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
Sep 26, 2025 • 25min
Starmer Takes On Populism
Keir Starmer urges liberals to take on the populist right as he confirms plans for mandatory digital ID cards. But has the prime minister worked out how to tackle Nigel Farage's Reform UK?Ed Vaizey unpacks the politics of the day with Michael Binyon and Emma Duncan. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Sep 25, 2025 • 33min
The Burnham Show
Andy Burnham says he's been privately urged to challenge Keir Starmer. Could the so-called King of the North return to parliament and run for leader?Hugo Rifkind unpacks the politics of the day with Manveen Rana and Matthew Parris. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Sep 24, 2025 • 32min
Why is Ed Davey "Obsessed" With Nigel Farage?
After Ed Davey claimed the Lib Dems were the last block against Nigel Farage's 'forces of darkness', why does he spend so much time talking about Reform UK and Donald Trump?Hugo Rifkind is joined by Alice Thomson and Robert Crampton to unpack the politics of the day. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Sep 23, 2025 • 32min
Trump's Dubious Claims
Hugo Rifkind unpacks the politics of the day, including Donald Trump's unproven claim that paracetamol in pregnancy increases the risk of autism, and Reform's claim that its latest migration policy will save hundreds of billions of pounds.With James Marriott and Sarah Ditum. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Sep 22, 2025 • 30min
Ed Davey's Battle For Attention
Ed Davey has called Elon Musk a criminal and promised a crackdown on 'doomscrolling' - but is Nigel Farage's latest migration announcement stealing attention from Lib Dem conference?Hugo Rifkind Unpacks the politics of the day with Seb Payne and Charlotte Ivers Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Sep 19, 2025 • 31min
Your Party Or 'No More' Party?
After another public row between Jeremy Corbyn and Zarah Sultana, 'Your Party' looks like it may not get off the ground - but could a more serious left-wing threat to Labour come from Zack Polanski's Green Party?Ed Vaizey unpacks the politics of the day with Giles Dilnot and Alys Denby. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Sep 18, 2025 • 35min
Is MAGA Right About Free Speech In The UK?
Donald Trump says America owes the UK for its legacy of free speech - but why do some Republicans believe the hallmark of modern Britain is censorship? Hugo Rifkind is joined by Manveen Rana and Matthew Syed to unpack the politics of the day. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Sep 17, 2025 • 28min
One In, None Out
Sir Keir Starmer’s migrant returns deal with France is in disarray after a judge paused an Eritrean man’s deportation hours before he was due to fly - will the one-in, one-out scheme ever get off the ground?Hugo Rifkind unpacks the politics of the day with Alice Thomson and Robert Crampton. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Sep 16, 2025 • 27min
Is Religion On The Rise In Politics?
Danny Kruger - who has called for a "revival of faith" in Britain - has been tasked with preparing Reform for government. Is religion playing a bigger role in politics?Hugo Rifkind unpacks the politics of the day with Libby Purves and James Marriott. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Sep 15, 2025 • 30min
The Tory Party Is Over, Says Kruger
As Danny Kruger becomes the first sitting Tory MP to defect to Reform UK, is he right to say the Conservative party is over? What can Kemi Badenoch do to stem the tide, and is Keir Starmer drinking in 'last-chance saloon'?Hugo Rifkind unpacks the politics of the day with Seb Payne and Carol Lewis. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
