 33min
Save British Steel
The future of British Steel hangs in the balance, after Parliament was dramatically recalled over the weekend to pass emergency legislation to keep the UK's last blast furnaces open - but was it neglect or sabotage?Hugo Rifkind unpacks the politics of the day with Patrick Maguire and Emma Duncan. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Apr 11, 2025 • 32min
Tit-For-Tat Trade War
As the US and China continue their economic tit-for-tat, the UK is told that even a trade deal may not spare it from 10% tariffs. Can anyone win Trump's trade war?Ed Vaizey unpacks the politics of the day with Michael Binyon and Claire Fox. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Apr 10, 2025 • 35min
Trump Dumps Tariffs
About 13 hours after they came into force, President Trump announced a 90-day pause for his reciprocal tariffs everywhere - except China. Has Trump been intimidated? And will the UK ever get a trade deal? Hugo Rifkind unpacks the politics of the day with Manveen Rana and Lara Spirit. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Apr 9, 2025 • 33min
Boys Will Be Boys
While the turmoil caused by Trump's tariffs continues, two members of his administration - Elon Musk and Peter Navarro - have traded blows about free trade. And, are the wealthy leaving London?Hugo Rifkind unpacks the politics of the day with Robert Crampton and Jenni Russell. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Apr 8, 2025 • 30min
Will Trump's Cheerleaders Lose Faith?
Elon Musk has broken company with Donald Trump over tariffs - but will it make any difference, and will Trump's other billionaire supporters follow? Ed Vaizey unpacks the politics of the day with Libby Purves and James Marriott. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Apr 7, 2025 • 28min
Starmer's Plan To Protect The Economy
Keir Starmer warns that the world has fundamentally changed, but does he have a plan to protect the British economy from Donald Trump's tariffs?Ed Vaizey unpacks the politics of the day, including the row over Labour MPs refused entry to Israel and the possible return of Jacob Rees-Mogg. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Apr 4, 2025 • 34min
Trump Tariff Turmoil
Donald Trump says he's pleased with the effect of his tariffs so far,...despite turmoil in markets, China retaliating and the start of a global trade war. Ed Vaizey unpacks the politics of the day with Michael Binyon and Alys Denby. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.